Got a bunch of overripe, spotty bananas sitting on your counter? Don’t even think about tossing them! You’re just a few simple steps away from the most incredible breakfast. This easy banana pancake recipe transforms those humble bananas into a stack of unbelievably fluffy, moist, and flavorful pancakes. Say goodbye to dense, gummy pancakes forever. This is the simple, from-scratch recipe your family will ask for every single weekend.
Why This is the Best Banana Pancake Recipe
We’ve tested countless versions to land on this perfect formula. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a guarantee for breakfast success. Here’s what makes it stand out:
Unbelievably Fluffy: We use the perfect ratio of baking powder to flour, creating a beautiful lift and an airy texture.
Perfectly Moist: The mashed banana doesn’t just add flavor; it provides incredible moisture that keeps the pancakes tender.
Deep Banana Flavor: Using very ripe bananas is key. The natural sugars are concentrated, giving you a sweet, fragrant pancake without needing a ton of extra sugar.
Simple, Pantry Ingredients: No fancy ingredients here! You likely have everything you need to whip these up right now.
The Secret to Amazing Banana Pancakes: Key Ingredients
The magic of this banana pancake recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect texture and taste.
Simple ingredients for a delicious breakfast.
Overripe Bananas: The Flavor Powerhouse
This is non-negotiable! The best bananas for pancakes are the ones with lots of brown spots. They are sweeter, softer, and mash easily, integrating perfectly into the batter for superior flavor and moisture.
The Dry Ingredients: Flour, Leavening, and Spice
All-purpose flour provides the structure. Baking powder is our leavening agent, creating the carbon dioxide bubbles that make the pancakes rise and become fluffy. A pinch of salt and a dash of cinnamon enhance the banana’s sweetness and add a touch of warmth.
The Wet Ingredients: For Moisture and Richness
An egg binds everything together and adds richness. Milk thins the batter to the perfect consistency, and a little melted butter provides flavor and tenderness. A splash of vanilla extract rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Banana Pancakes Step-by-Step
Ready to create your masterpiece? Follow these simple steps for pancake perfection. The full measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.
FL Recipes
Banana Pancake Recipe (The Only One You’ll Ever Need!)
This easy banana pancake recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and overripe bananas to create the fluffiest, most moist, and flavorful pancakes you've ever had. A perfect from-scratch breakfast!
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas well with a fork until mostly smooth (a few small lumps are okay). Whisk in the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until just combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be lumpy.
Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the baking powder to activate and result in fluffier pancakes.
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look dry. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Serve the pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh banana slices, or walnuts.
Nutrition
Calories: 215kcalProtein: 6gFat: 6gFiber: 2g
Notes
Don't Overmix: A lumpy batter is a good thing! It's the secret to tender, fluffy pancakes. Use Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor and natural sweetness, use bananas with plenty of brown spots. Keep Pancakes Warm: Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven to keep them warm while you cook the rest of the batch.
Want to take your pancake game from good to great? These are the little secrets that professional chefs use to guarantee a perfect stack every single time.
A perfect weekend breakfast, ready to serve.
Tip
Why It Works
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Mix only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing develops gluten, which leads to tough, rubbery pancakes instead of fluffy ones.
Let the Batter Rest
If you have time, let the batter sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the baking powder to start working, resulting in a more tender and fluffy pancake.
Use Medium Heat
Heat that’s too high will burn the outside before the inside is cooked. Medium heat ensures the pancakes cook through evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
Grease the Pan Lightly
Use a small amount of butter or oil. Too much grease can fry the edges and prevent an even color. Wipe the pan with a paper towel after adding the fat for a perfect surface.
Flip Only Once
Wait until you see bubbles forming across the surface and the edges look set. Flipping too early or too often can cause the pancakes to deflate.
Fun Variations & Topping Ideas
While this classic banana pancake recipe is fantastic on its own, it’s also a perfect canvas for your creativity. Here are some of our favorite ways to dress it up.
Mix-Ins
Gently fold these into the batter right before cooking:
Chocolate Chips: Banana and chocolate are a match made in heaven. For an extra decadent treat, check out our favorite chocolate chip pancakes.
Blueberries: Add a fresh, juicy burst. Our dedicated blueberry pancake recipe is another must-try!
Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the banana perfectly.
Topping Suggestions
Load up your finished stack with these delicious toppings:
Classic maple syrup and a pat of butter
Freshly sliced bananas and berries
*A dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt
A sprinkle of powdered sugar and cinnamon
A drizzle of peanut butter or Nutella
Dietary Swaps
Need to adjust the recipe? While this version is our favorite, you can explore our other recipes for specific dietary needs, like our dedicated gluten-free pancake recipes or delicious vegan pancake options.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
Pancakes are a fantastic make-ahead breakfast! Here’s how to store them properly so you can enjoy them all week long.
Storing Leftovers
Let the pancakes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Freeze Banana Pancakes
Arrange cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. This method prevents them from sticking together.
The Best Way to Reheat
For the best texture, skip the microwave! Reheat pancakes in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through and slightly crisp. You can also warm them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes.
The most common reason for dense or gummy pancakes is overmixing the batter. When you overmix, you develop too much gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough texture. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined—a few lumps are perfectly fine and actually desirable for fluffy pancakes!
Absolutely! Frozen ripe bananas work wonderfully. Just make sure to thaw them completely before using. The thawed bananas will release some liquid; be sure to include this liquid in your mashed banana mixture as it contains a lot of flavor.
The riper, the better! For the best flavor and natural sweetness, use bananas that have a lot of brown or black spots on the peel. They are softer, easier to mash, and their sugars are more concentrated, which makes for a more delicious pancake.
Yes, you can substitute the cow’s milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk in a 1:1 ratio. You could also use buttermilk for a slightly tangier flavor.
For a healthier version, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, reduce the sugar or replace it with maple syrup, and serve with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit instead of butter and syrup.
This is a matter of preference! For a uniform texture and flavor throughout, mash the bananas until they are very smooth. If you enjoy little pockets of warm, gooey banana in your pancakes, leave some small lumps in your mash.
More Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved this banana pancake recipe, you’re sure to enjoy some of our other breakfast staples. Try our classic fluffy pancakes for a timeless treat or the incredible tangy buttermilk pancakes for a southern-style classic.
Tried This Recipe?
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave a rating and comment below to let us know how your banana pancakes turned out. And don’t forget to save this recipe for later by sharing it on Pinterest!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
