Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

Published: May 3, 2025

by Clare

Moist, light, and fluffy, Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are a delightful way to start your day. These pancakes are sweetened with brown sugar and infused with vanilla, making them perfect for breakfast or brunch. Whether you’re treating yourself on a cozy morning or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, these pancakes will be the star of the meal. With their rich flavor and tender texture, they can easily become your go-to pancake recipe!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these pancakes come together quickly.
Delicious Flavor – The combination of ripe bananas and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
Versatile Toppings – Enjoy them plain or dressed up with maple syrup, walnuts, or chocolate chips for added indulgence.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a weekday breakfast or a special brunch gathering, these pancakes fit every occasion.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Griddle or large skillet
Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing Bowls – A good set of mixing bowls allows you to keep dry and wet ingredients separate until they’re ready to combine.
Whisk – A whisk ensures that your batter is well-mixed without lumps, leading to perfectly fluffy pancakes.
Griddle or Large Skillet – Using a griddle allows you to cook multiple pancakes at once, saving time during busy mornings.

Ingredients

Ingredients (4 servings, ~8 pancakes)

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 unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)
1 large egg
¾ cup buttermilk
¼ cup packed brown sugar (dark brown sugar preferred)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Serving (Optional):

Butter
Maple syrup
Sliced bananas
Walnuts
Chocolate chips

How to Make Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. In another bowl, mix the mashed banana, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this can lead to dense pancakes.

Step 2: Cook the Pancakes

Heat your griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat and grease it lightly with butter. Pour about ⅓ cup portions of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Let them spread slightly into even circles. Cook until bubbles form on the surface—this may take a minute or two since the batter is thick. Flip each pancake carefully and continue cooking for an additional couple of minutes until golden brown.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your warm Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes straight off the griddle with butter on top and drizzle with maple syrup. Feel free to add sliced bananas, walnuts, or even chocolate chips for an extra treat! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

Serving Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes is all about enhancing their delicious flavor and making breakfast a special occasion. Here are some delightful suggestions to elevate your pancake experience.

Classic Toppings

Butter: A pat of rich, creamy butter melting on top adds a delightful richness.
Maple Syrup: The sweet, amber goodness of maple syrup perfectly complements the banana flavor.

Fresh Fruits

Sliced Bananas: Add more banana slices for a fresh touch that enhances the pancake’s natural sweetness.
Berries: Blueberries or strawberries provide a tart contrast that balances the sweetness.

Crunchy Additions

Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, perfect for texture.
Chocolate Chips: For a decadent twist, sprinkle chocolate chips on top while cooking for gooey goodness.

Special Drizzles

Honey: Drizzling honey over the pancakes can add an extra layer of sweetness and floral notes.
Nut Butter: A spoonful of almond or peanut butter gives a creamy richness that pairs beautifully with bananas.

How to Perfect Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

To achieve the most delicious Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, follow these simple tips for perfect results every time.

Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your pancakes will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor.
Don’t overmix: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to avoid dense pancakes. Overmixing can lead to tough texture.
Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking helps create fluffy pancakes by letting the gluten relax.
Control the heat: Cooking on medium-low heat ensures even cooking without burning. Adjust as necessary based on your stovetop.
Add toppings while cooking: If using chocolate chips or nuts, sprinkle them onto the batter after pouring it onto the griddle for even distribution.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

Pairing side dishes with your Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes can create a well-rounded breakfast. Here are some delightful options to consider.

Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and balance out the sweetness of the pancakes.
Bacon or Sausage: Crispy bacon or savory sausage brings a salty contrast that complements the sweet pancakes beautifully.
Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang, making it a healthy option alongside your pancakes.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can enhance flavors while providing freshness and color to your plate.
Cottage Cheese: This protein-packed option adds creaminess and pairs well with pancakes for a filling breakfast.
Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl offers additional nutrients and flavors that can elevate your breakfast experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, it’s easy to overlook some key details that ensure perfect pancakes every time.

Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and buttermilk can affect the fluffiness of your pancakes. Always bring them to room temperature before mixing.
Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough pancakes. Mix just until combined; lumps are okay!
Cooking on high heat: Cooking at too high a temperature can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Use medium-low heat for even cooking.
Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping directly from the bag packs the flour, leading to dense pancakes. Fluff, scoop, and level the flour for accuracy.
Skipping resting time: Allowing the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes helps create extra fluffy pancakes. Don’t skip this step!

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container or tightly wrap them in plastic wrap.
They will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

Place pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place pancakes on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual pancakes for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes so special?

Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes stand out due to their rich flavor profile from brown sugar and ripe bananas, creating a moist texture that’s hard to resist.

Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

How can I customize my Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. Toppings like whipped cream or fresh fruits also enhance their appeal.

How do I know when my pancakes are done?

Look for bubbles forming on the surface and edges that appear set. Flip them carefully and cook until golden brown on both sides.

Final Thoughts

These Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are not only incredibly tasty but also versatile. You can enjoy them plain or customize them with your favorite toppings. They are perfect for any breakfast occasion and are sure to please everyone at your table! Give this recipe a try and make your mornings special!

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