I absolutely love how easy and satisfying this 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes Recipe is. It’s one of those breakfast treats that feels indulgent but only takes you minutes to whip up, making it perfect for rushed mornings or lazy weekend brunches. What’s great is that with just bananas, eggs, and a bit of flour, you’ll create pancakes that are naturally sweet, fluffy, and wholesome—no complicated ingredients or steps required.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the bananas add a lovely natural sweetness and moisture, meaning you don’t even need sugar. Plus, the simplicity makes it a hit with kids and adults alike. If you’ve got ripe bananas nearing their end, this is a brilliant way to use them up while treating yourself to a warm, comforting stack. Trust me, once you’ve made these, you’ll keep coming back for this 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes Recipe over and over.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: Just bananas, eggs, and flour—all pantry staples you probably have on hand.
- Quick to Make: From mixing the batter to a stack on the plate in under 20 minutes.
- Naturally Sweet: Ripe bananas add sweetness without any added sugar, making it healthier and kid-friendly.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily tweak with flours or add-ins to suit your dietary needs and taste preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are thoughtfully simple, yet pack plenty of nutrition and flavor when combined. Choosing the right type of flour can tweak the texture and nutritional profile, so picking what suits you best will really help get the pancakes just right.
- Bananas: Go for ripe or even slightly overripe bananas—the riper, the sweeter and easier to mash, which gives pancakes their natural flavor and moisture.
- Eggs: They provide structure and protein, binding everything together while keeping pancakes fluffy.
- Flour: I like whole wheat or buckwheat flour for nuttiness and fiber, but oat flour works beautifully if you prefer gluten-free options.
Variations
I really like to play around with this 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes Recipe depending on what mood I’m in or what I have at home. Tweaking little things makes it fun and keeps the recipe fresh every time you make it.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon: I discovered this trick when I wanted a cozy twist—cinnamon adds warmth without extra calories.
- Mix in hemp hearts or ground flaxseed: Boosts nutrition and keeps the pancakes extra moist; I add these when I’m aiming for a protein-packed breakfast.
- Swap flours: Feel free to try almond or chickpea flour if you’re looking for nutty flavors or more protein, just adjust the batter thickness as you go.
- Add vanilla or a dash of salt: Simple flavor enhancers that deepen the pancake’s profile—my secret little upgrades!
How to Make 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mash the Bananas Perfectly
Start by peeling your ripe bananas and mashing them in a medium bowl with a fork until shiny and mostly smooth. You’ll find that slightly chunky bits add texture, but no big lumps please—those can burn while cooking. This step is quick but critical because it determines your pancakes’ sweetness and moisture.
Step 2: Whisk in Eggs for the Batter Base
Add in your eggs next and whisk well until the mixture is fully blended and slightly frothy. This is where the batter starts coming together—it should look uniform without egg yolk streaks. Whisking thoroughly means your pancakes will be nicely light.
Step 3: Stir in the Flour and Optional Boosters
Gently fold in your chosen flour and any extras like cinnamon or hemp hearts. Don’t overmix here—just stir until it’s combined. The batter will be thick but scoopable. If you leave it to rest while the pan heats, you’ll notice it firms up a bit, which helps with flipping.
Step 4: Cook Your Pancakes Just Right
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat—you want it hot enough that a drop of water sizzles but not so hot the pancakes burn. Lightly grease with butter or oil if needed. Drop about ¼ cup of batter per pancake, leaving space so they don’t stick together. Cook 2-3 minutes until you see little bubbles on the surface, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. If they start browning too fast, turn down the heat a notch.
Pro Tips for Making 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes Recipe
- Perfect Banana Ripeness: I always pick bananas with plenty of brown spots—the sweeter and softer they are, the better the pancake flavor.
- Rest the Batter: Letting the batter rest for 10-15 minutes helps thicken it slightly, making flipping easier and pancakes fluffier.
- Use Medium-Low Heat: Cooking on medium-low prevents burning outside before the inside cooks through—patience pays off here.
- Greasing Wisely: A small pat of butter wiped with a paper towel spreads evenly and avoids greasy puddles that can fry your pancakes too hard.
How to Serve 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
I love garnishing these pancakes with sliced fresh bananas and a drizzle of pure maple syrup. Sometimes I sprinkle a handful of chopped walnuts or a dusting of powdered cinnamon just to add an extra layer of texture and flavor. My kids adore adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt on top for a creamy contrast—it balances the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
To make breakfast feel like a treat, I often serve these pancakes alongside crispy bacon or turkey sausage for some savory balance. A side fresh fruit salad or a simple berry compote also pairs wonderfully to brighten up the plate and add a burst of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or weekend brunches, I stack the pancakes high and top with a dollop of whipped cream and edible flowers for a show-stopping look. Another fun presentation is layering with alternating slices of banana and peanut butter between pancakes—makes it feel like a pancake sandwich! Kids especially love decorating their own stack, which turns breakfast into a playful activity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After a busy weekend brunch, I often have extra pancakes leftover. I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they keep well for up to 3 days without losing much freshness. It’s a great way to have a quick breakfast ready—just grab and reheat.
Freezing
If I plan ahead, I freeze these pancakes individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to freezer bags. This way, they don’t stick together and I can pull out just as many as I need anytime. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months—perfect for stocking the freezer.
Reheating
My favorite way to reheat leftover banana pancakes is stacking them and wrapping them in a damp paper towel, then microwaving for about 30-45 seconds. This keeps them moist without drying out. Alternatively, a quick toast in a nonstick skillet over low heat crisps them up nicely without burning.
FAQs
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Can I make this 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To keep the recipe gluten-free, I recommend using certified gluten-free oat flour or buckwheat flour instead of whole wheat. Both options work wonderfully and maintain the fluffy texture.
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What type of bananas work best?
Ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots are best because they’re sweeter and softer, which helps sweeten the batter naturally and makes mashing easier for a smooth texture.
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Can I add more ingredients like baking powder or sugar?
You can, but the beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and natural sweetness from bananas and eggs. Baking powder might make them puffier, but often it’s unnecessary. If you want them sweeter, adding a small amount of sugar or vanilla extract works well.
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How do I prevent pancakes from sticking to the pan?
Use a well-seasoned cast iron or nonstick skillet and preheat it properly. A light coating of butter or oil wiped evenly with a paper towel helps prevent sticking, especially with flours like oat or buckwheat.
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Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just double the ingredients and cook the pancakes in batches. This recipe scales up easily without affecting the texture or taste.
Final Thoughts
This 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes Recipe has become one of my go-to favorites because it’s truly fuss-free but never skimping on flavor or texture. If you love quick breakfasts that nourish and satisfy, you’ll enjoy how this recipe fits into busy mornings or when you want that homemade touch without hassle. Give it a try—I’m sure you’ll keep it in your brunch rotation just like I do!
Print3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes are a quick, healthy, and delicious breakfast option made with ripe bananas, eggs, and whole wheat or alternative flours. They are naturally sweetened with bananas and can be customized with optional flavor boosters like cinnamon and hemp hearts. Perfect for a nutritious morning treat or a light snack, these pancakes cook quickly on the stovetop to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium-to-large ripe bananas
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup whole wheat flour or buckwheat flour or ⅔ cup oat flour
Optional Flavor and Nutrition Boosters
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Up to 2 tablespoons hemp hearts and/or ground flaxseed
- Up to ¼ teaspoon salt
For Cooking
- Butter, avocado oil, or ghee, for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a large fork until shiny and mostly smooth. Add the eggs and whisk until fully combined with the banana.
- Add Flour and Optional Ingredients: Stir in the flour along with any optional flavor or nutrition boosters such as cinnamon, hemp hearts, flaxseed, or salt. Combine gently but thoroughly. Let the batter rest while you preheat your cooking surface; it can rest up to 1 hour if needed.
- Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet (stainless steel, cast iron, or nonstick) over medium-low heat. For electric griddles, set to 350°F. Test readiness by flicking a drop of water — it should sizzle immediately. Lightly grease the surface with butter or oil if necessary, wiping away any excess, especially if not using a nonstick surface.
- Cook the Pancakes: Scoop about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet, leaving space between pancakes. Cook until small bubbles appear on the surface, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip each pancake and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until both sides are lightly golden. Adjust heat as necessary to avoid burning the outside before the inside cooks through. Add more butter or oil if needed for subsequent batches.
- Serve or Keep Warm: Serve the pancakes immediately or keep them warm in a 200°F oven. Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat Leftovers: To reheat, stack pancakes, wrap in a paper towel, and microwave gently until warm.
Notes
- Make it gluten free by using certified gluten-free oat flour or buckwheat flour.
- The batter can rest for up to 1 hour before cooking – this helps improve texture.
- Adjust cooking temperature as needed to avoid over-browning.
- Use a nonstick pan or well-seasoned cast iron for best results.
- Optional ingredients add flavor and nutrition, but can be omitted for simplicity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 3 pancakes)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 155mg