Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Moist, light, and fluffy Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are a delightful way to start your day. Sweetened with brown sugar and enriched with the natural flavor of ripe bananas, these pancakes are perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings. Their unique texture and taste set them apart from ordinary pancakes, making them a favorite among family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these pancakes come together in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and banana creates a rich taste that elevates your breakfast experience.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a special brunch, these pancakes fit right in.
- Customizable Toppings: Serve them with butter, syrup, nuts, or chocolate chips for an extra treat.
- Healthy Twist: Using ripe bananas adds natural sweetness while keeping the recipe wholesome.

Tools and Preparation
To create the best Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Griddle or large skillet
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily mix all ingredients without spills.
- Whisk: This tool ensures that wet ingredients are thoroughly combined for a smooth batter.
- Griddle or large skillet: An even heat source is crucial for cooking pancakes to perfection without burning.
Ingredients
Moist, light, and fluffy Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes sweetened with brown sugar and flavored with vanilla. The best banana pancakes EVER!
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 griddle)
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (I prefer dark brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
To Serve
- Butter
- Maple syrup
- Sliced banana
- Walnuts
- Chocolate chips
How to Make Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients:
1. Add the all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Mix well until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Prepare Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together the mashed banana, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Mix Together
Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients:
1. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients.
2. Use a rubber spatula to gently stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
Now it’s time to cook:
1. Heat your griddle or skillet over medium-low heat and grease it with butter.
2. Drop approximately 1/3 cup of batter onto the griddle, spreading it out into an even circle.
3. Cook until bubbles form on top; this may take a few minutes due to thick batter.
4. Flip carefully and cook through for another couple of minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Serve your Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes hot from the griddle topped with butter, maple syrup, sliced banana, walnuts, or chocolate chips as desired. Enjoy!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Serving Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit your taste. These pancakes are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to pair them with various toppings and sides for an unforgettable breakfast.
Classic Toppings
- Butter: A pat of creamy butter will melt beautifully on top of your warm pancakes.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle pure maple syrup for a sweet and rich flavor that complements the bananas.
- Sliced Bananas: Add fresh banana slices for extra fruity goodness and a lovely presentation.
Nutty Additions
- Walnuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft pancakes.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans can add a buttery flavor and extra crunch, enhancing your pancake experience.
Sweet Treats
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in or sprinkle chocolate chips for a decadent twist that kids (and adults!) will love.
- Whipped Cream: Top your pancakes with fluffy whipped cream for an indulgent touch.
How to Perfect Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
To achieve the best Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, consider these helpful tips. Following these suggestions will ensure that your pancakes are light, fluffy, and packed with flavor.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients to keep the pancakes light and airy; lumps in the batter are okay.
- Preheat Your Griddle: Make sure your cooking surface is hot enough before pouring in the batter for even cooking.
- Cook on Medium-Low Heat: This ensures that your pancakes cook through without burning on the outside; patience is key!
- Adjust Thickness: If the batter seems too thick, add a splash of buttermilk to achieve your desired consistency.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Pairing side dishes with your Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes can elevate your breakfast spread. Here are some fantastic options to consider:
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a savory crunch that complements the sweetness of the pancakes perfectly.
- Sausage Links: Juicy sausage links provide a hearty addition that balances out the meal.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can offer refreshing flavors and brighten up your breakfast plate.
- Greek Yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt adds protein and a tangy contrast to your sweet pancakes.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs make for a satisfying protein boost alongside your pancakes.
- Cottage Cheese: A scoop of cottage cheese offers creaminess while being low in calories and high in protein.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks make simple mistakes when making Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your pancakes turn out perfectly every time.
- Using unripe bananas: Unripe bananas lack the sweetness and flavor that contribute to the batter. Always choose ripe, brown-spotted bananas for your pancakes.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make pancakes tough. Stir until just combined; a few lumps are okay!
- Incorrect heat settings: Cooking on high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Use medium-low heat to cook pancakes evenly.
- Not greasing the griddle properly: Skipping this step can cause pancakes to stick. Always grease your cooking surface with butter before adding batter.
- Ignoring serving suggestions: Pancakes taste best when served hot with toppings like syrup or fresh fruit. Don’t skip the extras!

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet for an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm pancakes on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual pancakes in 20-30 second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Place pancakes in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make gluten-free Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it includes xanthan gum for better texture.
Can I use brown sugar substitutes?
Yes, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup as alternatives, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of your pancakes.
What toppings go well with Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes?
Popular toppings include maple syrup, walnuts, sliced bananas, or even chocolate chips for an extra treat!
Are Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes healthy?
They are relatively healthy compared to traditional pancakes due to the natural sweetness of bananas and less refined sugar. You can also reduce sugar or use whole grain flour for added nutrition.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the batter a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before cooking.
Final Thoughts
These Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are not only delicious but also versatile! Customize them with your favorite add-ins or toppings for a delightful breakfast treat. Whether you’re making them for family brunch or a cozy weekday breakfast, you’ll love how easy they are to whip up. Don’t hesitate; try this recipe today!
Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Indulge in the delightful experience of Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, a breakfast treat that combines the rich sweetness of ripe bananas with the warm, caramel notes of brown sugar. These fluffy pancakes are not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing for various toppings to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving them on a lazy Sunday morning or at a special brunch gathering, these pancakes are sure to impress family and friends alike. With their moist texture and satisfying flavor, they transform an ordinary breakfast into a comforting feast. Try this simple recipe today and elevate your morning routine!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 (makes about 8 pancakes) 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 together the mashed banana, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures gently until just mixed; avoid overmixing.
- Heat a greased griddle or skillet over medium-low heat.
- Pour about 1/3 cup of batter for each pancake onto the griddle; cook until bubbles form and edges look set.
- Flip carefully and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes (150g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg