Banana Pancakes Recipe Light & Fluffy

Name: Banana Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1¼ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 cup buttermilk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoon butter melted (slightly cooled); 1 medium mashed very ripe banana (about ⅓ cup); vegetable oil

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY FOR DETAILS. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Banana Pancakes are a fantastic way to get that moist banana bread taste in easy-to-make small-portioned pancakes. These light fluffy made from scratch buttermilk pancakes with all-natural banana flavor, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon are hard to resist. Serve with warm maple syrup and savor the memories of great breakfasts with your parents and grandparents.

A stack of banana pancakes with syrup and slices of banana on a single serving plate.

Are you a big banana recipe lover? My husband and daughter are just nuts over bananas! If you like this recipe, try banana milk, banana nut bread, and banana cream pie.

Why I Love This Recipe

Who can resist buttermilk pancakes? Better yet, who can resist banana buttermilk pancakes? Your family is going to love this tasty breakfast. They are a huge hit with kids.
This quick and easy recipe can be on the table in about 20 minutes without special equipment or techniques.
Those overripe bananas will not go to waste with this scrumptious recipe around. In fact, the browner the bananas, the better! There is so much flavor in those overripe bananas.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.

Cinnamon: I use a little bit to enhance the banana flavor.
Buttermilk: To make buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 scant cup of milk.
Vanilla extract: Use the pure stuff, please.
Butter: Unsalted or salted butter
Bananas: An overripe banana works best. The browner, the better! Mash the banana with a fork until smooth.

How To Make Banana Pancakes

This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.

First, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, stir together the egg, brown sugar, buttermilk, vanilla, melted butter, and mashed banana. Then add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring with a spoon, just until combined. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.

Some of the steps to making banana pancakes. add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring with a spoon, just until combined. Cook the pancakes on the first side until lots of little bubbles come to the surface, and the pancake is golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook until the other side is golden brown.

Heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Using a small ladle, pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake into the hot skillet. Cook the pancakes on the first side until lots of little bubbles come to the surface, and the pancake is golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook until the other side is golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil when needed.

Preparation Tips

Do not overmix the pancake batter, as it can make the pancakes tough. Mix just until combined.
After mixing, let the batter rest for 10 minutes. This helps produce more air bubbles, yielding lighter and fluffier pancakes.
For added flavor, mix in a handful of chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or rolled oats.
Serve with sweet cream butter and a simple drizzle of maple syrup. Or top with peanut butter or fresh berries. Or add crunch and protein with walnuts or pecans.

A close up view of banana panakes with syrup and slices of banana on a white plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store banana pancakes?

Store the pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can you freeze banana pancakes?

Once cooled, place them in a Ziploc freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

How do I reheat them?

Reheat in the toaster. The microwave will do in a pinch, but the toaster gives them that straight-from-the-pan crispiness.

More Banana Recipes