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Banana Foster Pancakes

There’s something magical about pancakes, and if you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to elevate them. Enter Bananas Foster Pancakes! I first tried this dish during a weekend brunch at a local spot that’s known for their indulgent pancake creations. One bite, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. The combination of caramelized bananas with a rich, buttery rum sauce drizzled over fluffy pancakes is a breakfast dream come true. It’s perfect for a special morning, whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends.

Bananas Foster is a classic New Orleans dessert, typically made with bananas, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and rum. I’ve adapted these flavors into a breakfast-friendly recipe that’s quick, easy, and undeniably satisfying. Let’s get started on this mouthwatering dish!

Close-up of golden pancakes with caramelized banana slices and a buttery brown sugar sauce, garnished with cinnamon.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Foster Pancakes Recipe

  1. Incredible Flavor Combination
    These Bananas Foster Pancakes offer the perfect balance of sweet, caramelized bananas, buttery rum sauce, and a touch of cinnamon. The fluffy pancakes serve as the ideal base for all of that rich goodness. If you love pancakes with a twist, this recipe will definitely become a new favorite.
  2. Quick and Easy
    Despite its luxurious taste, this recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes! It’s simple enough for a weekend breakfast but special enough to impress guests. You’ll get that “wow” factor without spending hours in the kitchen.
  3. Customizable Toppings
    This recipe is great because you can easily adjust the toppings to your preference. Add walnuts for a nutty crunch, or swap the rum for vanilla extract if you’re serving kids. You have limitless possibilities to customize this recipe and truly make it fit your tastes!

Banana Foster Pancakes Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Pancakes:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Bananas Foster Topping:

  • 4 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp rum extract (or vanilla for non-alcoholic version)
  • Optional: toasted walnuts or pecans for garnish

Substitution Tip: If you prefer gluten-free pancakes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

Instructions:

  1. Make the Pancake Batter:
    Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl, whisking everything until it’s well blended. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring gently until everything is just incorporated.
  2. Cook the Pancakes:
    Heat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat. Grease lightly with butter or oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of the pancake batter onto the griddle and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown. Set aside and keep warm.
  3. Prepare the Bananas Foster Topping:
    Warm a skillet over medium heat, and allow the butter to melt gently. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken. Add the sliced bananas and rum extract, gently tossing to coat. Let the bananas cook for another 2-3 minutes until soft and caramelized.
  4. Assemble the Pancakes:
    Stack the pancakes on a plate, then generously spoon the bananas foster sauce over the top. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts or pecans if desired. Serve immediately with extra maple syrup on the side!

Cooking Time and Yield:

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

A Sweet Pancake Story

I’ll never forget the first time I made these Bananas Foster Pancakes for a family brunch. Everyone was in awe as I flambéed the rum sauce (don’t worry, it’s optional!). The moment those golden, caramelized bananas hit the pancakes, there was nothing but excitement around the table. We had so much fun experimenting with different toppings—some added whipped cream, while others went all out with ice cream for a dessert twist. These pancakes have become a regular request whenever we gather, especially for birthdays and holidays. It’s amazing how food can bring people together and create lasting memories!

Helpful Tips for Perfect Bananas Foster Pancakes

Use Ripe Bananas for Maximum Flavor
The more ripe and spotty your bananas are, the sweeter and more caramelized they’ll become when cooked. Don’t be afraid to use bananas that look past their prime—they’re perfect for this recipe and will add a rich sweetness to the sauce.

Preheat the Griddle Properly
To ensure fluffy pancakes with a golden brown finish, preheat your griddle or skillet before adding the batter. A quick test: sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface—if they dance around, your pan is ready.

Customize the Rum Sauce
If you’re cooking for kids or prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the rum extract with vanilla extract. It adds warmth without the punch, but for an adult twist, real rum gives the sauce an extra depth of flavor.

Health Benefits of Bananas Foster Pancakes

Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure and supports heart function. They also provide a natural sweetness that cuts down on the need for extra sugar. The cinnamon in this recipe adds a boost of antioxidants, while the butter provides healthy fats that keep you satisfied. Plus, by opting for real maple syrup, you’re incorporating a natural sweetener with trace minerals like zinc and manganese. So, not only do these pancakes taste indulgent, but they also deliver a few nutritional perks!

Substitutions and Variations

  1. Gluten-Free Version
    Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free pancake mix to keep this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising on taste. Just be sure to check that your mix includes xanthan gum for better texture.
  2. Vegan Option
    Swap out the butter for coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to make this recipe completely vegan. Your pancakes will still be wonderfully fluffy and full of flavor.
  3. Dairy-Free Alternative
    Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk, and substitute coconut oil for the butter in both the pancake batter and the caramel sauce. This will give the pancakes a subtle tropical flavor.
  4. Add a Crunchy Twist
    For extra texture, sprinkle in toasted walnuts or pecans into the bananas foster sauce or on top of the pancakes. It adds a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the caramelized bananas.

Looking to add something refreshing alongside these pancakes? Try this Kale Banana Smoothie for a healthy green drink that complements the sweetness of the pancakes while keeping the breakfast wholesome and energizing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I prep the pancake batter ahead of time for convenience?
Yes! You can prepare the pancake batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using, and you’re ready to cook in the morning.

2. Can I use frozen bananas?
Frozen bananas can work, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using. Fresh bananas will caramelize better, but frozen ones can still deliver great flavor.

3. What’s the best way to flambé the rum sauce?
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to flambé the sauce, carefully ignite the rum with a long lighter after adding it to the pan. Make sure to stand back and let the flames die down naturally before serving. This step is optional, but it adds a dramatic flair!

4. Can I make the pancakes in advance?
Yes, these pancakes reheat beautifully! Keep them fresh by storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or a low oven for a quick, fresh-tasting breakfast.

5. Can I skip the rum in the sauce?
Absolutely! If rum isn’t your thing or you’re cooking for kids, use vanilla extract instead. The sauce will still have that rich caramel flavor without the alcohol.

6. How do I keep my pancakes warm while I finish cooking?
Place the cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep them warm while you cook the remaining batches. This way, everyone can enjoy hot pancakes together.

7. Can I use a different type of syrup?
Maple syrup is a classic choice, but you can experiment with other syrups like caramel or even a bourbon-infused syrup for an extra indulgent twist.

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try these Bananas Foster Pancakes! With their combination of caramelized bananas and rich, buttery rum sauce, they’re sure to become a breakfast favorite in your home. Serve them alongside crispy bacon or with a side of whipped cream for a truly decadent morning. Be sure to store any leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently for a quick treat later. I’d love to hear how they turned out for you, so don’t forget to leave a comment or share your version of this dish!

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A stack of fluffy pancakes topped with caramelized bananas and drizzled with a rich rum sauce, perfect for brunch.

Banana Foster Pancakes


  • Author: Ashley
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Fluffy Bananas Foster Pancakes topped with caramelized bananas and a rich buttery rum sauce. A sweet and indulgent breakfast treat with the perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for brunch or a special weekend morning!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Pancakes:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Bananas Foster Topping:

  • 4 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp rum extract (or vanilla extract)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
  2. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form, flip and cook until golden brown.
  3. In a skillet, melt butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add bananas and cook until caramelized. Stir in rum extract.
  4. Serve pancakes topped with bananas foster sauce.

Notes

For a kid-friendly version, swap rum extract for vanilla. Add toasted nuts for crunch. Store leftover sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 pancakes
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Banana Foster Pancakes

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