Banana pancakes are a delightful twist on a breakfast classic, bringing a touch of natural sweetness and a hint of spice. They’re quick to whip up and perfect for those mornings when you want something a bit special without too much fuss.
Banana: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and moisture to the pancakes. Make sure it's ripe for the best flavor and texture.
Eggs: They help bind the ingredients together and give the pancakes their structure.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely aroma and enhances the banana flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Brings a warm, spicy note that pairs perfectly with banana.
Baking Powder: Gives the pancakes a nice lift, making them fluffy and light.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the flavors.
Butter or Cooking Spray: Used to grease the griddle, ensuring the pancakes don’t stick.
These banana pancakes are fantastic with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for some crunch. Fresh berries or slices of banana also make a lovely topping. For a decadent touch, try a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
Start by peeling your ripe banana and placing it in a mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash it until smooth; a few small lumps are okay, but you want it pretty well mashed. Next, crack in the eggs, add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until you have a well-combined batter.
Heat a non-stick griddle or frying pan over medium heat. You want it hot enough to cook the pancakes through without burning them, so keep an eye on it. Lightly grease the surface with a bit of butter or cooking spray.
Pour small rounds of the batter onto your preheated griddle. I like to use about a 1/4 cup for each pancake, but you can adjust depending on your preference. Let them cook until you see bubbles forming on the surface, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Once the bubbles are plentiful and the edges look set, it’s time for the flip. Use a spatula to carefully flip each pancake and cook the other side until golden brown and fully set — another 2 minutes or so. Keep them warm in a low oven if you’re making a big batch.
Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the griddle as needed. Serve your pancakes warm with your favorite toppings!