Pancakes are the ultimate comfort food, and this fluffy brown sugar banana pancake recipe takes the classic breakfast treat to a whole new level. The rich sweetness of ripe bananas combined with the deep, molasses-like flavor of dark brown sugar makes these pancakes irresistibly delicious. Each bite is a perfect balance of fluffy texture and bold flavor, with a hint of vanilla and a touch of butter that enhances the richness of the pancakes.

These pancakes are not only tasty but also simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The combination of mashed bananas and brown sugar provides a natural sweetness, reducing the need for additional sugar. And, with the tang of buttermilk and a hint of vanilla, these pancakes are light, airy, and absolutely perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch. Whether you’re making them for yourself or for family and friends, these fluffy brown sugar banana pancakes will quickly become a beloved favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Fluffy Texture

These pancakes are incredibly light and fluffy, with a soft, airy texture that melts in your mouth. The secret is in the buttermilk and baking powder, which help create the perfect rise.

2. Naturally Sweetened

The ripe bananas and brown sugar provide natural sweetness, so you don’t need to rely on refined sugar. This gives the pancakes a rich, comforting flavor without being overly sweet.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have these delicious pancakes ready in no time. They’re perfect for a hassle-free breakfast or brunch.

4. Moist and Flavorful

The mashed banana and brown sugar keep these pancakes moist and flavorful. The bananas add a subtle fruitiness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar.

5. Customizable

Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as chocolate chips, nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also experiment with different types of fruit or even add a pinch of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Mashed ripe banana (about 2 small bananas)
Unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing the griddle)
Large egg
Buttermilk
Dark brown sugar
Pure vanilla extract

Variations

Add-ins: You can stir in chocolate chips, walnuts, or blueberries to the batter before cooking for added flavor and texture.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these pancakes.
Vegan: Use a plant-based butter substitute, flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of ground ginger to give the pancakes a spiced flavor.
Banana Substitute: If you’re not a fan of bananas, you can substitute them with mashed pumpkin or sweet potato for a different twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the mashed banana, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and the banana is evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—some lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in dense pancakes, and we want them to stay fluffy.

Step 4: Preheat and Grease the Griddle

Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the griddle with butter or cooking spray. You can test the heat by sprinkling a few drops of water on the griddle; if they sizzle, it’s ready.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings such as butter, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined. Overmixing can cause the pancakes to become dense.
Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the pancakes will be. Bananas with brown spots work best.
Maintain the Right Heat: Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the pancakes while ensuring they cook through. If the griddle is too hot, the pancakes will burn on the outside before cooking fully on the inside.
Keep Pancakes Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked pancakes warm in the oven at 200°F until you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve

These fluffy brown sugar banana pancakes are delicious on their own but can be made even more indulgent with the right toppings. Here are a few ideas:

Maple Syrup: A classic choice that enhances the sweetness of the pancakes.
Fresh Fruit: Bananas, strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries are all great options.
Whipped Cream: For a rich and indulgent touch.
Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor.
Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter twist, add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover pancakes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the pancakes by placing a piece of parchment paper between each pancake. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place them in a toaster or heat them in a skillet until warmed through.

Reheating

To reheat pancakes, place them in a toaster or microwave for 30-60 seconds, or warm them in a skillet over low heat. You can add a little butter to the pan for extra flavor as they heat up.

FAQs

1. Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pancake batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a stir before cooking.

2. Can I use frozen bananas instead of fresh ones?

While fresh bananas give the best texture, you can use frozen bananas as long as they’re thawed and mashed well before adding them to the batter.

3. Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can use regular granulated sugar, but brown sugar adds a deeper flavor and moisture to the pancakes, so it’s highly recommended.

4. Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the buttermilk with any non-dairy milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk, and it will still work well.

5. What kind of flour should I use?

All-purpose flour is best for this recipe, but you can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative, though it may affect the texture slightly.

6. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, chocolate chips are a great addition to the batter! Just fold them in gently to avoid overmixing.

7. Can I make these pancakes vegan?

Yes, by replacing the egg with a flax egg and using plant-based butter and non-dairy milk, you can make these pancakes vegan-friendly.

8. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

If you’re using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder from the recipe, as self-rising flour already contains it.

9. How do I know when my pancakes are ready to flip?

Wait until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake, and the edges start to set before flipping. This indicates they’re ready to be flipped.

10. Can I make the batter thicker?

If you prefer thicker pancakes, reduce the amount of buttermilk slightly, but be sure not to make the batter too thick as it could affect the texture.

Conclusion

These fluffy brown sugar banana pancakes are the perfect way to start your day. With their light texture, rich banana flavor, and the sweetness of brown sugar, they offer a comforting and satisfying breakfast or brunch option. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these pancakes are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you top them with syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream, you’ll savor every bite of this irresistible treat.