Fluffy Banana Pancakes Delightfully Simple Recipe

November 14, 2025January 15, 2025 by Chef Remy

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– ½ teaspoon baking soda

– ¼ teaspoon sea salt

– 1 ripe banana, mashed until smooth

– 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice)

– 1 large egg, at room temperature

– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus additional for greasing the skillet)

– ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– Optional toppings: sliced fresh bananas, pure maple syrup, fluffy whipped cream, and chopped nuts

Gather the ingredients before you start. This makes cooking smooth and fun. The flour gives the pancakes structure. Sugar adds sweetness, while baking powder and baking soda help them rise. Sea salt brings out all the flavors.

Use a ripe banana for a natural sweetness. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with lemon juice. This gives you the same tangy taste. The egg binds everything together. Melted butter adds richness. Lastly, vanilla extract gives a warm, sweet aroma.

Optional toppings like sliced bananas or maple syrup make your pancakes even better. You can get creative with nuts or whipped cream too. These ingredients work together to create a light, fluffy pancake that everyone will love.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Dry Ingredients

First, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, mix the following dry ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– ½ teaspoon baking soda

– ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Whisk these ingredients well. You want them to blend evenly. This step is key for fluffy pancakes.

Preparation of Wet Ingredients

Next, take a separate bowl for the wet ingredients. Combine these items:

– 1 ripe banana, mashed until smooth

– 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)

– 1 large egg, at room temperature

– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

– ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step adds great flavor and moisture.

Combining Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix the wet and dry ingredients. Gently pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir. Mix just until combined. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy. Overmixing can make the pancakes tough.

Cooking the Pancakes

Preheat your non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s hot, lightly coat it with melted butter.

For each pancake, pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet. You can spread it gently to form a round shape. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Watch for bubbles on the surface. The edges should look set.

Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Once done, place cooked pancakes on a warm plate. Keep them warm while you cook the rest.

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Fluffy Pancakes

To make your pancakes fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter. When you mix too much, you activate the gluten in the flour. This can make your pancakes tough instead of light. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy. Just stir until you see no dry flour.

Using room temperature ingredients also helps. When your egg and buttermilk are at room temperature, they blend better. This creates a smooth batter and helps your pancakes rise nicely.

Cooking Tips

Adjusting the heat is key for perfect cooking. Start with medium heat. If the pancakes brown too fast, lower the heat. You want a nice golden color, not burnt.

To keep pancakes warm, place them on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel. You can also put them in a low-temperature oven. This way, they stay warm while you cook the rest. Enjoy them fresh and fluffy!

Variations

Flavor Additions

You can make fluffy banana pancakes even better! Here are two tasty ways:

– Adding chocolate chips: Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter. This creates sweet bursts of flavor in your pancakes.

– Using different fruits: Try berries or diced apples instead of bananas. Each fruit adds a unique taste and a fun twist.

Dietary Adjustments

Want to change the recipe for dietary needs? Here are some easy swaps:

– Gluten-free alternatives: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. This makes the pancakes safe for those with gluten issues.

– Vegan substitutions: Replace the egg with ¼ cup of applesauce. Use almond milk or oat milk in place of buttermilk. These swaps keep the pancakes delicious and vegan-friendly.

Feel free to experiment! These variations can help you create a new favorite. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Storage Info

Leftover Storage

To keep your leftover pancakes fresh, place them in a single layer. Use a plate or a baking sheet for this step. Cover them with plastic wrap or foil. You can also use an airtight container if you have one. Store them in the fridge. They will stay good for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them.

Freezing Pancakes

Freezing pancakes is easy and a great way to save time. First, let your pancakes cool completely. Next, stack them with parchment paper between each one. This helps to keep them from sticking together. Place the stack in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze them for up to two months.

To reheat, take out the pancakes and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Alternatively, heat them in a skillet on low heat for a few minutes. Enjoy your fluffy banana pancakes any time!

FAQs

How to make pancakes more fluffy?

To make your pancakes extra fluffy, focus on these tips:

– Use fresh baking powder and baking soda. These help the pancakes rise.

– Mix the dry ingredients well before adding wet ones. This ensures even leavening.

– Do not overmix the batter. Some lumps are okay. Overmixing makes the pancakes dense.

– Let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking. This allows bubbles to form.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk. To mimic buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for five minutes. This creates acidity, which helps the pancakes rise and adds flavor.

How long do pancakes last in the fridge?

Pancakes can last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing. For safety, check for any signs of spoilage before eating.

This blog post covered making easy banana pancakes. We looked at all the ingredients and steps. Mixing wet and dry ingredients carefully helps keep your pancakes fluffy. You can try fun flavors or make dietary swaps. I shared tips on cooking and storing your pancakes. Remember, cooking is about fun and creativity. Enjoy making these delicious pancakes your wa