Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Moist, light, and fluffy Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are the perfect breakfast treat for any occasion. These pancakes are enhanced with the rich sweetness of brown sugar and a hint of vanilla, making them a delightful start to your day. Whether it’s a cozy weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast, these pancakes can elevate any morning meal. Plus, they are simple to whip up and guaranteed to impress your family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have these pancakes ready in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and brown sugar creates a unique taste that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Versatile Serving Options: Top them with butter, maple syrup, sliced bananas, walnuts, or even chocolate chips for a personalized touch.
- Perfectly Fluffy Texture: Each pancake is light and fluffy, thanks to the right balance of ingredients and cooking technique.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love these pancakes! They are not only tasty but also fun to make together.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick griddle or skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick griddle or skillet: This ensures your pancakes cook evenly without sticking, making flipping easy.
- Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls helps you combine dry and wet ingredients efficiently without mess.
- Whisk: A whisk is perfect for mixing the ingredients until they’re well combined, ensuring fluffy pancakes.
- Rubber spatula: This tool is essential for folding ingredients gently to maintain the pancake’s fluffiness.

Ingredients
For these delicious Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, gather the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 small bananas)
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (plus more for greasing the griddle)
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (dark brown sugar recommended)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
To Serve
- Butter
- Maple syrup
- Sliced banana
- Walnuts
- Chocolate chips
How to Make Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 2 teaspoons baking powder
3. 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix well so that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
1. 3/4 cup mashed ripe banana
2. 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
3. 1 large egg
4. 3/4 cup buttermilk
5. 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
6. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Ensure everything is well mixed before combining with dry ingredients.
Step 3: Mix Together
Add the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients:
1. Stir gently with a rubber spatula until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this will affect fluffiness.
Step 4: Cook Pancakes
- Heat your non-stick griddle or skillet over medium-low heat and grease it with butter.
- Pour approximately 1/3 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Spread slightly to form even circles.
- Cook until bubbles form on top (it may be hard to see due to thick batter). Flip carefully and cook for another couple of minutes until fully cooked through.
Serve hot with butter and maple syrup or your favorite toppings! Enjoy your delicious Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Serving Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes is an opportunity to get creative and elevate your breakfast experience. Whether you prefer classic toppings or a unique twist, these pancakes can be customized to suit your taste.
Classic Toppings
- Butter and Maple Syrup: A timeless combination, adding a pat of butter on top of warm pancakes and drizzling with real maple syrup enhances the flavor.
- Sliced Bananas: Fresh banana slices not only complement the pancake’s flavor but also add a nice presentation.
Nutty Additions
- Chopped Walnuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the fluffiness of the pancakes.
- Almonds or Pecans: For a different nutty flavor, consider slivered almonds or pecans.
Sweet Enhancements
- Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to your pancakes for a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Honey or Agave Nectar: Instead of syrup, drizzle honey or agave nectar for a natural sweetness.
Seasonal Fruits
- Berries: Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Peaches or Apples: Sautéed peaches or caramelized apples can add a delightful fruity twist.
How to Perfect Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Perfecting your Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes can make all the difference in taste and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your pancakes turn out amazing every time.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes rather than fluffy ones.
- Preheat Your Griddle Properly: Make sure your griddle is hot enough before pouring batter. A drop of water should sizzle when it hits the surface.
- Adjust Cooking Temperature: Cook over medium-low heat to allow even cooking without burning the outside. Patience is key!
- Rest the Batter: Letting the batter sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking helps create softer pancakes.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Try mixing in different ingredients like nuts, spices, or even coconut flakes for added flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Pairing side dishes with Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some delicious options that complement these sweet treats.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of pancakes.
- Greek Yogurt with Honey: Creamy Greek yogurt drizzled with honey offers protein and richness alongside your pancakes.
- Crispy Turkey Bacon: For those who enjoy savory flavors, turkey bacon provides a nice contrast to sweet pancakes.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and make for a hearty breakfast combination.
- Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl topped with granola complements the warmth of pancakes nicely.
- Potato Hash: A savory potato hash seasoned with herbs serves as a satisfying side dish alongside sweet pancakes.
- Oven-Baked Sausages: Chicken or turkey sausage links are another great option that goes well with breakfast favorites.
- Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toasted bread brings a modern twist that pairs well with pancakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes might ruin the fun.
- Using Overripe Bananas: Overripe bananas can alter the texture and flavor of your pancakes. Opt for ripe bananas with brown spots for the best sweetness and moisture.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly: Accurate measurements are key to fluffy pancakes. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you get the right quantities of flour, baking powder, and sugar.
- Mixing Too Much: Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes. Stir until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps in the batter.
- Cooking at High Heat: Cooking on too high heat may cause the outside to burn while leaving the inside uncooked. Keep your skillet or griddle at medium-low heat for even cooking.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Allowing batter to rest for about 5-10 minutes helps create fluffier pancakes. This lets the gluten relax and gives time for bubbles to form in the batter.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Place cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual pancakes on high for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place pancakes in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes that many home cooks have.
Can I make Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute one egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce or mashed banana for a similar texture.
How do I make my Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes fluffier?
To enhance fluffiness, ensure you don’t overmix your batter and let it rest before cooking.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can add more fiber and nutrients, but it may result in denser pancakes.
What toppings go well with Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes?
Consider serving with butter, maple syrup, fresh sliced bananas, walnuts, or even chocolate chips for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are not only moist and fluffy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or mix-ins according to your taste preferences. Whether it’s breakfast or brunch, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate; give it a try!
Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Indulge in the delightful taste of Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, a breakfast treat that is moist, light, and irresistibly fluffy. Infused with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and rich brown sugar, these pancakes are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion—be it a leisurely weekend brunch or a quick morning meal. With a hint of vanilla elevating their flavor profile, each bite promises to be a comforting start to your day. Customize them with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or nuts for an added twist. This recipe is sure to impress everyone at the breakfast table!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 pancakes (4 servings) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 small bananas)
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the mashed banana, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined (lumps are okay).
- Heat a non-stick griddle over medium-low heat and grease it with butter.
- Pour approximately 1/3 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on top; flip and cook until golden brown.
- Serve hot with your preferred toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 2 pancakes (180g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 28mg