Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Moist, light, and fluffy Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are perfect for breakfast or brunch. Sweetened with brown sugar and flavored with vanilla, these pancakes are a delightful treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply enjoying a cozy morning at home, this recipe is sure to impress. The unique combination of ripe bananas and brown sugar creates a rich flavor that elevates traditional pancakes to a whole new level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up these pancakes quickly.
- Delicious Flavor: The sweetness of brown sugar combined with ripe bananas makes each bite irresistible.
- Versatile Toppings: Enjoy them with butter, maple syrup, or your favorite toppings like walnuts or chocolate chips.
- Perfect for Any Meal: These pancakes are not just for breakfast; they make a great snack or dessert too.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the taste of banana pancakes, making them a hit for family meals.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking these delicious pancakes, gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
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: Ensures that pancakes cook evenly without sticking, making flipping easy.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for combining dry and wet ingredients separately to achieve the perfect batter texture.
- Rubber spatula: Great for gently mixing the ingredients without overworking the batter, which helps keep pancakes fluffy.

Ingredients
To make these delightful 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 griddle)
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (preferably dark brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
To Serve
- (butter, maple syrup, sliced banana, walnuts, and/or chocolate chips)
How to Make Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients:
1. Add the all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until evenly mixed.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together the mashed banana, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well integrated.
Step 3: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients.
- Use a rubber spatula to stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat your non-stick griddle or skillet over medium-low heat.
- Grease lightly with butter.
- Drop approximately 1/3 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface (this may be hard to see due to thick batter).
- Flip carefully and cook until golden brown on both sides (about another couple of minutes). Adjust heat if necessary to ensure thorough cooking without burning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve hot with butter and maple syrup along with your choice of sliced banana, walnuts, or chocolate chips. Enjoy your delicious Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a classic breakfast or something a bit more adventurous, these serving suggestions will elevate your pancake experience.
Classic Toppings
- Butter: A pat of melted butter on top adds richness and flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle pure maple syrup for a sweet and comforting touch.
- Sliced Bananas: Fresh banana slices enhance the banana flavor and add freshness.
Nutty Additions
- Chopped Walnuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts for crunch and added nutrition.
- Almonds: Sliced almonds provide a lovely texture contrast and nutty flavor.
Chocolate Delight
- Chocolate Chips: Add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the batter or as a topping for a decadent twist.
- Nutella: Spread Nutella on top for an indulgent, creamy option.
Yogurt Pairing
- Greek Yogurt: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess and protein.
- Coconut Yogurt: Use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free alternative that adds tropical flair.
How to Perfect Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
To ensure your Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes turn out fluffy and delicious every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use ripe bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps maintain fluffiness; lumps are okay!
- Preheat your griddle properly: Make sure the griddle is at medium-low heat before pouring the batter to avoid burning.
- Adjust cooking time: Cook slowly to ensure even cooking; flipping too soon may leave the inside raw.
- Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to sit for about 5 minutes helps produce lighter pancakes.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Pair your Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes with these tasty side dishes for a well-rounded breakfast. They complement the pancakes perfectly while adding variety to your meal.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and make the meal heartier.
- Turkey Sausage: A savory option that pairs well with sweet pancakes; grill until browned.
- Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toasted bread offers healthy fats and flavors that balance sweetness.
- Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie; top with granola for crunch.
- Cottage Cheese: This creamy side adds protein and pairs nicely with fruit toppings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your pancakes turn out perfectly every time.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough pancakes. Stir until just combined for light and fluffy results.
- Using unripe bananas: Firm bananas won’t provide the sweetness and moisture you need. Always opt for ripe, mashed bananas for the best flavor.
- Not preheating the skillet: A cold skillet leads to uneven cooking. Make sure your griddle is preheated before adding the batter.
- Ignoring the bubbles: When bubbles form on the surface of the batter, it’s time to flip. Don’t wait too long or you may overcook them.
- Skipping the butter: Greasing your griddle with butter enhances flavor and prevents sticking. Don’t forget to use enough butter when cooking!
- Not adjusting cooking temperature: Cooking on too high heat can burn the pancakes. Keep it on medium-low for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container.
- They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Place cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container, where they can stay fresh for up to 2 months.
Reheating Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pancakes on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes.
Can I make these pancakes without eggs?
Yes! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture as an egg substitute for vegan options.
How do I make gluten-free Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure that it includes xanthan gum for better texture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter before cooking for added flavor and texture.
What toppings go well with Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes?
You can serve them with maple syrup, sliced bananas, whipped cream, or even yogurt for extra indulgence!
Final Thoughts
Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding your favorite nuts or chocolate chips. They make a great breakfast or brunch treat that everyone will love, so give this recipe a try today!
Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Indulge in the delightful goodness of Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, a perfect breakfast or brunch option that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich flavor of brown sugar. These moist and fluffy pancakes are easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for both special occasions and cozy family mornings. Each bite is a treat that can be customized with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, walnuts, or chocolate chips. Serve them hot off the griddle for a delicious start to your day that will impress everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- 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 (plus more for greasing)
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the mashed banana, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined; lumps are okay.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and grease lightly with butter.
- Pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings like butter, maple syrup, sliced bananas, walnuts, or chocolate chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg