Craving a delicious breakfast that’s both sweet and satisfying? Look no further than Brown Sugar Cinnamon Banana Pancakes! This warm and fluffy treat combines simple ingredients like ripe bananas and brown sugar for irresistible flavor. Follow my step-by-step guide to create golden pancakes that will wow your family. From easy-to-find ingredients to tasty toppings, you’ll master this delightful recipe in no time! Let’s dive into pancake perfection!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
– 1 ripe banana, mashed
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup milk (or almond milk)
– 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
– Chopped walnuts or pecans
– Maple syrup
To make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Banana Pancakes, you need simple ingredients. Start with dry items. Use all-purpose flour for the base. The brown sugar adds a rich sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help the pancakes rise. A pinch of salt brings out the flavors. Ground cinnamon gives a warm taste.
Now, for the wet ingredients. A ripe banana adds natural sweetness and moisture. The egg binds everything together. Milk keeps the batter smooth; almond milk works too. Melted butter adds richness, while vanilla extract brings a nice aroma.
For toppings, think about adding chopped walnuts or pecans. They add a nice crunch. Drizzling maple syrup is a classic choice. It enhances the sweet flavor of the pancakes. Enjoy customizing these pancakes to your liking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dry Ingredients
– Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a bowl.
– Whisk until well combined. This mix gives your pancakes a sweet and spiced base.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
– Mash 1 ripe banana until smooth.
– Add 1 large egg, 1 cup milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; whisk together. This mix brings moisture and flavor.
Combining Ingredients
– Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, and stir gently.
– Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are okay. This helps keep your pancakes fluffy.
Cooking the Pancakes
– Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat; add a bit of butter.
– Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
– Flip and cook until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
– Keep pancakes warm on a plate while you cook the rest.
– Add optional toppings like chopped walnuts or pecans. Serve with maple syrup for a sweet finish.
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfect Pancakes
– Use room temperature ingredients. This helps them mix better.
– Adjust cooking time based on your stovetop heat. This ensures even cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing leads to tough pancakes.
– Preheat the skillet enough. A cold skillet causes uneven cooking.
Making Ahead
– You can prepare the batter in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
– For freezing, pour batter into individual portions. Freeze them for quick meals later.
– You can also freeze cooked pancakes. Just stack them with parchment paper in between.
Variations
Gluten-Free Option
You can easily make these pancakes gluten-free. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. This way, you still get that fluffy texture, but without gluten. Many brands offer great options that work well in pancakes.
Flavor Additions
Want to add a twist? Try mixing in chocolate chips or berries into the batter. These additions will give your pancakes a sweet burst of flavor. Just fold them in gently before cooking. You can use dark chocolate chips for a rich taste or fresh blueberries for a fruity zing.
Dairy-Free Adaptations
If you prefer a dairy-free option, it’s simple. Use almond milk instead of regular milk. Swap melted butter for coconut oil. This will keep your pancakes moist while making them dairy-free. The coconut oil adds a subtle flavor that pairs well with banana and cinnamon.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Pancakes
To keep your leftover pancakes fresh, stack them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option.
Reheating Guidelines
To reheat pancakes, use a microwave or skillet. In the microwave, heat them for 20-30 seconds. Check if they are warm enough. If you use a skillet, add a bit of butter and heat on low for a few minutes. This keeps them soft and tasty.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze pancakes for up to two months. Make sure they are cooled before freezing. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight or microwave them directly.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. It gives a nutty taste and adds fiber. However, the texture will be a bit denser. You may need to add a splash more milk to keep the batter smooth. If you try this, you will get a tasty twist on the classic pancake!
How to tell when pancakes are done cooking?
Look for small bubbles forming on the surface of the pancake. When they pop, it is almost time to flip. The edges will also look set and less shiny. After flipping, the pancake should be golden brown and firm to the touch. This means it is done!
Can I use less sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the brown sugar. However, this will change the taste. The pancakes may be less sweet and less rich. To keep some sweetness, consider using ripe bananas for natural sugar. It still keeps the pancakes tasty!
How to make pancakes fluffier?
To make fluffier pancakes, mix the batter carefully. Do not overmix; leave some lumps. You can also separate the egg, beat the white, and fold it in. This adds air and makes them light and fluffy. Another tip is to let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking.
In this blog post, I shared how to make delicious pancakes from scratch. We covered dry and wet ingredients, and I provided simple steps to cook them. I also added tips for perfect pancakes and variations to keep things exciting.
Now, you can enjoy fluffy, tasty pancakes at home. With practice, you’ll master this easy recipe and impress everyone at breakfast. Happy cooking!
