If you are craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe. These pancakes are wonderfully light and airy, yet packed with the natural sweetness and rich flavor of ripe bananas, making every bite a delightful treat. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or whenever you want to treat yourself, this recipe blends simple ingredients into a stack of tender pancakes that are sure to brighten your day and bring a smile to your face.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but incredibly important to achieve the perfect texture and taste in your fluffy banana pancakes. Each plays a key role, from the fluffiness brought by baking powder to the cozy warmth of cinnamon.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and tenderness to your pancakes.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder aluminum-free: This helps the pancakes rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth and spice that complements the bananas beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- ¾ cup mashed overripe banana (about 1 ½ large): The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and moistness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the pancakes’ light texture.
- ¾ cup milk: Thins the batter for perfect pouring consistency while adding creaminess.
- Banana sliced, for serving: Fresh banana slices add texture and a pop of freshness.
- Maple syrup for serving: The classic topping that adds extra sweetness and richness.
How to Make Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour, aluminum-free baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the rising agent and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter so every bite has that perfect balance of fluff and flavor.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, beat the mashed overripe bananas and the egg together until fully blended. The ripe bananas bring incredible moisture and natural sweetness. Next, whisk in the milk, which lightens the mixture and makes your batter silky smooth and ready to combine.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Pour your dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and gently whisk until just combined. It’s important not to overmix—the batter should look slightly lumpy as this helps keep the pancakes tender once cooked. Imagine how those little lumps contribute to their fluffy texture!
Step 4: Cook Your Pancakes
Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Using a ⅓-cup measuring cup, pour 3-4 circles of batter into the pan to create perfectly sized pancakes. Cook until the tops become puffed and golden brown on the bottom, about 2-3 minutes. Then flip and cook on the other side for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked and cloud-like.
How to Serve Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
A generous topping of fresh banana slices enhances the fruit flavor and adds juicy bursts with every bite. Of course, a drizzle of warm maple syrup is the crowning glory, adding a rich sweetness that perfectly complements the soft pancakes.
Side Dishes
For a complete breakfast experience, serve these pancakes alongside crispy bacon or sausage links for contrast, or pair them with a fresh fruit salad to add brightness and balance. A dollop of Greek yogurt can also bring a creamy tang that elevates the whole meal.
Creative Ways to Present
You can turn this Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe into a stunning brunch centerpiece by stacking the pancakes in a tall tower, layering each with a smear of nut butter or cream cheese. Sprinkle chopped nuts or a handful of chocolate chips on top for added texture and a fun twist that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extras, no worries! Let your leftover pancakes cool completely then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and moist for up to 2 days, ready to brighten your next breakfast.
Freezing
To keep your pancakes longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep wonderfully for up to 2 months, letting you enjoy homemade fluffy banana goodness anytime.
Reheating
Reheat pancakes gently in a toaster or on a skillet over medium heat to bring back their soft, fluffy texture without drying them out. Adding a small splash of butter or syrup while reheating revives their deliciousness just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I use regular baking powder instead of aluminum-free?
Yes, you can use regular baking powder if you don’t have aluminum-free on hand. The difference is mostly in taste, with aluminum-free being a bit milder and often preferred for lighter-flavored recipes like this Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
For best flavor and sweetness, ripe bananas with brown spots are ideal. If your bananas aren’t ripe yet, you can speed up the process by microwaving them for about 30 seconds until soft. This softens them and enhances their sweetness, mimicking ripeness well.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the egg for a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon ground seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use any plant-based milk instead of dairy. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious and fluffy.
How can I make these pancakes extra fluffy?
Be sure not to overmix the batter and cook on medium heat so the pancakes have time to rise properly. Also, using fresh baking powder and letting your batter rest for a few minutes before cooking can help increase fluffiness.
Can I add other mix-ins to this recipe?
Definitely! Blueberries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts folded gently into the batter make delightful additions. Just be careful not to add too much or the pancakes might not rise as well.
Final Thoughts
This Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe is truly one of those simple, feel-good treats that everyone should have in their breakfast arsenal. It’s easy to make, uses pantry staples, and delivers a mouthwatering combination of soft, airy texture and natural banana sweetness. Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and whip up a batch to share with loved ones — trust me, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
Print
Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe
Fluffy Banana Pancakes are a delightful breakfast treat made with ripe bananas and a light batter for soft, airy pancakes. These easy-to-make pancakes pair perfectly with fresh banana slices and maple syrup, offering a naturally sweet and satisfying start to your day.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes
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
Toppings
- Banana slices, for serving
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, aluminum-free baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, beat the mashed overripe banana and the large egg together until well blended. Then add milk and whisk until combined.
- Combine Batter: Gradually whisk the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. The batter will have a slightly lumpy texture, which is ideal for fluffy pancakes.
- Heat Pan: Preheat a large nonstick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pancakes: Using a ⅓-cup measuring cup, pour 3 to 4 circles of batter into the heated pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the tops are puffed and bubbles appear, and the bottoms turn golden brown.
- Flip Pancakes: Carefully flip each pancake and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the other side is golden and the pancakes are cooked through.
- Serve: Remove pancakes from the pan and serve hot with fresh banana slices and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep pancakes fluffy and tender.
- If batter is too thick, add a splash more milk to reach desired consistency.
- Cook pancakes on medium heat to avoid burning and ensure thorough cooking.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or your favorite syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian