If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day (same here!), then you’re in for a real treat. These Bananas Foster Pancakes are not your everyday flapjacks. They’re fluffy, buttery, and topped with a rich, caramelized banana topping that tastes straight out of a fancy brunch spot. Except you don’t have to wait in line or dress up to enjoy them.
I first tried Bananas Foster years ago on vacation in New Orleans, and let me tell you, it was life-changing. That classic dessert — bananas, butter, brown sugar, a splash of rum — had me hooked. So, of course, I had to bring those flavors to breakfast. And pancakes? Well, they’re just the perfect canvas for all that goodness.
Let’s jump into the details, so you can whip these up for your next weekend breakfast (or whenever, really — pancakes are an anytime meal, right?).
Why You’ll Love These Pancakes
- Rich and indulgent flavors: Think buttery caramel sauce and sweet bananas soaking into every bite.
- Easy enough for anyone: You don’t need fancy tools or culinary school skills to nail this.
- Perfect for special occasions: They’re a showstopper for brunch parties, holidays, or even just a cozy Saturday morning.
Plus, there’s no fire involved, so no need to worry about flambé disasters. Let’s keep it simple and safe, shall we?
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the pancakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk (or make your own with milk + lemon juice)
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the bananas foster topping:
- 3 ripe bananas (not too mushy, just spotty)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon rum or bourbon (for that traditional touch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Pancake Batter
Start by whisking together the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt) in a large bowl. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients (egg, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla). Slowly pour the wet mix into the dry mix, stirring gently until combined. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy — no need to overmix. Trust me, nobody likes rubbery pancakes.
Set the batter aside for a few minutes while you heat up your skillet or griddle. This gives the baking powder time to activate, making your pancakes extra fluffy.
2. Cook the Pancakes
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or a neutral oil (I’m team butter all the way). Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes.
Transfer cooked pancakes to a warm plate or keep them in a low oven while you make the topping.
3. Make the Bananas Foster Topping
Now for the star of the show! In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. This takes about 2 minutes.
Slice the bananas lengthwise or into thick coins (dealer’s choice) and add them to the skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until they start to soften and caramelize.
Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. If you’re feeling fancy and want that authentic Bananas Foster vibe, add a splash of rum or bourbon and let it cook off for a minute. (No flames required, I promise!)
4. Assemble and Serve
Stack your pancakes on a plate and pour the warm banana topping over the top. Make sure to spoon plenty of that buttery caramel sauce on each layer — it’s the best part! If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
Serve immediately and prepare for the oohs and ahhs from whoever you’re feeding. Or just enjoy the moment solo. No judgment here.
Tips for Pancake Perfection
- Use ripe bananas: For the topping, bananas with spots are ideal because they’re naturally sweeter.
- Don’t overmix the batter: This is the secret to fluffy pancakes. Stir just until everything comes together.
- Keep pancakes warm: If you’re cooking for a crowd, pop the finished pancakes in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest.
- Make it kid-friendly: Skip the alcohol in the topping if little ones are eating.
Make-Ahead Options
If you’re not a morning person (same), you’ll be happy to know these pancakes are freezer-friendly. Cook up a big batch, let them cool, and freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, stack them with parchment paper between each pancake and store in a zip-top bag. Reheat in the toaster or microwave, and they’re good as new.
The topping is best made fresh, but you can slice the bananas and prep the other ingredients the night before to save time.
Variations to Try
- Nutty Bananas Foster: Add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts to the topping for some crunch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Because why not? A little melted chocolate on top never hurt anyone.
- Gluten-Free Pancakes: Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend.
- Ice Cream on Top: Okay, hear me out. These make a killer dessert when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
FAQs
Why do they call it Bananas Foster?
Bananas Foster is named after Richard Foster, a friend of the restaurant owner where the dish was created in New Orleans. It was invented in the 1950s at Brennan’s Restaurant as a way to use up bananas and highlight a local product.
Are banana pancakes healthier than regular pancakes?
Bananas Foster Pancakes can be slightly healthier if you’re using bananas as a natural sweetener or replacing some of the flour with mashed bananas. However, the toppings (like butter and sugar) still pack a sweet punch.
Can kids eat Bananas Foster?
Yes, but it’s best to skip the rum or bourbon in the topping if kids are eating. The rest of the dish is perfectly kid-friendly and delicious for all ages.
What does Bananas Foster taste like?
It’s a warm, caramelized banana flavor with hints of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. If you add rum, there’s a subtle boozy depth, but even without it, the topping is rich and decadent.
The Final Word
Bananas Foster Pancakes aren’t just breakfast; they’re an experience. Every bite is warm, gooey, and downright dreamy. Whether you’re making these for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or just because it’s Tuesday and you need a little joy in your life, you’re going to love them.
So grab your skillet, whip up that caramel sauce, and treat yourself to a stack of pancakes that’ll make you feel like you’re dining in the French Quarter. Bon appétit! Or, you know, just dig in.
Related Recipes
If you love these Bananas Foster Pancakes, you’ll definitely want to check out these other amazing recipes on our site:
- Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes: A perfect mix of sweet bananas and melty chocolate chips in every bite.
- Banana Protein Pancakes: A healthier option packed with protein to keep you fueled all morning.
- Strawberry Earthquake Cake: A decadent dessert bursting with strawberry flavor.
- Cracker Barrel Pancake Recipe: A copycat recipe that’s as close as it gets to the real deal.
Bananas Foster Pancakes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pancakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Bananas Foster Topping:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Optional: 1 tbsp rum or bourbon
Instructions
- Make the Pancake Batter: Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another. Combine gently; let rest.
- Cook the Pancakes: Pour batter onto a greased skillet; cook until bubbly, flip, and finish.
- Prepare the Topping: Melt butter, add sugar and cinnamon; cook until smooth. Add bananas and caramelize. Stir in cream and vanilla (optional rum).
- Assemble: Stack pancakes, pour topping over, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Skip alcohol for a kid-friendly version.
- Keep cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes