If you’re searching for the ultimate weekend breakfast, look no further than Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes. These golden, fluffy pancakes have irresistible depth thanks to caramel-y brown sugar, naturally sweet ripe bananas, and just a hint of vanilla. Every bite is like a warm hug, and the pancakes cook up soft and fragrant, perfect for piling high with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re serving brunch to friends or simply treating yourself, these Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes will turn any morning into a special occasion.

Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s truly amazing how just a handful of kitchen staples can come together to create something so comforting. Each ingredient plays its part in making these pancakes light, flavorful, and unforgettable, from the sweet bananas and the rich brown sugar to the tenderizing buttermilk.

All purpose flour: Provides structure for light yet satisfying pancakes; be sure to measure properly for best results.
Baking powder: Gives the pancakes their fluffy lift, creating beautiful little air pockets.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and keeps things balanced.
Mashed ripe banana: The star of the show adds sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable banana aroma.
Melted unsalted butter: Makes each pancake rich and tender; don’t forget a little extra for greasing the pan.
Large egg: Binds everything together, delivering a soft, cohesive crumb.
Buttermilk: Provides tang and tenderness, resulting in pancakes that are never dry or heavy.
Packed brown sugar (dark preferred): Offers deep caramel notes that make these pancakes next-level delicious.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out all the sweet, cozy flavors.
For serving: Think butter, maple syrup, extra banana slices, walnuts, and maybe even a sprinkle of chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

How to Make Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start with a large bowl and whisk together your all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly ensures that every pancake has even lift and flavor—no random salty bits or lumps of flour here!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mash those ripe bananas until smooth, then whisk in the melted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens—the bananas keep the pancakes moist, while the brown sugar brings that signature caramel richness.

Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gently stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will actually help keep your pancakes light and fluffy. Overmixing is the enemy of tender Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes!

Step 4: Cook Up the Pancakes

Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-low and brush it with melted butter. Drop your batter in 1/3-cup portions, gently spreading them to form circles. The batter is thick, so bubbles might not pop up as visibly as other pancakes, but once the edges look set, it’s time to flip. Cook on the second side until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are fluffy and hot off the griddle, serve them right away! Stack them up high, slather with butter, drizzle generously with maple syrup, and add your favorite garnishes.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

Garnishes

If you want to lean into the decadence, lavish your pancakes with butter, a pour of maple syrup, and a few extra banana slices. Toasted walnuts add a lovely crunch, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips feels downright celebratory.

Side Dishes

These sweet, hearty pancakes pair wonderfully with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance out the flavors. A fresh fruit salad or a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt rounds out the meal with brightness and tang.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes tall and skewering them with a wooden stick for a brunch buffet. Or serve mini pancakes as a playful breakfast appetizer. For a special twist, layer the pancakes with a whipped cream cheese filling for a banana “shortcake” stack!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover pancakes cool completely before wrapping them tightly or placing them in an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh and tender for up to three days—perfect for busy weekday breakfasts.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange completely cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep their deliciousness for up to two months!

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual pancakes in a toaster or toaster oven to revive their crisp edges. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry, or warm a whole batch gently in the oven.

FAQs

Can I make these pancakes dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk with a splash of lemon juice instead of buttermilk. You’ll still get fluffy, flavorful Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes.

How can I keep my pancakes warm while cooking batches?

Set your oven to its lowest setting and place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet inside; they’ll stay warm and soft without drying out while you finish frying the rest.

What’s the best way to mash bananas for this recipe?

Use a fork or a potato masher to mash ripe bananas until mostly smooth with just a few small lumps. The riper the bananas, the easier they’ll be to mash (and the sweeter your pancakes will taste).

Can I make the batter in advance?

It’s best to use the batter right after mixing for optimal fluffiness, but if you need to prep ahead, you can combine the dry and wet ingredients separately and mix them together just before cooking.

Do I have to use buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds wonderful tenderness, but if you don’t have it on hand, stir a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar into regular milk and let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to your batter.

Final Thoughts

The magic of Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes is how a simple list of ingredients can transform into something that feels truly special. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or treating yourself to a cozy breakfast, these pancakes are sure to bring a little extra joy to the table. Give them a try, and get ready to savor every sweet, fluffy bite!

Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 9 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Makes about 10 pancakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in these irresistibly fluffy Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes that are perfect for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. Made with ripe bananas and a hint of brown sugar, these pancakes are bursting with sweet, comforting flavors.

Instructions

Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.

Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk mashed banana, butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir with a rubber spatula until combined, being careful not to overmix.

Cooking: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat and grease with butter. Drop the batter in approximately ⅓ cup portions onto the griddle, spreading out the batter to form even circles. Cook until bubbles begin to form. Flip and continue cooking until cooked through.
Serve hot with butter and syrup.