Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

Published: July 21, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these pancakes in no time.
Deliciously Sweet: The brown sugar adds a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with ripe bananas.
Customizable: Top them with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or walnuts for added flavor and texture.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
Family-Friendly: Kids will love these pancakes, making them an ideal choice for family breakfasts.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gathering your tools will streamline the cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Griddle or large skillet
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients separately, ensuring even mixing.
Griddle or large skillet: Provides a flat cooking surface for perfectly shaped pancakes.
Rubber spatula: Helps gently fold ingredients together without overmixing the batter.

Ingredients

Moist, light, and fluffy Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes sweetened with brown sugar and flavored with vanilla. The best Banana Pancakes EVER!

Dry Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

3/4 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 small bananas)
2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (plus more for greasing griddle)
1 large egg
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup packed brown sugar (preferably dark brown sugar)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Serving

Butter
Maple syrup
Sliced banana
Walnuts
Chocolate chips

How to Make Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients:
1. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Mix well until evenly combined.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients:
1. Combine mashed banana, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix until thoroughly blended.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients:
1. Use a rubber spatula to gently stir until just combined.
2. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes

Prepare your griddle or skillet:
1. Heat over medium-low heat and grease lightly with butter.
2. Pour approximately 1/3 cup portions of batter onto the griddle.
3. Cook until bubbles form on top (the batter will be thick).
4. Flip carefully and cook until golden brown on both sides.

Serve hot with your choice of toppings like butter, maple syrup, sliced bananas, walnuts, or chocolate chips! Enjoy your delicious Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

Serving Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes is an opportunity to enhance their delicious flavor and make breakfast extra special. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your pancake experience.

Classic Toppings

Butter and Maple Syrup: A timeless combination, just spread a pat of butter on top and drizzle with warm maple syrup for sweetness.
Sliced Bananas: Fresh banana slices add a nice texture and complement the banana flavor in the pancakes.
Chopped Walnuts: For a crunchy contrast, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for added nutrition and flavor.

Indulgent Additions

Chocolate Chips: Mix in or sprinkle chocolate chips onto the pancakes while cooking for a sweet treat that chocolate lovers will enjoy.
Whipped Cream: Top your pancakes with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and fluffy finish.
Yogurt: A spoonful of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a touch of tartness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

To achieve the best Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, follow these helpful tips that will ensure they turn out moist, light, and fluffy every time.

Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas are, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be.
Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the pancakes fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense pancakes.
Preheat Your Griddle: Ensure your griddle is hot enough before pouring batter to create that perfect golden-brown crust.
Adjust Heat as Needed: If your pancakes are browning too quickly, lower the heat; this allows them to cook evenly throughout without burning.
Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor in your pancakes.

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 excellent options that complement their sweetness perfectly.

Bacon: Crispy bacon provides a savory contrast that balances the sweetness of the pancakes beautifully.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color, making your plate visually appealing.
Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs offer protein and make for a hearty breakfast alongside sweet pancakes.
Cottage Cheese: This creamy side adds protein while its mild flavor complements the sweet banana taste perfectly.
Hash Browns: Golden-brown hash browns provide a crunchy texture that pairs nicely with soft pancakes.
Sausage Links: Savory sausage links add richness to your meal, creating a satisfying combination with the sweet flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that can hinder your pancake game. Here are a few to watch out for:

Overmixing the batter: When you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes instead of fluffy ones.
Not using ripe bananas: Ripe bananas are key for sweetness and flavor. Choose bananas with brown spots; they’ll make your pancakes taste better.
Cooking at too high a temperature: Cooking pancakes on high heat can result in burnt outsides and raw insides. Stick to medium-low heat for even cooking.
Skipping the resting time: Allowing the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes can improve texture. This lets the flour fully hydrate and results in lighter pancakes.
Using the wrong type of flour: Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour can alter the pancake’s texture. Stick to all-purpose flour for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
For optimal freshness, place parchment paper between layers.

Freezing Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

Place pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Frozen pancakes can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pancakes on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Place 1-2 pancakes on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat, add a little butter, and place pancakes in the skillet. Cook until heated through, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour for Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, though it may change the texture slightly.

How do I make Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes healthier?

Consider reducing the amount of brown sugar or using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. You could also add oats for extra fiber.

What toppings go well with Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes?

Popular toppings include butter, maple syrup, sliced bananas, walnuts, or even chocolate chips for added sweetness.

Can I make these Pancakes without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana to keep them moist and fluffy.

Final Thoughts

Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! Whether you enjoy them plain or topped with your favorite ingredients, they are sure to please everyone at breakfast time. Feel free to customize them with nuts, berries, or even chocolate chips to suit your taste! Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!