Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

There’s a special kind of peace that fills the kitchen on slow weekend mornings—the kind where the light filters through the curtains just right, the coffee gently brews in the background, and the comforting scent of warm bananas and caramelized sugar floats through the air. Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are one of those beloved breakfast traditions that bring comfort, nostalgia, and a touch of indulgence to even the simplest day.

The first time I had a stack of these golden pancakes was during a family trip to the countryside. We stayed in a quaint little cabin where mornings were chilly, and breakfast was the most anticipated moment of the day. Our host, a cheerful woman who grew up baking with her grandmother, served up these banana pancakes with melted butter and a drizzle of maple syrup. They were soft, sweet, and spiced with stories of home, and ever since, they’ve become a tradition in my own kitchen.

Bananas have long been symbols of abundance and sweetness across cultures, and when paired with the rich, molasses-like flavor of brown sugar, they transform simple pancakes into something extraordinary. These pancakes are not just a way to use overripe bananas—they’re a warm, golden memory waiting to happen. Whether you’re cooking for a sleepy-eyed family on a lazy Sunday or treating yourself to a solo brunch on a rainy day, these Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are a delicious reminder to slow down and savor the moment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Cozy and Comforting: The flavor of caramelized brown sugar and mashed banana creates a warm, dessert-like pancake that feels like a hug in food form.
• Quick and Simple: Made with pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for an impromptu weekend breakfast.
• Naturally Sweet: The bananas and brown sugar provide all the sweetness you need, making syrup optional.
• Customizable: Add walnuts, chocolate chips, or a dollop of yogurt for your own twist.
• Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike. It’s a gentle introduction to fruit-based breakfasts.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 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 (preferably dark brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Optional toppings: butter, maple syrup, sliced bananas, walnuts, or chocolate chips

How to Make Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

Making these pancakes is as easy as it is satisfying. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a bowl, a whisk, and a pan. And most importantly, a sense of cozy anticipation for what’s about to be a golden breakfast.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This step ensures your pancakes are fluffy and rise just right on the griddle.

2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mash your bananas. The more overripe, the better—brown-spotted bananas are ideal for sweetness and softness. Add melted butter, the egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well blended and smooth.

3. Combine

Pour the wet mixture into the dry. Gently stir the batter just until combined. It’s okay if it looks a little lumpy—that’s the secret to fluffy pancakes. Overmixing can make them dense.

4. Cook

Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Grease with butter or a non-stick spray. Use about ⅓ cup of batter per pancake. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.

5. Serve

Serve hot with your favorite toppings. A simple pat of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup enhances the rich banana flavor, but these pancakes are sweet and flavorful enough to stand on their own.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Ripe Bananas Are Key: Look for bananas with brown spots. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be.
• Use a Non-Stick Pan: It helps to keep the pancakes golden without sticking, especially with the sugar content.
• Keep Warm in the Oven: If cooking in batches, keep pancakes warm in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice instead of buttermilk, and swap the butter for oil or vegan butter.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 pancakes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

• For added depth, use dark brown sugar which has more molasses flavor.
• To make them extra fluffy, let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
• You can double the recipe to feed a crowd—these pancakes disappear fast!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Pancake):

• Calories: 347
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 59g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 61mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 216mg
• Potassium: 447mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I freeze these pancakes?
Yes! Allow them to cool, then place on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually before storing in a freezer-safe bag.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?
Make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to ¾ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a toaster, oven, or microwave until hot.

Related Recipes:

If you liked these, you’ll love these other breakfast comfort food recipes:

• Easy Pancake Poppers
• Decadent Chocolate Pancakes
• Vegan Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

CONCLUSION:

Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are more than just a breakfast dish. They’re a moment of calm, a touch of sweetness, and a whole lot of comfort. Whether it’s the start of a busy week or the slow pace of a Sunday morning, these pancakes bring something special to the table every time. Whip them up for loved ones, or simply for yourself—you deserve it.

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