Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe

There’s a special kind of morning that calls for a tall, warm stack of banana pancakes.

These aren’t just any pancakes, they’re incredibly fluffy, naturally sweet, and surprisingly simple to make from scratch.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

This particular recipe, a favorite from Kelsey, has a lovely secret. It uses overripe bananas to their full potential.

The bananas deliver all the sweetness and moisture you need, creating pancakes that are tender and light, no box mix required.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Gathering your ingredients first makes the process smooth and quick. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that gives the pancakes their structure and soft body.
• Aluminum-Free Baking Powder: This is the key to that incredible, airy fluffiness we’re after.
• Cinnamon & Salt: Cinnamon adds a warm, cozy depth, while salt perfectly balances and enhances all the other flavors.
• Overripe Banana: The star of the show! The spottier and softer, the better for maximum natural sweetness.
• Egg: It binds everything together and helps with the rich, tender texture.
• Milk: Any kind you have on hand works here, from dairy to almond or oat milk, to create a pourable batter.
• Cooking Spray, for the pan: To ensure your golden-brown pancakes release without a fuss.

How to make Fluffy Banana Pancakes?

Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a perfect stack in no time. The most important rule? Don’t overmix the batter.

Step 1: Combine the Dry and Wet Teams

In one bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a larger bowl, vigorously mash the banana with the egg until mostly smooth.

Pour in the milk and whisk it all together, creating your wet base.

Step 2: Gently Unite the Batter

Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Now, use a gentle hand—fold and stir just until the flour streaks disappear.

A few small lumps in the batter are absolutely perfect, I promise. They lead to fluffier results.

Step 3: Heat, Pour, and Watch

Place your nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat and let it get properly hot. A drop of water should sizzle gently on the surface.

Lightly coat the pan with spray, then pour about ⅓ cup of batter for each pancake.

Step 4: The Perfect Flip

Cook the first side until you see little bubbles forming on top and the edges look set, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Slide your spatula underneath and flip with confidence! Cook for just another 1 to 2 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Slide those warm, fluffy pancakes right onto a waiting plate. Top them with fresh banana slices and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.

That first bite, with the sweet banana flavor in every forkful, is pure weekend joy, even on a Tuesday.

Your Pancake Toolkit: Helpful Equipment

You don’t need fancy gear, but a few basics make the job easier. A good set of mixing bowls is a start.

A balloon whisk blends things beautifully, and a reliable nonstick skillet is worth its weight in gold for even cooking.

And of course, dry and liquid measuring cups ensure your ingredient ratios are spot-on for perfect fluffiness every time.

Tips

A few small tricks can elevate your pancakes from good to absolutely great. Keep these in mind.

• Let your pan fully preheat. A properly hot surface gives the pancakes an instant lift, creating a lovely golden crust.
• If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can microwave them for 15-second bursts until soft. Just let them cool a bit before mixing with the egg.
• Resist the urge to press down on the pancakes with the spatula while they cook. You’ll trap all that precious steam and air inside.
• To keep pancakes warm for a crowd, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer in a 200°F oven while you finish cooking the rest.

Creative Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, it’s fun to play with add-ins. The batter is a wonderful canvas for your favorites.

Try folding in a half-cup of mini chocolate chips or fresh blueberries after you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients.

For a delightful crunch, a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans adds a fantastic texture contrast to the soft, fluffy bite.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

Yes, you can absolutely save any extra pancakes! They reheat wonderfully, making for a brilliant quick breakfast later.

Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Reheat pancakes in the toaster, a warm oven, or even for a few seconds in the microwave. They’ll taste nearly as good as fresh.