Easy Banana Pancakes

Why This Recipe Works

Use up those Bananas — I would wager a bet that nearly every household in America has some browning bananas on their counter right now. What better way to use them up than to make some healthy banana pancakes? 

So easy — They’re not called easy banana pancakes for nothing. 20 minutes total is all you need to both make the pancake batter, cook, and serve them to your adorning breakfast crowd. 

Simple ingredients — Got bananas? Then you’re nearly there. You probably also have all the ingredients needed for this banana pancakes recipe right in your pantry and fridge. It could not get any simpler. 
Great to make in bulk — This recipe calls for using up two bananas. But I’ve been known to double and even triple this recipe to save some for later (they freeze so well, too…but more on that later). Another tip? Do you ever go to the reduced produce bin and see a bunch of browning bananas for dirt cheap? That’s where this recipe comes in. Save those bananas from a landfill and make up a huge batch of easy banana pancakes.

Ingredients

Simple, easy ingredients for a simple, easy banana pancakes recipe!

• Flour — Any all-purpose flour is great. Substitute wheat if you like a little more nutrition and a slightly nutty taste. 
• Baking Powder — Baking powder is key to help these rise and have great texture.
• Cinnamon — Cinnamon is the key to great tasting banana pancakes. 
• Salt — Just a pinch of salt helps all the flavors come together and taste just right. 
• Bananas — You’ll need one sliced banana and one mashed. The browner the better. 
• Eggs — I use regular old large eggs. 
• Plain Yogurt or Buttermilk — Either option gives the banana pancakes a little bit of tang and also some moisture which is key for a nice, soft, melt-in-your mouth healthy banana pancake. 
• Olive Oil —  Olive oil adds some moisture and helps to make a light, fluffy pancake. 
• Maple Syrup — Just a dash for flavor plus extra for serving. I do love the subtle sweetness of real maple syrup but store-bought is great too. 
• Vanilla — Again, for flavor, you want to add a little vanilla. 
• Cooking Spray or Melted Butter — Use cooking spray or butter in the pan before cooking the banana pancakes — keeps them from sticking and helps them to brown.

Here’s How You Make It

Here’s what I do: Wake the kids and while they spend the next 20 minutes complaining about having to get up, I’m making the pancakes. They’re ready when they finally stumble down the steps. 

1. First thing: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, and set the dry ingredients aside. (photo 4)
2. Next mix the wet ingredients together: the mashed banana, eggs, yogurt (or buttermilk), oil, maple syrup and vanilla all get mixed together until they’re nice and smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry flour mixture and stir it all together until just combined. (photos 1-3 & 5)
3. Now for cooking the easy banana pancakes. First, heat a large, non-stick frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the cooking spray spray or melted butter to the hot pan or griddle before making the pancakes. Add the batter to create your desired pancake size. Because I like to be extra, I always place a couple of slices of banana on top of each spoonful of batter as it’s added to the pan. (photo 6) 
4. You’ll want to work in batches to ensure your cooked pancakes stay warm and ready to serve. I cook each pancake for a few minutes on each side until they are  cooked through and the banana slices (once flipped) have had a few minutes to caramelize.
5. Serve with maple syrup.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Want a healthier option in the morning? Then sub in some or all of the all-purpose flour for wholemeal flour.
• If you want to make a large batch of these pancakes, make them all at once (don’t worry about batches because you won’t be serving them warm). Let them cool completely, and stack up with wax or parchment paper in between each pancake then add to an airtight bag or container and pop in the freezer for up to 5 months. 
• Be careful not to over-stir the batter. Over stirring can lead to flat, rubbery pancakes. Just stir until combined.