Moist, light, and fluffy Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are a delightful treat for any breakfast occasion. These pancakes are sweetened with brown sugar and infused with vanilla, making them a perfect choice for cozy mornings or family brunches. Their unique flavors and textures will impress anyone at the table, ensuring that every bite is a tender delight.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- Wet Ingredients:
- For Serving (Optional):
- How to Make Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Step 2: Cook the Pancakes
- Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
- How to Serve Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- With Butter and Maple Syrup
- Topped with Sliced Bananas
- Nutty Addition
- Chocolate Chips Delight
- Yogurt Twist
- Whipped Cream Finish
- How to Perfect Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Reheating Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes ahead of time?
- What should I do if my pancakes are too thick?
- How do I know when my pancakes are ready to flip?
- Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these pancakes come together quickly, perfect for busy mornings.
- Fluffy Texture: The combination of ripe bananas and buttermilk creates pancakes that are incredibly light and fluffy.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your pancakes with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, nuts, or chocolate chips for added flavor.
- Kid-Friendly: These pancakes are a hit with both kids and adults alike, making them an ideal family breakfast option.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftover pancakes can be easily stored in the fridge or freezer for quick breakfasts later in the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make cooking smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Griddle or large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to mix your dry and wet ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Ensures the batter is well combined and helps incorporate air for fluffiness.
- Griddle or large skillet: Allows for even cooking of multiple pancakes at once, saving time.
Ingredients
For these delicious Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, you will need the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 small bananas)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar (dark brown sugar preferred)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For Serving (Optional):
- Butter
- Maple syrup
- Sliced bananas
- Walnuts
- Chocolate chips

How to Make Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the mashed banana, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients.
- Stir gently with a rubber spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 2: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat and grease it with butter.
- Pour ⅓ cup portions of batter onto the griddle.
- Spread slightly to form even circles.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface; this might take a few minutes as bubbles may be subtle due to thick batter.
- Flip the pancakes carefully and cook for another couple of minutes until cooked through.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with butter, maple syrup, or your choice of toppings such as 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 can elevate your breakfast experience. Here are some delightful ideas to enhance your pancake feast.
With Butter and Maple Syrup
- Classic Combo: A pat of butter melts beautifully on warm pancakes, while maple syrup adds a rich sweetness that complements the brown sugar and banana flavor.
Topped with Sliced Bananas
- Fresh & Fruity: Adding fresh banana slices enhances the banana flavor and gives a pleasing texture contrast, making every bite delightful.
Nutty Addition
- Walnuts or Pecans: Sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, providing a lovely contrast to the soft pancakes.
Chocolate Chips Delight
- Sweet Surprise: Mixing in chocolate chips either into the batter or as a topping creates a decadent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
Yogurt Twist
- Creamy Layer: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein, turning your breakfast into a more fulfilling meal.
Whipped Cream Finish
- Light & Airy: Top with whipped cream for an indulgent touch that makes these pancakes feel like dessert for breakfast.
How to Perfect Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
To achieve the ultimate Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, follow these helpful tips for the best results.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots!
- Don’t Overmix: Gently stir the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Rest the Batter: Allowing the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking helps create air bubbles, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
- Control Your Heat: Cooking on medium-low heat ensures even cooking throughout. High heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
- Grease Carefully: Use just enough butter to grease your skillet or griddle; too much can make pancakes greasy rather than golden brown and fluffy.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to get creative by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix-ins like blueberries or shredded coconut for unique flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Pairing side dishes with your Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon adds a savory element that balances the sweetness of pancakes perfectly.
- Breakfast Sausages: Link or patty sausages offer hearty protein that complements your fluffy pancakes.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and bright flavors that enhance your breakfast spread.
- Scrambled Eggs: Soft scrambled eggs provide a creamy texture and protein boost alongside sweet pancakes.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns introduce a satisfying crunch that pairs well with soft pancakes.
- Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl brings in nutrients and keeps breakfast light and vibrant.
- Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado toast offers healthy fats and is a trendy accompaniment to any breakfast plate.
- Cottage Cheese: Rich in protein, cottage cheese serves as a creamy side that can be enjoyed plain or topped with fruit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes can be a delight, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.
- Using too much flour: Overpacking flour can make your pancakes dense. Use the proper measuring technique by fluffing the flour, scooping it lightly, and leveling it off.
- Not letting the batter rest: Skipping the resting period can result in tough pancakes. Letting the batter rest for 5-10 minutes helps create lighter, fluffier pancakes.
- Cooking on high heat: High temperatures can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Maintain a medium-low heat for even cooking.
- Overmixing the batter: This leads to chewy pancakes. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and fluffy.
- Skipping toppings: Serving plain pancakes can miss out on added flavor. Enhance your meal with butter, maple syrup, or fruits for an enjoyable experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Place cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pancakes on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each pancake for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What should I do if my pancakes are too thick?
If your pancake batter is too thick, add a splash of milk or buttermilk until you reach your desired consistency.
How do I know when my pancakes are ready to flip?
Look for bubbles forming on the surface of the pancake. When they begin to pop and stay open, it’s time to flip!
Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?
While brown sugar adds moisture and flavor, you can use white sugar as a substitute if needed, but it may alter the taste slightly.
Final Thoughts
These Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast or a special brunch, these pancakes are sure to please everyone at the table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a cozy start to your day!
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📖 Recipe Card
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Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately four servings (12 pancakes) 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, where moist, fluffy texture meets the sweet essence of ripe bananas and brown sugar. Perfect for cozy mornings or family brunches, these pancakes are a treat that everyone will love. With just the right hint of vanilla, they are incredibly easy to whip up and can be customized with your favorite toppings, from maple syrup to nuts or chocolate chips. Plus, any leftovers can be stored for quick breakfasts later in the week. Elevate your breakfast game and enjoy a tender, flavorful start to your day with these irresistible pancakes.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 small bananas)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix mashed banana, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently using a rubber spatula until just mixed (avoid overmixing).
- Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-low heat and grease with butter.
- Pour ⅓ cup portions of batter onto the griddle and cook until bubbles form on the surface (about 3 minutes).
- Flip and cook for another couple of minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with desired toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pancakes (180g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg