Banana Pecan Pancakes
Fluffy, flavorful pancakes loaded with ripe bananas and crunchy pecans. A quick, high-fiber, protein-rich breakfast that’s heart-healthy, easy to make, and perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches.
Equipment
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large skillet or griddle
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana about 2 medium
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped pecans toasted
Instructions
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: Start by cracking 1 large egg into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Use a whisk to beat the egg for about 1–2 minutes until it becomes slightly fluffy and light in texture. This will help your pancakes turn soft and airy. Next, add 1 cup mashed ripe banana—about 2 medium bananas—to the bowl. Mash them thoroughly with a fork before mixing so they are smooth with no large chunks. Pour in 1 cup buttermilk and 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil, then sprinkle in 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar. Whisk all the wet ingredients together until fully combined into a smooth, slightly thick batter.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, measure out the dry ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix them thoroughly with a fork or small whisk to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt. This ensures your pancakes rise evenly and have a uniform texture.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in the medium mixing bowl. Gently fold them together with the whisk or a spatula until there are no large lumps, but be careful not to overmix—overmixing can make the pancakes tough. The batter should be thick but pourable.
- Fold in the Pecans: Now add ½ cup chopped toasted pecans to the batter. Gently fold them in using a spatula to distribute evenly. Toasting the pecans beforehand enhances their natural nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to each pancake bite.
- Preheat the Skillet or Griddle: Place a large skillet or griddle on the stove and set it to medium heat. Allow it to warm for 3–5 minutes to reach the perfect cooking temperature. Spray the surface lightly with nonstick cooking spray or brush with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking. A properly preheated surface ensures pancakes cook evenly and develop a golden-brown color.
- Cook the Pancakes: Scoop about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake and pour it gently onto the heated skillet or griddle. Leave enough space between pancakes for spreading. Cook the first side for about 2–3 minutes, or until small bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set and slightly dry.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully slide a spatula under the pancake and flip it over. Cook the second side for another 2–3 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, spraying the skillet lightly with oil between batches if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Stack the pancakes on a plate, drizzle with syrup or honey if desired, and sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top for added crunch. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. These pancakes are also great for meal prepping—store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet or toaster for a quick breakfast later in the week.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum natural sweetness and soft texture.
- Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep pancakes tender and fluffy.
- Adjust skillet heat as needed; medium heat prevents burning while cooking evenly.
- Batter can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Swap buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk plus 1 tsp lemon juice if desired.
- Serve immediately for best texture; pancakes can be reheated in a toaster or skillet.
