Some mornings just call for something special, and these Banana Foster Pancakes never disappoint. If you're looking to shake up your usual breakfast routine, this is the recipe to try. Inspired by the classic New Orleans dessert, these pancakes bring all the rich, caramelized flavors of bananas foster to a warm, buttery stack of fluffy goodness.
The secret is in the topping—a luscious combination of ripe bananas, butter, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, gently caramelized until they turn golden and syrupy. As the sauce thickens, it soaks into the pancakes, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels indulgent, yet it’s simple enough to whip up on a lazy weekend morning or for a brunch that’s sure to impress.
I’ve made these pancakes for everything from family breakfasts to special occasions, and they always steal the show. The best part? They’re much easier to make than they look—no complicated steps, just honest, homemade goodness that brings warmth and comfort to the table.
So, if you’re craving a restaurant-worthy breakfast without the hassle, give these Banana Foster Pancakes a try. One bite, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner!
Why You'll Love This Banana Foster Pancakes Recipe
Bananas Foster has been a beloved dessert for decades, first making its mark in New Orleans in the 1950s as a show-stopping dish. Traditionally, ripe bananas are caramelized in a rich sauce made with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of rum, then flambéed to enhance their deep, warm flavors. While the classic version is typically served over ice cream, this breakfast twist swaps the frozen treat for a stack of fluffy, golden pancakes, creating a dish that’s just as indulgent but perfect for starting the day.
These Banana Foster Pancakes are ideal for making any morning feel extra special. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weekend breakfast with family, hosting a holiday brunch, or simply treating yourself to something decadent, this recipe never fails to impress. It’s also a fantastic way to elevate a special occasion or surprise overnight guests with a breakfast that feels straight out of a fancy café. The combination of warm, caramelized bananas and soft pancakes makes every bite rich, buttery, and utterly irresistible.
For the perfect pairing, serve these banana foster pancakes with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. If you’re putting together a full brunch spread, consider adding crispy bacon or a simple fruit salad to balance the sweetness. No matter when or why you make them, one thing is certain—once you try these Banana Foster Pancakes, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Jump to:
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Hints and Tips for better Banana Foster Pancakes
- Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Equipment
- Storage
- Top Tip
- The Secret That Makes These Banana Foster Pancakes Unforgettable
- FAQ
- A Sweet Ending to the Perfect Morning
- Related
- Pairing
- Banana Foster Pancakes recipe
Ingredients
For the Pancakes:
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Eggs
- Buttermilk
- Melted butter, cooled slightly
- Vanilla extract
- Banana, mashed (about ⅓ cup)
For the Banana Foster Topping:
- Butter
- Packed brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- But firm bananas, sliced
- Dark rum (optional, can substitute with 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
- Chopped pecans (optional)
- Whipped cream for serving (optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Note: For a healthier version, you can swap the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a 50/50 blend. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in both the pancakes and topping.
Instructions
Prepare the Pancake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. There should still be a few small lumps (overmixing will make the pancakes tough).
- Gently fold in the mashed banana until just incorporated.
- Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes while you heat your griddle or pan.
Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
- For each pancake, pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the griddle.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip and cook until the second side is golden brown, about 1-2 minutes more.
- Transfer to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil while you cook the remaining pancakes.
Prepare the Banana Foster Topping
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sliced bananas and gently stir to coat them in the caramel sauce. Cook for about 2 minutes until the bananas soften slightly but still hold their shape.
- If using rum: Remove the pan from the heat, add the rum, and carefully return the pan to the heat. (CAUTION: If using a gas stove, the alcohol may ignite. This is normal but be prepared.)
- Let the sauce simmer for another minute until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the chopped pecans if using.
Serve
- Serve immediately while everything is warm.
- Stack 2-3 pancakes on each plate.
- Spoon the warm banana foster topping generously over the pancakes.
- If desired, add a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter
Combine dry and wet ingredients, gently mix in banana, and let batter rest.
- Step 2: Cook the Pancakes
Cook pancakes until golden and set, then flip and finish cooking.
- Step 3: Prepare the Banana Foster Topping
Cook banana slices in buttery brown sugar sauce until tender.
- Step 4: Serve
Stack pancakes, spoon on banana topping, and serve warm.
Hints and Tips for better Banana Foster Pancakes
- Perfect Pancake Tip: For the fluffiest pancakes, don't overmix the batter. A few lumps are actually good! Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour and results in tough, rubbery pancakes.
- Banana Ripeness: For the pancake batter, very ripe, even spotty bananas work best as they're sweeter and easier to mash. For the topping, use bananas that are ripe but still firm so they don't turn mushy when cooked.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: If you prefer to skip the rum, substitute with 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract mixed with 3 tablespoons of water or orange juice for a family-friendly version.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can make the banana foster pancakes ahead of time and keep them warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes. The banana foster topping is best made just before serving.
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
These Banana Foster Pancakes can be a good source of potassium thanks to the bananas. They also provide energy to start your day. To make this recipe more nutritious:
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for added fiber
- Reduce the amount of sugar in both the banana foster pancakes and topping
- Add ground flaxseed or chia seeds to the batter for omega-3 fatty acids
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit for additional vitamins
These banana foster pancakes are quite rich, so they pair well with:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a sweet and savory combination
- A simple yogurt parfait
- Hot coffee or tea
- Fresh orange juice
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Healthy Banana Foster Pancakes
- Use whole wheat flour or oat flour
- Substitute Greek yogurt for half the buttermilk
- Reduce brown sugar by half
- Use coconut oil instead of butter
Gluten-Free Banana Foster Pancakes
- Substitute a high-quality gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour
- Add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn't already include it
- The rest of the recipe remains the same
Banana Foster Protein Pancakes
- Add 2 scoops (about ¼ cup) of vanilla protein powder to the dry ingredients
- Increase the buttermilk by 2-3 tablespoons if the batter becomes too thick
- Top with Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream for extra protein
Simple 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes Base
If you're in a hurry, you can make a simpler version of banana foster pancakes by mixing:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup quick oats Then top with a simplified foster topping using just butter, brown sugar, and sliced bananas.
Equipment
A few key pieces of equipment will help make your Banana Foster Pancakes perfect:
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle: For evenly cooked pancakes without hot spots
- Wide spatula: Makes flipping pancakes easier
- Non-stick pan: For preparing the banana foster topping without sticking
- Mixing bowls: Separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients
- Whisk: For thoroughly combining ingredients
- Ice cream scoop or ¼ cup measure: For consistent pancake sizing
Storage
These banana foster pancakes are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored and enjoyed later:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The banana foster topping can be stored separately for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Pancakes freeze well for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Reheating: Warm refrigerated pancakes in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a toaster. Frozen pancakes can be reheated in a toaster or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. The banana foster topping is best made fresh but can be gently reheated in a saucepan over low heat.
Top Tip
For the most impressive presentation and flavor, make sure your bananas for the topping are ripe but still firm. If they're too soft, they'll turn to mush when cooked. Also, have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking the banana foster topping, as it comes together quickly and requires your full attention to prevent burning the caramel .
The Secret That Makes These Banana Foster Pancakes Unforgettable
The first time I made these Banana Foster Pancakes, it wasn’t just about breakfast—it was about creating a moment. I still remember standing in my kitchen, watching the butter melt into the pan, the brown sugar dissolving into golden caramel, and the bananas softening into pure perfection. The aroma alone was enough to pull my family into the kitchen, eyes wide with anticipation. But here’s the real secret: a touch of vanilla and a hint of cinnamon in the pancake batter itself.
While most recipes focus only on the topping, infusing the banana foster pancakes with these warm flavors takes them to another level, making each bite taste like a perfect blend of rich, caramelized bananas and soft, buttery pancakes. That’s the trick that turns an ordinary breakfast into something unforgettable—one that makes people pause after the first bite and say, “Wow.”
FAQ
What is Bananas Foster made of?
Bananas Foster is a classic New Orleans dessert made by sautéing ripe bananas in a buttery brown sugar sauce, often flavored with cinnamon, dark rum, and banana liqueur. The sauce is traditionally flambéed, creating a rich caramelized coating on the bananas before being served over vanilla ice cream.
Are banana pancakes healthier than regular pancakes?
Banana pancakes can be a healthier option compared to traditional pancakes, depending on how they’re made. When bananas are used as a natural sweetener, they help reduce the need for added sugar. Plus, bananas add fiber, potassium, and vitamins that aren’t typically found in standard pancake batter. If you swap out refined flour for whole wheat or oat flour and use minimal added sugar, banana pancakes can be a more nutritious choice.
How do you make Kylie Jenner's banana pancakes?
Kylie Jenner’s banana pancakes recipe is super simple and requires just three ingredients—one ripe banana, one egg, and a little bit of flour. To make them, mash the banana in a bowl, whisk in the egg, and mix in some flour to form a batter. Cook small pancakes on a nonstick pan over medium heat until golden brown on both sides. They’re an easy, quick, and healthier take on classic pancakes!
Does alcohol burn off in Bananas Foster?
When making Bananas Foster, the rum and banana liqueur are often flambéed, which helps burn off some of the alcohol. However, not all of it evaporates, especially if the sauce isn’t cooked long enough. The amount of alcohol remaining depends on cooking time, heat, and the flambé technique. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can simply omit the alcohol and replace it with vanilla extract or a splash of apple juice for a similar depth of flavor.
A Sweet Ending to the Perfect Morning
These Banana Foster Pancakes take a simple breakfast and turn it into an experience—one that feels indulgent, comforting, and just a little bit like dessert first thing in the morning (because who wouldn’t love that?). The warm, caramelized bananas, the soft and fluffy banana foster pancakes, and the rich, buttery sauce come together in a way that will have everyone at the table savoring every last bite.
Whether you’re making these for a special occasion brunch or just treating yourself on a slow Saturday morning, they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite. The sweet aroma of cinnamon and caramelized sugar will have everyone running to the kitchen before you can even flip the last pancake. If you love starting your day with delicious, homemade breakfasts, you might also enjoy this Spinach Omelette Recipe—a savory balance to your morning spread.
So, why not give these pancakes a try this weekend? Your family will thank you! And if you’re looking for another easy and satisfying morning treat, this Easy Chia Pudding Recipe is perfect for busy weekdays. When you do make these Banana Foster Pancakes, we’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop a comment below or share your delicious creations on social media and tag us.
Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Banana Foster Pancakes recipe:
Banana Foster Pancakes recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl For pancake batter
- 1 Skillet or griddle For cooking pancakes
- 1 Small saucepan For banana topping
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
Pancakes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour can sub with whole wheat
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg room temp
- ¾ cup milk dairy or non-dairy
- 1 tablespoon melted butter plus more for cooking
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- 1 ripe banana mashed
Banana Topping
- 2 ripe bananas sliced
- 2 tablespoon butter unsalted
- ⅓ cup brown sugar packed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon optional
- 1 tablespoon water or rum rum for classic flavor
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Combine dry and wet ingredients in a bowl
- Heat Pan – Warm skillet over medium heat
- Cook Pancakes – Spoon batter and cook until bubbles form
- Flip – Turn and cook until golden
- Make Sauce – Melt butter, add sugar, bananas, and cook
- Simmer – Let topping thicken slightly
- Serve – Stack pancakes and pour banana sauce over top
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