If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate breakfast that feels like a warm hug, look no further! This Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe is a total game-changer—simple, quick, and packed with natural sweetness from ripe bananas. I love this because it creates pancakes so soft and airy, they practically melt in your mouth. Whether you’re cooking for weekend brunch or a cozy weekday treat, you’ll find that these pancakes become an instant family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The simple ingredients and quick steps make this a perfect no-fuss breakfast.
- Naturally Sweet: Overripe bananas add natural sweetness, so you don’t need a lot of extra sugar.
- Perfectly Fluffy: The secret baking powder and fluff technique creates pancakes that are light as air yet satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these fluffy banana pancakes is in the balance between the mashed bananas, baking powder, and a hint of cinnamon, which adds warmth and depth. Using ripe bananas not only sweetens the batter naturally but also keeps the pancakes moist and tender. I always recommend aluminum-free baking powder so that your pancakes stay light and free from any metallic aftertaste.
- All-purpose flour: This gives the pancakes structure, and you can even swap half for whole wheat for extra fiber.
- Baking powder (aluminum-free): It’s the leavening agent that creates that awesome fluffiness.
- Cinnamon: Adds a cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with banana.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Overripe banana: The star ingredient—use bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds richness.
- Milk: You can use dairy or your favorite plant-based milk without changing the texture much.
- Cooking spray: Keeps the pancakes from sticking without adding extra fat.
- Banana slices: For serving, adding fresh texture and brightness.
- Maple syrup: The classic topping to drizzle on these fluffy pancakes for that perfect sweet finish.
Variations
I love how versatile this Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe is—I often mix things up depending on what I have on hand or what mood I’m in. Feel free to play with add-ins or tweaks that make it your own!
- Gluten-free version: I’ve swapped all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend before, and it works great, just watch the batter consistency—it can need a bit more liquid.
- Nutty twist: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives a lovely crunch and some contrast to the soft pancakes.
- Chocolate chip banana pancakes: My kids go wild when I toss in some mini chocolate chips—totally worth the extra mess!
- Vegan adaptation: Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg and almond milk to make these vegan-friendly, though the fluffiness will be slightly different.
How to Make Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. I like to give this mix a good shake with the whisk to ensure the baking powder is evenly spread—this little step means every pancake will rise beautifully.
Step 2: Combine Banana, Egg, and Milk
In a larger bowl, beat the mashed banana and egg until they’re well blended. You’ll notice this mixture looks thick and rich—that’s exactly what you want. Then whisk in your milk until combined. This wet mixture will be luscious and slightly chunky from the banana, so don’t worry about overmixing.
Step 3: Gently Add Dry Ingredients to Wet
Now, add your dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir just until everything is combined. The batter should still be a little lumpy—this helps keep your pancakes light and fluffy. Resist the urge to overmix here; that’s a rookie mistake I totally made the first time and ended up with dense pancakes.
Step 4: Cook Your Pancakes
Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and spray it with your cooking spray. Using a third-cup measuring cup, scoop and pour 3 or 4 pancakes at a time onto the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until you see bubbles pop on the surface and the edges start to look set, then flip carefully. Cook another 1 to 2 minutes until golden and cooked through. Working in batches keeps the pan temperature steady and ensures every pancake is perfect.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with freshly sliced bananas and plenty of maple syrup drizzled on top. I love that these pancakes hold their shape well, so the banana slices stay put. Plus, the flavor combo is just unbeatable!
Pro Tips for Making Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe
- Use Overripe Bananas: I learned the hard way that underripe bananas make pancakes flat and bland—wait for those brown spots!
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir just enough to combine; lumps mean fluffiness.
- Consistent Heat Matters: Medium heat works best so the pancakes cook through without burning.
- Flip Only Once: Be patient and flip gently once bubbles appear and edges look set to keep the pancakes fluffy and intact.
How to Serve Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with fresh banana slices for a little extra texture and sweetness. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle chopped walnuts or a handful of blueberries because they add a nice pop without overpowering the banana flavor. And of course, a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup is non-negotiable!
Side Dishes
Our favorite sides to serve with these pancakes are crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory balance, and sometimes a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess and a protein boost. Fresh fruit salad also works beautifully for a refreshing accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special brunch, I like stacking the pancakes alternatively with layers of mascarpone and drizzled honey, finishing with edible flowers on top—trust me, it looks as amazing as it tastes! Another fun idea is to create a pancake “banana split” by topping the stack with scoops of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge, layered with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, which is great for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
Freeze extras by placing pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, they don’t clump together. These freezer-friendly pancakes thaw beautifully and are lifesavers on busy mornings!
Reheating
I reheat pancakes in a toaster or microwave for a quick fix, but for that fresh-off-the-griddle crisp, a quick flip in a nonstick pan over medium heat works wonders. Either way, you’ll have delicious pancakes ready in minutes.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen bananas in this Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas work well because they’re usually very ripe, which boosts sweetness and flavor.
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What if I don’t have baking powder?
You can substitute baking powder with a mix of baking soda and cream of tartar (use half the amount of baking powder as baking soda plus twice that of cream of tartar). However, using baking powder is usually easiest and yields the best fluffiness.
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How do I know when the pancakes are ready to flip?
Look for bubbles forming and popping on the top surface and slightly set edges. The bottom should be golden brown—use a spatula to gently check before flipping.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace the egg with a flax or chia egg and use plant-based milk. The pancakes may be a bit less fluffy but still delicious.
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Why are my banana pancakes dense?
Most often, this happens when the batter is overmixed or the baking powder is old and ineffective. Also, underripe bananas can affect texture. Use spotty ripe bananas and mix batter until just combined.
Final Thoughts
I have to admit, this Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it was the first recipe that made me fall in love with homemade pancakes all over again. What I really appreciate is how forgiving it is and how it lets the natural sweetness of bananas shine without drowning the flavor. So next time you’re craving something comforting, easy, and downright delicious, grab some ripe bananas and give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 pancakes)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these fluffy banana pancakes that are naturally sweet, easy to prepare, and perfect for a wholesome breakfast or brunch. Made with mashed overripe bananas and a hint of cinnamon, these pancakes are tender and flavorful, and they freeze well for busy mornings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup mashed overripe banana (about 1 ½ large bananas)
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
For Cooking and Serving
- Cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
- Banana (sliced, for serving)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, aluminum-free baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, beat the mashed overripe banana and large egg together until smooth and blended. Then whisk in the milk until the mixture is combined. Next, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking gently until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy to keep the pancakes tender.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large nonstick pan over medium heat and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Cook Pancakes: Using a ⅓-cup measuring cup, pour 3 to 4 circles of batter onto the heated pan. Cook until the pancakes puff up and the bottoms turn golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Flip each pancake carefully and cook the other side for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fully cooked and risen through.
- Serve: Remove pancakes from the pan and serve warm topped with fresh banana slices and a drizzle of maple syrup for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- Fluffy banana pancakes are naturally sweet and freezer-friendly, making them perfect for meal prep and quick breakfasts.
- Use overripe bananas as they provide maximum sweetness and moisture for the best texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use an egg replacer if needed.
- Aluminum-free baking powder is recommended to avoid any metallic aftertaste.
- Adjust cooking temperature if pancakes brown too quickly or cook unevenly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 199 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 52 mg
