Moist and fluffy, Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or brunch. With the rich flavor of brown sugar and the sweetness of ripe bananas, these pancakes stand out for their light texture and warm vanilla notes. Ideal for family gatherings, lazy weekends, or even a quick weekday breakfast, they are sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These pancakes come together in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and brown sugar creates a sweet and satisfying taste that everyone loves.
- Versatile Toppings: Pair them with butter, maple syrup, walnuts, or chocolate chips for a customized breakfast experience.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, these pancakes offer a good balance of carbohydrates and protein to fuel your day.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweetness from the bananas makes these pancakes appealing to children, encouraging them to enjoy a nutritious meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather all necessary tools. Having everything on hand will streamline your pancake-making experience and ensure you don’t miss any steps.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Griddle or large skillet
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients without any mess.
- Rubber spatula: Great for folding in ingredients gently to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Griddle or large skillet: Provides an even cooking surface for perfectly golden pancakes every time.

Ingredients
To make these delicious Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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 (dark brown sugar preferred)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
To Serve
- 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:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Salt
Mix well to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent.
Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
1. Mashed ripe banana
2. Melted unsalted butter
3. Egg
4. Buttermilk
5. Brown sugar
6. Vanilla extract
Stir until fully combined.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients Together
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; lumps are okay!
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Grease it with butter.
- Pour approximately 1/3 cup portions of batter onto the griddle, spreading them into even circles.
- Cook until bubbles form on top; this may be hard to see due to thick batter.
- Flip carefully and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Serve hot with butter and syrup for an unforgettable breakfast experience! Enjoy your Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes with your favorite toppings!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are deliciously versatile and can be dressed up in many ways to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a classic approach or something a bit more adventurous, here are some serving suggestions.
Classic Toppings
- Butter and Maple Syrup: A traditional pairing that enhances the pancakes’ sweetness and richness.
- Sliced Bananas: Fresh banana slices add a boost of flavor and texture, making each bite delightful.
- Walnuts: Chopped walnuts provide a crunchy contrast and nutty flavor that complements the softness of the pancakes.
Decadent Additions
- Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter or on top for a sweet treat that kids love.
- Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent breakfast experience.
- Peanut Butter Drizzle: A drizzle of peanut butter adds creaminess and a savory twist to your pancakes.
Fruit Compote
- Mixed Berry Compote: A homemade berry compote made from strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries can elevate your pancakes with its fruity tartness.
- Caramelized Apples: Sautéed apples in cinnamon and brown sugar create a warm topping that pairs beautifully with banana flavors.
How to Perfect Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Achieving the perfect Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pancakes come out light, fluffy, and delicious.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter they will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for optimal flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes instead of fluffy ones.
- Adjust Heat Carefully: Cook over medium-low heat to allow even cooking. This prevents burnt outsides and raw insides.
- Let Batter Rest: Allowing the batter to rest for about 5-10 minutes can help improve texture by letting the flour hydrate properly.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Pairing side dishes with your Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes can enhance your breakfast experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Greek Yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt provides protein and a tangy contrast to the sweetness of pancakes.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and nutrition alongside the pancakes.
- Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs make for a savory balance against sweet pancakes.
- Breakfast Sausages: Turkey or chicken sausages offer a protein-rich option that complements the meal well.
- Oven-Baked Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and heartiness, creating a satisfying breakfast plate.
- Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toasted bread brings healthy fats and vibrant flavors to your morning spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the best Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, avoid these common errors.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough pancakes. Stir just until combined for a light texture.
- Using unripe bananas: Unripe bananas will not provide enough sweetness or flavor. Always choose ripe bananas for the best results.
- Not preheating the griddle: Cooking on an unheated surface can result in uneven cooking. Ensure your griddle is hot before adding batter.
- Ignoring the cooking temperature: Cooking pancakes on high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Keep the heat at medium-low for perfect pancakes.
- Skipping the greasing step: A non-greased surface can cause pancakes to stick and break apart. Use butter to grease your griddle properly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Place cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
- Frozen pancakes are best used within 2 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm pancakes on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Warm individual pancakes for about 20-30 seconds, checking until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat and warm each pancake for about 1-2 minutes per side.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, here are some common questions answered.
Can I make Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create delicious gluten-free Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes.
How can I customize my Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes?
You can add ingredients like nuts, chocolate chips, or spices such as cinnamon for extra flavor.
What can I serve with Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes?
These pancakes pair well with maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even yogurt for added richness.
How do I make these pancakes vegan?
To make vegan Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, replace buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with vinegar and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
Final Thoughts
Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite add-ins or toppings. Try making these delightful pancakes for breakfast or brunch; they are sure to impress family and friends!

Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Indulge in the delightful experience of Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, a fluffy and flavorful breakfast treat that everyone loves. Made with ripe bananas and the rich sweetness of brown sugar, these pancakes are perfect for lazy weekends or busy weekday mornings. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a stack of these warm, vanilla-scented pancakes that are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Serve them with butter, maple syrup, or your favorite toppings for a customizable breakfast that feels special every time.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 small bananas)
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla until combined.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just mixed—lumps are okay.
- Heat a greased griddle over medium-low heat. Pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form on top (about 2-3 minutes), then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Griddling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg