Healthy 4 Ingredient Banana Pancakes Recipe

Banana, egg, a little flour and vanilla extract combine to create fluffy, naturally sweet Banana pancakes!

Rise and shine, baby!!

We’re making 4 INGREDIENT, 10 MINUTE healthy banana pancakes 🥞 that both baby and mom will LOVE!

Watch a step-by-step video of this recipe on The Savvy Spoon Instagram here!

These banana pancakes are perfect for fast-paced, back-to-school mornings! We love to serve ours with creamy peanut butter, warmed jam, or good old maple syrup drizzled all over top.

The Ingredients:

This easy recipe is all about keeping things simple and using wholesome ingredients. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key ingredients:

• Bananas:  The star of the show, of course! Bananas are a great source of natural sugars, potassium, and vitamin B6, making them a nutritious and delicious breakfast choice.
• Eggs: Eggs provide protein and healthy fats, keeping you feeling full and energized throughout the morning.
• Flour: This recipe uses just a little bit of flour to hold the pancakes together. You can use all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat flour – the choice is yours!

Vanilla Extract:  A touch of vanilla extract adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the pancakes.

Here’s how you’ll make my Healthy 4 Ingredient Banana Pancakes:

As promised, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Mash the Banana: In a large bowl, mash your ripe banana with a fork until it becomes a smooth consistency. Don’t worry about a few small chunks – those add a nice texture to the pancakes.
2. Whisk in the Egg: Crack your egg into the bowl with the mashed banana and whisk it together until well combined.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients: Now, add your flour of choice and the vanilla extract to the bowl.  Whisk everything together until just combined. 
4. Heat Up Your Pan: Place a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-low heat. Melt a pat of butter or a drizzle of your favorite cooking oil (coconut oil works great here!) in the pan.
5. Pour the Batter: Once your pan is hot, pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the pan.  Let the pancakes cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on the surface.
6. Flip and Cook: Using a spatula, carefully flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom.
7. Serve and Enjoy! Plate your delicious banana pancakes and top them with your favorite toppings. Fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of peanut butter, or some dark chocolate chips are all fantastic options.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Banana Pancakes

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the fluffiest, most delicious banana pancakes ever:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough pancakes. Mix your ingredients just until combined, and then stop!
• Use a Ripe Banana: Remember, the riper the banana, the sweeter and softer your pancakes will be.
• Control the Heat: Medium-low heat is key for these pancakes. If your pan is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks through.

Get Creative!

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways you can customize your pancakes to fit your dietary needs and preferences:

• Gluten-Free Pancakes: For a gluten-free option, simply swap the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of almond flour, coconut flour, or oat flour. Tip: Oat flour can be a bit denser than other flours, so you may need to add a little extra liquid (like a splash of milk or plant-based milk) to your batter.
• Vegan Pancakes: Making these pancakes vegan is a breeze! Just replace the egg with a flaxseed egg substitute. To make a flaxseed egg, simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes. The mixture will thicken and gel, mimicking the texture of an egg.
• Protein Boost: Looking for an extra protein punch? Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the batter. Just be sure to use a protein powder that blends well and doesn’t have a strong flavor that will overpower the banana.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Get your little ones involved in the kitchen!  Let them help you mash the banana, stir the batter, or even use cookie cutters to make fun shapes out of the pancakes.
• Sweet and Savory Options: While these pancakes are naturally sweet thanks to the bananas, you can also explore savory options. Omit the vanilla extract and add a sprinkle of dried herbs or a bit of grated cheese to the batter for a delicious savory twist. Top them with avocado slices and a fried egg for a complete and satisfying breakfast.

Leftover Pancakes?

Let’s face it, sometimes we make a little more batter than we can eat in one sitting. Leftover pancakes can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• Snack Time Treat: Leftover pancakes make a perfect afternoon snack. Warm them up in a toaster or microwave and top them with your favorite toppings.
• Frozen for Later: Pancakes freeze surprisingly well! Let your pancakes cool completely, then flash freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container.  To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or microwave until warmed through.
• Get Creative!: Think outside the box! Use leftover pancakes to create fun and delicious desserts.  Crumble them up and top a yogurt parfait, use them as a base for a mini fruit pizza, or even blend them up with some milk for a healthy smoothie.

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