Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe

So you woke up craving something sweet, warm, and comforting—but also want to pretend you’re still kind of healthy? Same. Enter: fluffy banana pancakes. They’re soft, they’re golden, they’re low-effort, and honestly, they’re the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you actually have your life together (even if you absolutely do not).

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be real: some pancake recipes make you feel like you need a culinary degree and seven types of flour. Not this one.

  • It’s idiot-proof—even I didn’t mess it up, which tells you everything you need to know.
  • You only need one bowl, one pan, and the will to flip things.
  • The pancakes turn out soft, fluffy, and naturally sweet, thanks to those overripe bananas you were about to throw away.
  • Plus, your kitchen will smell like a bakery married a tropical island. What’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Grab these and you’re basically halfway to pancake heaven.)

  • 2 ripe bananas (the spottier, the better—embrace the chaos)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional but highly recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt (because balance, my friend)
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup milk (any kind—cow, almond, oat, your choice)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Butter or oil for cooking
  • Chocolate chips or nuts (optional but also… why not?)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mash the bananas in a bowl like they owe you money. Keep some small chunks if you like little bursts of banana goodness.
  2. Add egg, milk, and vanilla. Whisk until it looks smooth-ish. We’re not making soufflés here.
  3. Toss in the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir gently. Do NOT overmix unless you enjoy rubbery pancakes.
  4. Heat your pan over medium. Add a little butter or oil because sticking is rude.
  5. Scoop batter onto the pan. Keep them small if your flipping skills are questionable.
  6. Cook until bubbles form and the edges look set. Flip confidently—hesitation leads to chaos.
  7. Cook the other side until golden. Repeat until all batter is gone or you’re too hungry to continue.
  8. Stack, drizzle with syrup, and devour guilt-free.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overmixing the batter. This is pancakes, not cement. Chill.
  • Using unripe bananas. Green bananas are for smoothies, not fluffy breakfast magic.
  • High heat cooking. Unless you want pancakes that are burnt outside and raw inside—the classic rookie move.
  • Forgetting to grease the pan. Please don’t do this to yourself. Or your pan.
  • Flipping too early. Wait for bubbles. It’s the pancake universe giving you permission.

Alternatives & Substitutions

  • No milk? Use yogurt or even water—it’ll still work. (But milk is tastier. Just saying.)
  • Gluten-free? Swap flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Boom.
  • Want more fiber? Use half whole-wheat flour. Your stomach will thank you later.
  • No egg? Use 2 tablespoons of yogurt or applesauce. IMO, yogurt makes them extra fluffy.
  • No vanilla? Skip it. The bananas do the heavy lifting anyway.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

You can, but why? Baking soda loses its magic. Make it fresh for max fluff.

Can I freeze these pancakes?

Absolutely. Freeze in layers with parchment between them. Then reheat and pretend you cooked that morning.

Can I use whole wheat flour only?

Sure, if you like denser pancakes. They’ll still taste great—just not as “float-on-a-cloud” fluffy.

Do I have to add sugar?

Nope. But if your bananas are barely sweet, adding sugar avoids sadness.

Can I add protein powder?

Go for it! Replace up to 1/4 cup of flour. Just expect slightly thicker pancakes.

Help! My pancakes spread too much. Why?

Your batter’s too thin. Add a tablespoon of flour and stir again.

Can I skip the butter or oil when cooking?

Technically yes, but your pancakes will stick and cry. So will you.

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Final Thoughts

There you go—your new go-to, low-drama, high-reward breakfast. These fluffy banana pancakes are cozy, quick, and guaranteed to impress someone… even if that someone is just you. Now go grab a plate, pour some syrup, and enjoy the tiny victory that is making a seriously good breakfast. You’ve earned it!

Printable Recipe Card

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