Seriously Fluffy Banana Pancakes (A Healthy Protein Boost)
There’s a special kind of magic reserved for weekend mornings, and it often involves the sweet aroma of pancakes cooking on the stovetop. But let’s be honest, not all pancake recipes are created equal. So many promise fluffiness but fall flat, or they rely on a ton of sugar to be tasty. This recipe, however, is the one I come back to time and time again. It’s the one that delivers on every promise.
Get ready to master the art of the perfect fluffy pancake—a simple, freezer-friendly recipe that will fill your kitchen with warmth and your family with joy.
Why These Are the Best Banana Pancakes You’ll Ever Make
You are going to be so proud of the perfect, fluffy stack you create with this foolproof recipe. Here’s why it’s a keeper:
- Unbelievably Fluffy & Tender: Thanks to the right ratio of ingredients and aluminum-free baking powder, these pancakes puff up beautifully for a light, cloud-like texture.
- Naturally Sweetened with Banana: We use overripe bananas as the primary sweetener, which means less added sugar and a more authentic, delicious fruit flavor in every bite.
- A Healthy Protein Boost: With 7g of protein per serving, these pancakes are a more satisfying and energizing choice than standard recipes, helping to keep you full until lunch.
- Made with Simple Pantry Staples: No fancy ingredients here! You likely have everything you need to whip up a batch right now.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These pancakes freeze and reheat like a dream, making them the ultimate solution for quick and easy weekday breakfasts.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 4 (2 pancakes each) |
| Calories | 199 kcal per serving |
| Course | Breakfast, Brunch |
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / Stovetop |
Your Shopping List for a Perfect Pancake Morning
This recipe uses simple, classic ingredients to create a truly spectacular breakfast.
→ For the Pancakes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour → The structural base for our fluffy pancakes.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder → The key to the puff! Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise. I prefer aluminum-free.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon → Adds a wonderful warmth that complements the banana perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon salt → Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ¾ cup mashed overripe banana → This is our natural sweetener and flavor powerhouse. You’ll need about 1 ½ large, very spotty bananas.
- 1 large egg → Binds the batter together and adds a boost of protein.
- ¾ cup milk → Adds moisture for a tender crumb. Any kind of milk will work.
- Cooking spray or oil → For greasing the pan and ensuring a perfect, golden-brown finish.
→ For Serving
- Sliced banana → For a beautiful and delicious topping.
- Maple syrup → The classic finishing touch!
Let’s Get Flipping! Your Step-by-Step Guide
This batter comes together in minutes. The key is a gentle hand and not overmixing!
Part 1: The Simple Batter
- Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly for a consistent rise.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate, larger bowl, beat the mashed banana and the egg together until they are well blended. Whisk in the milk until everything is combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Whisk them together just until combined. It’s very important not to overmix—the batter should still be slightly lumpy!
Part 2: Cook to Golden Perfection
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray or lightly coat with oil.
- Pour the Batter: Using a ⅓-cup measuring cup for even sizing, pour 3-4 circles of batter into the hot pan, leaving some space between them.
- Cook the First Side: Cook for 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s time to flip when the pancakes are puffed on top, the edges look set, and you see bubbles forming on the surface.
- Flip and Finish: Carefully flip the pancakes and cook on the other side for another 1-2 minutes, until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked all the way through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the finished pancakes to a plate and serve immediately with fresh banana slices and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
Fluffy Banana Pancakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another, larger bowl, beat the mashed banana and egg together until blended. Whisk in the milk until combined.
- Whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy; do not overmix.
- Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Using a ⅓-cup measuring cup, pour circles of batter into the pan. Cook until the pancakes are puffed on top and golden brown on the bottom, about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip and cook on the other side until risen and cooked through, about 1-2 minutes more.
- Serve immediately with banana slices and maple syrup.
Notes
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for the Fluffiest Pancakes
These are the golden rules for achieving a perfect, pillowy stack every single time.
- Use VERY Ripe Bananas. This is the most crucial tip for flavor. You want bananas that are heavily speckled with brown or even mostly black. They are significantly sweeter and have a more intense banana flavor, which means you don’t need to add any extra sugar.
- Lumps Are Your Friend! Do Not Overmix. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, you are activating the gluten in the flour. The more you mix, the tougher the gluten gets. For tender, fluffy pancakes, mix just until the flour streaks disappear. A lumpy batter is a good thing!
- Check Your Baking Powder. Baking powder loses its leavening power over time. If your pancakes are coming out flat, your baking powder might be expired. To test it, drop a spoonful into a little hot water. If it fizzes up enthusiastically, it’s still good.
- Medium Heat is the Sweet Spot. It’s tempting to crank up the heat to cook faster, but this will burn the outside of your pancakes before the inside is cooked through. A consistent medium heat is the secret to evenly cooked, golden-brown pancakes.
- Perfect for Freezing. Let the pancakes cool completely on a wire rack. Then, stack them with a small square of parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking. Place the whole stack in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be ready for a quick toaster or microwave breakfast anytime!
Keep Them Fresh! Storing Your Pancakes
These pancakes are amazing for meal prep. Here’s how to store them.
- Refrigerator: Store leftover cooled pancakes in an airtight container or bag in the fridge for up to four days.
- Freezing: This is the best way to store them. Once completely cool, stack with parchment paper between layers, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster, toaster oven, or microwave.
FAQs: Your Banana Pancake Questions
Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Yes, you should be able to. For the best results, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Using just a single GF flour like almond or coconut will not work the same way.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This is an easy swap! Simply use your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk, in place of the dairy milk. The results will be just as delicious.
Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Absolutely! This batter is a great base for additions. Gently fold in about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts or pecans, or even some blueberries right at the end for an extra treat.
Why did my pancakes turn out dense instead of fluffy?
The most common culprit for dense pancakes is overmixing the batter. Remember to mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined; lumps are perfectly fine. The other possibility is old or expired baking powder that has lost its power to create lift.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Family Breakfast
There is a special kind of comfort in a warm stack of homemade pancakes, and this recipe delivers that feeling every single time. These Fluffy Banana Pancakes are simple, wholesome, and consistently delicious. They’re the perfect way to use up those spotty bananas and create a breakfast that your whole family will ask for again and again. Happy flipping!
