If you’re on the hunt for a comforting breakfast that feels both indulgent and homey, the Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes Recipe is just what your mornings have been missing. These pancakes bring together the rich sweetness of brown sugar with the natural creaminess of ripe bananas, creating fluffy stacks that melt in your mouth. Every bite carries a perfect balance of caramel notes and fruity freshness, turning a simple breakfast into a cozy celebration of flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to whip up these delightful pancakes. Each one plays a special role: from the tender crumb-building flour to the sweet zing in the brown sugar, everything blends harmoniously to create that signature taste and texture.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives pancakes their soft yet sturdy structure.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: A key leavening agent that helps the pancakes rise and get fluffy.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- ¾ cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 small bananas): Adds natural sweetness and moisture with a silky texture.
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter: For rich, buttery flavor and to keep pancakes tender.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and gives pancakes structure.
- ¾ cup buttermilk: Provides a subtle tang and keeps pancakes tender and moist.
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar (dark brown sugar preferred): Imparts deep, caramel-like sweetness that defines the recipe.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Butter for greasing the griddle: Prevents sticking and adds a hint of caramelization.
- Maple syrup, sliced banana, walnuts, chocolate chips: Delicious topping options to customize your pancakes.
How to Make Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This mixture is the foundation and ensures your pancakes have that perfect rise and light fluffiness you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until creamy, then whisk in the melted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. These ingredients combine to give your pancake batter a luxuriously smooth texture and irresistible sweetness.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps in the batter will help keep the pancakes tender and airy.
Step 4: Heat and Grease the Griddle
Preheat your griddle or non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and lightly grease it with butter. A well-heated griddle ensures even cooking and golden-brown edges.
Step 5: Cook Your Pancakes
Drop about â…“ cup of batter per pancake onto the griddle, spreading slightly into circles. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to set, then flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
Top your pancakes with a pat of melting butter, a generous drizzle of maple syrup, and slices of fresh banana for added texture and visual appeal. For an extra touch of crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or chocolate chips on top.
Side Dishes
These pancakes pair wonderfully with crispy bacon or savory sausage links, providing a perfect balance to the sweetness. Fresh fruit salad or yogurt on the side can add a refreshing contrast as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes Recipe high with layers of peanut butter spread or swirl in some cinnamon for extra warmth. You could even serve them with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut to impress your breakfast guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover pancakes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and keep them fresh.
Freezing
Pancakes freeze beautifully! Lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable bag. Store in the freezer for up to one month, perfect for quick breakfasts later on.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated pancakes by popping them in the toaster or warming them gently in a skillet over low heat. This method keeps them soft on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside, just as delightful as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar in the Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes Recipe?
While regular sugar can work, brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor that is signature to this recipe. If you swap it out, consider adding a touch of molasses for a similar effect.
Do I have to use buttermilk, or can I substitute it?
Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and helps with tenderness, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can mix ¾ cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes as a great substitute.
Can I make the pancake batter ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to give it a gentle stir before cooking, as the baking powder will start activating as it rests.
How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
For the sweetest, most flavorful pancakes, use bananas that are well-ripened with lots of brown spots. They’ll be soft and full of natural sugars, enhancing both taste and texture.
What’s the best way to keep pancakes warm while cooking multiple batches?
Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) to keep them warm and moist while you finish the rest of the batch.
Final Thoughts
The Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat, these pancakes shine with their perfect blend of sweetness, fluffiness, and wholesome banana goodness. Give them a try and watch your loved ones light up with every bite!
Print
Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these fluffy Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, a perfect breakfast treat combining ripe bananas and rich brown sugar for a sweet, comforting flavor. These pancakes are easy to make and topped with classic maple syrup, sliced bananas, walnuts, and chocolate chips for personalized indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 small bananas)
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, plus more for greasing griddle
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar (dark brown sugar preferred)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Toppings
- Butter
- Maple syrup
- Sliced banana
- Walnuts
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure they are evenly incorporated and to create a light batter.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients and Combine: In a separate bowl or adding directly, combine the mashed ripe bananas, melted unsalted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and pure vanilla extract. Stir the wet ingredients until smooth, then fold into the dry ingredients carefully to avoid overmixing, forming a thick pancake batter.
- Heat and Grease Griddle: Preheat your griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat and grease it generously with butter to prevent sticking and to impart flavor.
- Cook Pancakes: Using a â…“ cup measure, drop portions of batter onto the hot griddle, spreading them gently into circles if necessary. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to set, about 2-3 minutes, then flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown and cooked through, about another 2 minutes.
- Serve Warm: Serve the pancakes hot off the griddle with butter, maple syrup, and your choice of sliced bananas, walnuts, and chocolate chips for delicious, customizable toppings.
Notes
- Use dark brown sugar to enhance the caramel flavor in these pancakes.
- For best results, use ripe, spotty bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Cook pancakes on medium-low heat to ensure they cook evenly without burning.
- These pancakes freeze well; reheat them gently in a toaster or oven.
- Substitute buttermilk with milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
