Moist, light, and fluffy, these Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are the ideal breakfast treat. Sweetened with brown sugar and enhanced with a hint of vanilla, they offer a delightful start to your day. Perfect for cozy mornings or weekend brunches, these pancakes are sure to impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal steps, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
- Deliciously Sweet: The brown sugar adds a rich flavor that elevates these banana pancakes to a new level of deliciousness.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your pancakes with a variety of toppings such as maple syrup, nuts, or chocolate chips for a unique twist each time.
- Perfect Consistency: These pancakes are light and fluffy, ensuring a satisfying bite every time you enjoy them.
- Quick Breakfast: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, they’re an excellent choice for busy mornings.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, gather the necessary tools. Having everything on hand will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Griddle or large skillet
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining dry and wet ingredients without spills.
- Whisk: Ensures all ingredients are well blended for a smooth batter.
- Griddle or large skillet: Allows even cooking of pancakes without burning, giving you perfectly golden results.
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 until evenly mixed. In another bowl, combine the mashed banana, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla. Stir well until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and gently fold together using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix; it’s fine if there are a few lumps.
Step 2: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat. Grease it lightly with butter. Using a measuring cup, pour ⅓ cup portions of batter onto the hot surface. Slightly spread them into even circles if needed. Cook until small bubbles appear on the surface—this may take a minute or two due to the thick batter. Flip each pancake carefully and cook for another couple of minutes until golden brown.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your pancakes warm right off the griddle. Top them with butter and maple syrup or any of your favorite toppings like sliced bananas or walnuts for added flavor.
Now you’re ready to enjoy some amazing Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes! They make for a delightful breakfast that everyone will love.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
Serving Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes is an opportunity to elevate your breakfast experience. These pancakes are delicious on their own, but adding toppings can take them to the next level. Here are some creative ways to serve them.
Classic Toppings
- Butter – A dollop of butter melts perfectly into the warm pancakes for a rich flavor.
- Maple Syrup – Drizzle pure maple syrup over the top for a sweet and indulgent touch.
Fresh Fruit
- Sliced Bananas – Add fresh banana slices for extra fruitiness that complements the pancake’s flavor.
- Berries – Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of freshness and color.
Crunchy Extras
- Walnuts – Chopped walnuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Chips – For a sweet twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before serving.
Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream – Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream for a decadent finish.
How to Perfect Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
To achieve fluffy and light Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes, follow these helpful tips that will elevate your pancake-making skills.
- Use Ripe Bananas – Ensure your bananas are fully ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor in the batter.
- Don’t Overmix – Gently combine wet and dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to dense pancakes.
- Let the Batter Rest – Allow the batter to sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking for fluffier pancakes.
- Cook on Medium-Low Heat – Cooking at the right temperature ensures even cooking without burning.
- Check for Bubbles – Flip pancakes when small bubbles form on the surface—this indicates they’re ready to turn.

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 excellent options to complement your breakfast spread.
- Bacon – Crispy bacon provides a savory contrast to the sweetness of the pancakes.
- Sausage Links – Flavorful sausage links add protein and heartiness to your meal.
- Yogurt Parfait – A yogurt parfait with granola and berries adds freshness and texture.
- Fruit Salad – A colorful fruit salad brightens up your plate and adds healthy options.
- Scrambled Eggs – Light and fluffy scrambled eggs make for a filling breakfast combination.
- Smoothie Bowl – A smoothie bowl offers a refreshing drinkable option packed with nutrients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes can be easy, but there are common mistakes that might affect their quality. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes. Mix the ingredients just until combined for light and fluffy results.
- Using unripe bananas: Unripe bananas lack sweetness and flavor. Always use ripe bananas for the best taste.
- Incorrectly measuring flour: Too much flour can make pancakes dense. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
- Cooking at too high a temperature: High heat can burn the pancakes on the outside while keeping them raw inside. Cook on medium-low heat for even cooking.
- Skipping the rest time: Not allowing the batter to rest can result in less fluffy pancakes. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Place pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze for about 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake pancakes for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes fluffier?
Letting the batter rest for about 5-10 minutes allows the gluten to relax, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can use regular granulated sugar, but brown sugar adds moisture and flavor that enhances these pancakes.
What toppings go well with Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes?
These pancakes are delicious with butter, maple syrup, sliced bananas, walnuts, or chocolate chips.
Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.
How can I customize my Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes?
Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in nuts or chocolate chips directly into the batter for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are not only moist and fluffy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite toppings or mix-ins. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast or brunch treat, they promise to delight everyone at your table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful start to your day!

Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four people (8 pancakes total) 1x
Description
Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes are the perfect breakfast indulgence, combining moist, fluffy textures with the rich sweetness of brown sugar and ripe bananas. This easy recipe elevates your morning routine, making it ideal for cozy weekends or busy weekdays. With just 20 minutes from start to finish, these pancakes are simple enough for beginners yet delightful enough to impress even seasoned cooks. Customize your stack with delicious toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or nuts for a unique twist every time. Get ready to bring joy to your breakfast table 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 mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients using a rubber spatula; do not overmix.
- Heat a griddle over medium-low heat and grease lightly with butter.
- Pour ⅓ cup batter onto the griddle for each pancake; cook until bubbles form on the surface.
- Flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes (approximately 160g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Ensure bananas are fully ripe for maximum sweetness. Allow batter to rest for 5 minutes before cooking for fluffier pancakes. Experiment with toppings like nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.
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