Banana Nut Pancakes

Banana Nut Pancakes are the perfect way to start your morning off right. Imagine fluffy pancakes infused with the sweet flavor of ripe bananas and the delightful crunch of walnuts. With a hint of cinnamon and the goodness of whole wheat flour, these pancakes are not only delicious but also nutritious. They are incredibly easy to whip up, making them an ideal choice for busy weekday mornings or leisurely weekend brunches. Let’s dive into why these Banana Nut Pancakes are worth your time, what you’ll need to make them, and how to create this delightful breakfast in your own kitchen.

Why Banana Nut Pancakes is Worth Your Time

There’s something undeniably comforting about pancakes, especially when they are filled with the warm, sweet flavor of bananas and the nutty crunch of walnuts. These Banana Nut Pancakes are not just your average breakfast; they are a wholesome and satisfying meal that will keep you fueled throughout your day. The use of whole wheat flour adds fiber to your diet, while the bananas provide potassium and natural sweetness, allowing you to cut down on added sugars. Plus, they are a fantastic way to use up those overly ripe bananas sitting on your countertop!

What You’ll Need

To make these delicious Banana Nut Pancakes, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 large banana, very ripe, mashed
• 1 cup 1% milk
• 3 large egg whites
• 2 tsp oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp chopped walnuts, optional
• Olive oil or butter flavor cooking spray

Equipment & Tools

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following equipment and tools on hand:

• Mixing bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: To blend the batter smoothly.
• Griddle or non-stick skillet: For cooking the pancakes evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
• Spatula: For flipping the pancakes with ease.

Banana Nut Pancakes — Do This Next

Now that you have everything ready, let’s get started on making these delightful Banana Nut Pancakes!

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth, then add the milk, egg whites, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined and the mixture is creamy.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine! If you’re using walnuts, fold them in at this stage.

Step 4: Heat the Griddle

Preheat your griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly coat the surface with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

Once the griddle is hot, pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until you see bubbles forming on the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the pancakes from the skillet and serve warm with your favorite toppings. Maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of additional walnuts make excellent choices!

No-Store Runs Needed

One of the best parts about making Banana Nut Pancakes is that you likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. Here are some common substitutions you can make without needing to make a store run:

• Whole wheat flour can be replaced with all-purpose flour if that’s what you have.
• 1% milk can be substituted with any milk of your choice, including almond or oat milk.
• Egg whites can be replaced with whole eggs; just use one egg instead.
• Chopped walnuts can be swapped for any nuts you prefer, like pecans or almonds.

Pro Perspective

When it comes to pancakes, the key to achieving that fluffy texture is not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes, which is not what we want! Additionally, allowing the batter to rest for a few minutes before cooking can help create a lighter pancake. If you want to make these pancakes even more nutritious, try adding a tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds for an extra boost of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

If you find yourself with leftover pancakes, don’t worry! They can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment:

• Refrigerate: Store pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Place pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Simply pop pancakes in the microwave for about 30 seconds or reheat in a toaster for a crispy finish.

Quick Q&A

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?

Absolutely! While whole wheat flour adds more nutrients and fiber, all-purpose flour will still yield delicious pancakes.

How ripe should my bananas be?

The riper, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots, as they’ll be sweeter and easier to mash.

Can I make these pancakes vegan?

Yes! Substitute the egg whites with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use plant-based milk to make them vegan.

What toppings go well with Banana Nut Pancakes?

Some popular toppings include maple syrup, fresh sliced bananas, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Don’t Miss These

• Classic Buttermilk Pancakes
• Blueberry Oatmeal Pancakes
• Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Bring It Home

There’s just something special about a stack of warm, fluffy Banana Nut Pancakes. They are not only easy to make but also a fantastic way to start your day on a delicious note. Packed with flavor and nutrients, these pancakes will quickly become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. Whether you enjoy them plain or topped with your favorite fixings, you can’t go wrong with this delightful recipe. So grab those ripe bananas off your countertop and get cooking! You won’t regret it.