Pancakes are the ultimate comfort food, and these Fluffy Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes take them to the next level with the sweet, natural flavor of ripe bananas and the richness of brown sugar. Soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, these pancakes are perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special brunch. The combination of mashed bananas and brown sugar creates a delightful, caramelized taste that pairs wonderfully with syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.
Whether you’re craving a comforting breakfast on a lazy morning or wanting to impress guests with a unique twist on traditional pancakes, these pancakes deliver on both flavor and texture. You’ll love the easy prep, the sweet aroma wafting from the griddle, and, of course, the first bite of pillowy-soft pancakes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Irresistible Flavor
The combination of ripe bananas and brown sugar makes these pancakes deliciously sweet and flavorful, without being overly sugary.
2. Fluffy Texture
The use of buttermilk and baking powder ensures these pancakes are perfectly light and fluffy, creating that ideal pancake texture everyone craves.
3. Quick & Easy
With only a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have these pancakes ready in no time for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.
4. Healthy Twist
Bananas naturally add moisture and sweetness to the pancakes, so you can reduce the amount of added sugar, making them a slightly healthier option for a treat.
5. Customizable Toppings
Top these pancakes with your favorite toppings—think maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even more banana slices. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 small bananas)
- 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter (plus more for greasing the griddle)
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar (preferably dark brown)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Variations
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist on these pancakes.
- Nutty Pancakes: Add some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
- Spiced Bananas: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth and spice.
- Banana Pancake Sandwich: Stack two pancakes with peanut butter, yogurt, or cream cheese for a delicious filling breakfast.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the melted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the pancakes dense.
Step 4: Heat the Griddle
Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and brush it with a small amount of melted butter to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Once the griddle is hot, pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the griddle. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Remove the pancakes from the griddle and keep them warm in the oven while you cook the remaining pancakes. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, sliced bananas, or whipped cream.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: For the fluffiest pancakes, mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Lumps are okay!
- Adjust Heat as Needed: If the pancakes are browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly to ensure they cook through without burning.
- Test the Griddle: To make sure the griddle is the right temperature, drop a small amount of batter on it. If it sizzles, it’s ready for pancakes.
How to Serve
These pancakes are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with some tasty toppings. Here are a few ideas:
- Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Add fresh banana slices and a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.
- Serve with yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special breakfast or brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pancakes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or use a toaster.
Freezing
These pancakes freeze well! Stack them with a piece of parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking. Wrap the stack tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat by placing them in a toaster or oven.
Reheating
To reheat frozen pancakes, simply pop them in the toaster or heat them in the oven until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they might lose a bit of their fluffiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk, but buttermilk adds extra tang and helps create a fluffier texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to ¾ cup of regular milk to make a quick buttermilk substitute.
2. Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with white sugar, maple syrup, or even honey, but the flavor will be slightly different.
3. Can I use frozen bananas?
Fresh bananas are recommended, but if you only have frozen bananas, make sure to thaw and drain them well before using them in the recipe.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch.
5. Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
To make these pancakes gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.
6. Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just give it a quick stir before cooking.
7. How do I prevent my pancakes from sticking to the griddle?
Make sure your griddle is properly greased with butter or cooking spray before pouring the batter.
8. Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Yes, feel free to add chocolate chips, walnuts, or even blueberries to the batter for extra flavor.
9. Can I make these pancakes dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the buttermilk and butter with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and dairy-free butter.
10. Can I freeze leftover pancakes?
Yes, you can freeze the pancakes and reheat them later by toasting or warming them in the oven.
Conclusion
These Fluffy Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are the ultimate breakfast indulgence, with their soft texture, rich banana flavor, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or enjoying them as a comforting weekend treat, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your breakfast rotation. Easy to make, customizable, and downright delicious—what’s not to love? Enjoy these pancakes with your favorite toppings, and savor every bite!