This Caramelized Banana Pancake Stack is a decadent, restaurant-quality breakfast that combines light, fluffy pancakes with buttery, caramelized bananas. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and warmth, making this the ultimate weekend brunch treat.
The golden-brown pancakes serve as the perfect base for the sweet, syrupy banana topping, and when finished with maple syrup and whipped cream, this dish becomes an irresistible breakfast indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Pancakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – provides the base structure for fluffy pancakes
- 2 tablespoons sugar – adds a touch of sweetness
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – gives the pancakes their rise and fluffiness
- ¼ teaspoon salt – balances the flavors
- 1 cup milk – whole milk is ideal for a rich texture, but any milk works
- 1 large egg – helps bind the batter and adds structure
- 2 tablespoons melted butter – enhances the flavor and keeps the pancakes tender
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds depth and warmth
For the Caramelized Bananas:
- 2 ripe bananas – sliced for caramelization
- 2 tablespoons butter – creates a rich, buttery caramel sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar – adds deep caramel flavor
For Topping:
- Maple syrup – for extra sweetness and moisture
- Whipped cream – for a light, creamy finish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix—a few lumps are fine. Overmixing can make the pancakes dense instead of fluffy.
Step 2: Cook the Pancakes
- Preheat the Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the Pancakes: Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
- Look for Bubbles: Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to set.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Keep Warm: Transfer to a plate and keep warm while making the remaining pancakes.
Step 3: Caramelize the Bananas
- Melt Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add Brown Sugar: Stir in the brown sugar and let it dissolve, creating a caramel sauce.
- Caramelize Bananas: Add the sliced bananas and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and caramelized. The bananas should become soft and coated in the syrupy glaze.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Stack the Pancakes: Place a stack of pancakes on a serving plate, adding layers of caramelized bananas between them.
- Drizzle with Maple Syrup: Pour warm maple syrup generously over the stack.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy this warm, sweet, and buttery pancake stack!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it Extra Caramelized: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the bananas for added warmth.
- Crunchy Twist: Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk and coconut oil instead of butter.
- Extra Decadence: Drizzle with melted chocolate or peanut butter for an even richer treat.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: ~320 Kcal
This Caramelized Banana Pancake Stack is the ultimate sweet and comforting breakfast—perfect for weekend mornings, brunch gatherings, or anytime you crave something deliciously indulgent. Enjoy!