Banana Pancakes Recipe – Soft, Fluffy, and Delicious the Whole Family Will Love
Banana Pancakes Recipe
Banana Pancakes are one of the easiest breakfast and merienda recipes you can make at home. If you’re looking for a simple pancake recipe that’s naturally sweet, soft, and full of banana flavor, this is the one you should try. I got this recipe from my Lola, and it has been our family’s go-to recipe whenever we’re craving homemade pancakes. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients and ripe Lakatan bananas, creating pancakes that are incredibly moist, fluffy, and delicious.
Unlike ordinary pancakes, these Banana Pancakes have a naturally rich banana aroma and sweetness, making them satisfying even without too much syrup. The mashed bananas also keep the pancakes soft even after they cool down.
Whether you’re preparing breakfast for the family, an afternoon snack, or a quick weekend treat, this Banana Pancakes recipe is easy enough for beginners yet delicious enough that everyone will ask for seconds.
The best part is that you don’t need any special equipment. Just a bowl, a whisk, a frying pan, and a few minutes of cooking time.
If you have overripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter, don’t throw them away. Turn them into these fluffy Banana Pancakes instead!
8 Tips for the Best Banana Pancakes
1. Use ripe Lakatan bananas
The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your Banana Pancakes will be. Bananas with brown spots are perfect.
2. Don’t overmix the batter
Mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in dense pancakes instead of fluffy ones.
3. Mash the bananas well
Smooth mashed bananas distribute more evenly throughout the batter and produce a softer texture.
4. Adjust the batter if needed
The batter should be thick but still pourable. If it’s too thick, gradually add a little more milk until you achieve the right consistency.
5. Cook over low heat
Low heat allows the center to cook completely while preventing the outside from burning.
6. Keep the pan covered
Covering the pan traps heat and helps the pancakes cook faster and rise better.
7. Flip only once
Wait until bubbles appear on top and the edges begin to set before flipping.
8. Serve immediately
Banana Pancakes are at their fluffiest and softest while still warm.
Incredible Banana Pancakes Family Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 medium Lakatan bananas dessert bananas
- 1 cup all-purpose flour 160 grams
- ½ cup brown sugar 100 grams
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 medium eggs
- ¼ cup cooking oil
- ¼ cup milk fresh milk or evaporated milk
- Additional milk if needed up to another ¼ cup
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and sea salt. Mix until evenly combined. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, cooking oil, and milk until well combined.
- Peel the bananas and mash them thoroughly using a fork until mostly smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until almost combined.
- Add the mashed bananas and continue mixing until incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Check the consistency of the batter. It should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, gradually add a little more milk until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Heat a non-stick frying pan over low heat.
- Lightly brush the pan with cooking oil.
- Pour enough batter onto the pan to form your desired pancake size.
- Cover the pan and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Carefully flip the pancake and cook the other side for another 2 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve warm with butter, maple syrup, honey, or additional sliced bananas.
Other Ways of Cooking
This Banana Pancakes recipe is best cooked on a stovetop using a covered frying pan.
While some people make pancakes on electric griddles, this particular batter is not suitable for baking in a conventional oven or air fryer because pancake batter relies on direct contact with a hot cooking surface to achieve its fluffy texture and evenly browned exterior.
Storage
Allow the Banana Pancakes to cool completely before storing.
Refrigerator – Place the pancakes in an airtight container or separate each pancake with parchment paper. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezer Wrap individual pancakes in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Microwave for 20-30 seconds per pancake.
- Reheat in a covered frying pan over low heat for a few minutes.
- You may also toast them lightly for slightly crisp edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bananas are best for Banana Pancakes?
Lakatan or other dessert bananas are highly recommended because they are naturally sweet, fragrant, and soft. The riper they are, the better the flavor.
Can I use Saba bananas?
Saba bananas have a firmer texture and a milder flavor. While they can work, Lakatan or Cavendish bananas produce softer and sweeter pancakes.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes. White sugar works perfectly fine. Brown sugar simply adds a richer caramel flavor and slightly more moisture.
Can I use evaporated milk?
Yes. Fresh milk and evaporated milk both work well in this recipe.
Why is my batter too thick?
Bananas vary in size and moisture content. If your batter becomes too thick, gradually add more milk until it becomes thick but pourable.
Why are my pancakes dense?
This usually happens when the batter is overmixed. Stir only until the ingredients are combined.
Why did my pancakes burn before the center was cooked?
The heat is likely too high. Always cook Banana Pancakes over low heat and keep the pan covered.
Can I add other ingredients?
Yes. Chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, pecans, cinnamon, or vanilla extract are all delicious additions.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to cook the batter immediately after mixing because the baking powder starts working once it is combined with the wet ingredients. Delaying cooking may result in less fluffy pancakes.
What toppings go well with Banana Pancakes?
Try serving them with:
- Butter
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Peanut butter
- Chocolate syrup
- Fresh banana slices
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
Banana Pancakes Recipe Video
For more recipe videos, visit our YouTube channel, Onyok Kokok, by clicking the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/@onyokkokok8538
Discover more step-by-step written recipes by clicking the link below.
Filipino Recipes & Cooking – Onyok Kokok Kitchen
Final Note
This Banana Pancakes recipe has been part of our family for many years, thanks to my Lola. It’s simple, affordable, and made with everyday ingredients, yet it consistently produces soft, fluffy, and flavorful pancakes that everyone enjoys. Whether you’re making breakfast for the family or preparing a quick afternoon merienda, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep and make again and again.
Once you try these homemade Banana Pancakes, you’ll understand why they’ve remained our family’s favorite for generations.
