Banana Bread Pancakes combine the comforting flavors of classic banana bread with the light, fluffy texture of pancakes. This delightful fusion offers a sweet and satisfying breakfast option that’s perfect for weekend mornings or special occasions. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas, complemented by a hint of vanilla and the crunch of walnuts, makes these pancakes a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large ripe banana
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, or as needed for cooking
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda; set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Add the egg and sugar, whisking thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, melted butter, and chopped walnuts.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter. Pour approximately ⅓ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear set, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown, an additional 2–3 minutes. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 8g
The Inspiration Behind Banana Bread Pancakes
Banana bread has long been a go-to recipe for home bakers looking to use up overripe bananas. Its moist texture, comforting taste, and ease of preparation have made it a household favorite for generations. Similarly, pancakes have been a staple breakfast dish for centuries, loved for their fluffy texture and versatility. The idea of merging these two classics was born out of the desire to enjoy the best of both worlds: the flavor-packed richness of banana bread in the form of quick, easy-to-make pancakes.
This recipe captures all the familiar flavors of banana bread while maintaining the light and airy characteristics of pancakes. It’s an excellent choice for those who love traditional banana bread but want something a little different and faster to prepare.
Why Banana Bread Pancakes Stand Out
These pancakes offer several advantages over regular pancakes or banana bread, making them a must-try recipe for breakfast lovers:
- Natural Sweetness: Since ripe bananas are naturally sweet, these pancakes require less added sugar, making them a slightly healthier alternative to traditional pancakes.
- Moist and Tender Texture: The mashed bananas contribute to a moist, tender pancake that stays soft even after cooling.
- Enhanced Flavor: The addition of vanilla, cinnamon, or nuts elevates the taste, creating a more complex and satisfying breakfast option.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Unlike banana bread, which requires baking time, these pancakes can be made in minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings.
The Best Occasions to Enjoy Banana Bread Pancakes
These pancakes are incredibly versatile and can be served on various occasions:
- Weekend Brunch: A delightful treat to enjoy with family and friends on a relaxing weekend morning.
- Special Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, holiday breakfasts, or any time you want to make breakfast feel extra special.
- Quick Weekday Breakfast: Since the batter comes together quickly, these pancakes are an excellent option for a fast and nutritious breakfast before heading out for the day.
- Post-Workout Meal: The combination of bananas, eggs, and nuts (if added) provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and healthy carbohydrates.
Tips for Making the Best Banana Bread Pancakes
To achieve perfect Banana Bread Pancakes every time, consider these expert tips:
- Use Overripe Bananas: The best bananas for this recipe are those with brown spots on the peel. Overripe bananas are softer, sweeter, and blend seamlessly into the batter.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in tough pancakes. Stir the ingredients until just combined to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- Let the Batter Rest: Allowing the batter to sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking helps the ingredients meld together and results in better consistency.
- Use a Nonstick Skillet or Griddle: To achieve evenly golden-brown pancakes, cook them on a well-heated nonstick surface with a little butter or oil.
- Flip at the Right Time: Wait until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake and the edges start to set before flipping. This ensures even cooking and a fluffy texture.
- Enhance with Toppings: While these pancakes are delicious on their own, they taste even better when served with toppings like sliced bananas, maple syrup, chopped nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Banana Bread Pancakes store well, making them a great option for meal prep. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the pancakes cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper in between each pancake to prevent sticking. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat pancakes in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, in a toaster oven, or on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about Banana Bread Pancakes is their versatility. Here are some creative ways to customize this recipe:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pancakes: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a more indulgent and kid-friendly version.
- Nutty Banana Pancakes: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a deeper nutty flavor.
- Cinnamon-Spiced Pancakes: Increase the cinnamon for a stronger warm spice flavor that complements the bananas perfectly.
- Protein-Packed Pancakes: Add a scoop of protein powder to the batter to make a more filling and nutritious breakfast.
- Dairy-Free or Vegan Option: Substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk, and replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Pancakes offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them a standout breakfast dish. They bring together the best elements of banana bread—sweetness, moistness, and comforting flavor—with the ease and quick preparation of pancakes. Whether you enjoy them plain, topped with syrup, or customized with nuts and chocolate chips, these pancakes are sure to become a family favorite.