If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy pancakes without gluten but still crave that fluffy, comforting goodness, you’re going to absolutely adore this Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes Recipe. I remember the first time I made these for my family—they polished off every single one! Soft, slightly crisp on the outside, and bursting with banana flavor, these pancakes quickly became a weekend staple around here. Stick around because I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your pancakes turn out just perfect!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe doesn’t require fancy ingredients or techniques, perfect for beginners or busy mornings.
- Naturally Sweetened: The ripe bananas add just the right amount of sweetness, so you don’t need to overload on sugar.
- Versatile and Allergy-Friendly: Dairy-free options are a breeze, and it’s gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Family Approved: My kids literally beg for these pancakes on weekends—they’re that good!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this gluten-free banana pancakes recipe has a role to play, balancing fluffiness, flavor, and texture. I recommend using a reliable gluten-free baking flour blend—one that’s a 1:1 substitute for regular flour—to get that perfect pancake structure. Also, ripe bananas are your best friend here because they bring natural sweetness and moisture.
- Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour: Look for blends with xanthan gum included to ensure your pancakes hold together beautifully.
- Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to enhance sweetness without overpowering the banana.
- Baking Powder: This is your fluff factor, so don’t skimp!
- Salt: Balances sweetness and heightens flavor.
- Milk of Choice: I usually use almond milk, but dairy or oat milk works great too.
- Egg: Acts as a binder; if you need an egg-free version, I can share swaps later.
- Butter (Melted): Adds richness and helps create a slightly crisp edge.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash elevates the banana aroma.
- Mashed Overripe Banana: About 2 bananas – the riper, the better for that natural sweetness and flavor.
- Sliced Bananas: Great for topping, adding freshness and texture.
- Mini Chocolate Chips (Optional): A little indulgence my family loves to sprinkle on top or into the batter.
- Maple Syrup and Peanut Butter: Classic toppings that take these pancakes to cozy breakfast perfection.
Variations
The great thing about this gluten-free banana pancakes recipe is how easily you can make it your own. I love experimenting with mix-ins and toppings, depending on the season or what my kiddos are craving. Don’t be afraid to get creative here!
- Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes: My kids go wild when I toss mini chocolate chips into the batter—totally irresistible.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter for coconut oil and use your favorite plant milk; they come out just as fluffy.
- Nutty Banana Pancakes: Add a spoonful of peanut butter or chopped walnuts right into the batter for an extra protein boost.
- Spiced Banana Pancakes: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and depth—perfect for chilly mornings.
How to Make Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the gluten-free baking flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. I like to whisk them together to break up any lumps and ensure even distribution. This step is important to get that perfect rise and texture, so don’t skip the whisking!
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients and Bananas
In another bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then stir in the mashed bananas. Make sure your bananas are really ripe—that’s the secret to getting a naturally sweet and intense banana flavor in your pancakes.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. This helps keep the pancakes tender and fluffy on the inside.
Step 4: Heat Your Griddle or Pan
Preheat a griddle to 325°F or warm up a nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. If you’re using a skillet, a small drizzle of oil can help prevent sticking. I’ve found that the right temperature and patience here is key to golden, even pancakes.
Step 5: Cook Your Pancakes
Using a 2-3 tablespoon scoop, drop batter onto the hot surface. Cook until you see bubbles forming on top and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes, then flip gently and cook another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. I usually keep the pancakes warm on a baking sheet in a low oven while finishing up the batch.
Pro Tips for Making Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to avoid dense pancakes — a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Perfect Banana Ripeness: Use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Consistent Heat: Keep your griddle or pan at medium heat so pancakes cook evenly without burning.
- Warm Them Up: Use a low oven to keep pancakes warm while you finish cooking the batch—no one likes cold pancakes!
How to Serve Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing these pancakes, I love simple and fresh. Sliced bananas on top bring extra freshness and a nice textural contrast. For a touch of indulgence, a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of pure maple syrup is unbeatable. Peanut butter adds richness and protein, making the meal more satisfying.
Side Dishes
To balance the sweetness, I often serve these pancakes with a side of crispy bacon or turkey sausage. Fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt also pairs wonderfully and adds a fresh twist to the plate. If you want something lighter, just a cup of your favorite coffee or tea makes for a perfect companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like stacking the pancakes in a tall tower, layering sliced bananas and a smear of peanut butter in between each. Adding a dusting of powdered sugar or cacao nibs on top gives a beautiful finishing touch. Sometimes my family and I dress them up with a few edible flowers for brunch guests—totally Instagram-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always recommend storing any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that layering parchment or wax paper between pancakes helps prevent them from sticking together, so they’re easier to reheat one by one.
Freezing
Freezing these pancakes works like a charm. Just flash freeze them flat on a baking sheet for an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months, so you can always have a quick gluten-free breakfast ready on busy mornings.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, I reheat pancakes in a hot skillet or toaster oven to keep that nice crisp outside while warming the inside. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make them a bit soggy. A quick reheating trick I learned is to lightly butter the pan before heating and flip often for even warmth.
FAQs
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Can I make this Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, swap the egg for a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes), use plant-based milk, and substitute melted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Your pancakes will still be fluffy and delicious!
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Which gluten-free flour is best for these pancakes?
I recommend a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum for better texture. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Baking Flour or King Arthur Gluten-Free Flour work great. Avoid single-ingredient flours like almond or rice flour unless you adjust the recipe accordingly.
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How ripe should my bananas be?
The bananas should be very ripe with lots of brown spots and soft to the touch. Overripe bananas have increased sweetness and break down easily, which helps make your pancakes moist and flavorful without needing extra sugar.
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Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?
Definitely! Mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even blueberries are fantastic additions. Just fold them in gently after combining the batter to avoid overmixing and keep those pancakes tender.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines simplicity, health-conscious tweaks, and pure comfort all in one plate. Knowing that my family gets to enjoy pancakes that are both delicious and gluten-free makes mornings something we all look forward to. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—it’s like a warm hug on a plate that’s ready in no time. Happy cooking!
Print
Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 12 4-inch pancakes)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These fluffy, gluten-free banana pancakes are a wholesome and delicious breakfast option perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. Made with overripe bananas for natural sweetness, this recipe delivers pancakes that are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Easily adaptable to dairy-free diets, they’re topped with banana slices and can be enhanced with mini chocolate chips, maple syrup, or peanut butter for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed overripe banana (about 2 bananas)
Toppings (optional)
- Sliced bananas
- Mini chocolate chips
- Maple syrup
- Peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl or a large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform. Stir in the mashed banana until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain fluffiness.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat a griddle to 325°F. If using a nonstick pan or skillet over medium-high heat, preheat for a few minutes and lightly grease with oil if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pancakes: Using a 2-3 tablespoon scoop, portion the batter onto the hot griddle or pan. Cook until edges are set and bubbles form and begin to pop on the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Serve: Serve the pancakes topped with sliced bananas and any preferred toppings such as mini chocolate chips, maple syrup, or peanut butter. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Fluffy on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior and a delicate banana flavor, these gluten-free pancakes are a family favorite.
- This recipe can be made dairy-free by substituting the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Measure the mashed banana carefully to ensure consistent texture and flavor.
- Use a nonstick griddle or pan for the easiest cooking experience and best pancake release.
- Adjust cooking temperature as needed to avoid burning while ensuring pancakes cook through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 283 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 384 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 63 mg
