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.
Whisk in the Egg: Crack your egg into the bowl with the mashed banana and whisk it together until well combined.
Add the Dry Ingredients: Now, add your flour of choice and the vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk everything together until just combined.
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.
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.
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.
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.