Bananas Foster Pancakes

Enjoy an indulgent and delicious breakfast in this stack of fluffy Bananas Foster Pancakes cooked to a buttery golden brown and topped with a rich caramel banana rum sauce. Simple to make, but SO impressive!

Love a filling and indulgent breakfast? This Bananas Foster pancakes recipe is sure to impress. Combining the delicious flavor of caramelized bananas, fluffy pancakes, and Bananas Foster sauce, this breakfast feels like a delightful treat. This recipe uses all the best components of the delicious dessert and makes them suitable for breakfast, leaving you feeling full and satisfied. 

This great recipe can be whipped up quickly to serve a crowd using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. These Bananas Foster pancakes will become a new family favorite, perfect for weekend brunches, breakfasts, and desserts.

Why You’ll Love Bananas Foster Pancakes

• Easy to make: Despite the luxurious flavor, this Bananas Foster pancakes recipe is straightforward and requires no fancy cooking skills. With a total cooking time of just 25 minutes, these pancakes are perfect for a busy morning breakfast or weekend brunch. 
• Perfect for any occasion: This recipe is perfect for special events and celebrations. Whether you want to serve them for a birthday breakfast, holiday brunch, or even a romantic breakfast in bed, these pancakes will make any occasion memorable. 
• Customizable: While these pancakes are already delicious, this recipe offers an opportunity for customization. You can easily add chopped nuts or include warm spices like nutmeg or ginger to enhance the flavor of this dish. 
• Unique Flavor: The combination of fluffy pancakes with indulgent bananas foster topping creates a delicious dish that stands out from regular pancakes. The buttery, sweet, and slightly tangy taste of the bananas foster compliments the soft texture of these pancakes.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Flour 
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Egg
• Melted unsalted butter 
• Milk 
• Lemon juice
• Lemon extract
• Medium bananas
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon 
• Optional rum

How to Make Bananas Fosters Pancakes

• Step One: In a cup or small bowl, add the lemon juice to the milk and stir. Set aside for about 5 minutes. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk together until combined and set aside.
• Step Two: In a separate bowl, whisk together the butter, egg, sugar, and vanilla.
• Step Three: Combine the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk. Pour in the milk mixture until the batter is uniform consistency. The batter should be on the thicker side but still be able to scoop out easily.

Get our FREE
e-cookbook

I want it!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

Step Four: Heat a skillet on medium-low and spray with cooking spray. Take a scoop of the batter and cook until the bottom is golden brown. Turn over and look for the same golden brown. Repeat this process with the remaining batter.

• Step Five: Slice the bananas into even pieces, about 1/2” thick.
• Step Six: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the sugar and cinnamon and stir constantly until the mixture is thick but the sugar has melted. Do not leave it unattended, as the sugar will burn quickly. It takes about 2-3 minutes.
• Step Seven: Place the banana slices evenly into the skillet. Avoid overlapping slices because the bananas will not get that caramelized crust. Turn the bananas once they have a nice golden color and crust, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and do the same for the other side.
• Step Eight: Turn off your burner and remove it from heat. Pour in the rum and use a grill or lighter with a longer handle to light the rum in the skillet and flambé. Please use caution not to burn yourself as this will light quickly. The rum will burn off and leave a delicious flavor. This step is optional if you choose.

• Step Nine: Top your pancakes with the delicious Bananas Foster and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

This post contains affiliate links.

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk 
• Large skillet 
• Grill lighter

What to Serve with Bananas Foster Pancakes

 Serve this pancake recipe alongside some of your other favorite breakfast foods. 

• Oven Scrambled Eggs
• BBQ Eggs
• Indian Scrambled Eggs
• Bacon and Gouda Fritatta
• Turkey Bacon Fritatta

Variations and Substitutions

• Plant-Based Variations: Swap out dairy milk for your favorite plant-based alternative. Oat milk will work perfectly in this dish. You can also use an egg substitute and plant-based butter to make this an entirely plant-based dish.  
• Alcohol-Free: If you prefer not to use rum to make this dish, that is perfectly fine. Add a splash of maple syrup or vanilla to enhance the flavor, and skip the rum. 
• Nuts Add-in: Add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds on top of the pancakes, or even incorporate them into the wet ingredients. This will add a delicious crunch and flavor to your banana foster pancakes. 
• Chocolatey Twist: Incorporate chocolate chips into your pancake batter. Adding chocolate chips into this recipe will create a delicious banana and chocolate flavor once the bananas foster sauce is added. 
• Spices: Get creative and experiment by adding different spices. Nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom can all add a fantastic flavor to these pancakes.

 Storage Instructions

 It is recommended to eat these delicious and easy pancakes right away. If you need to store leftovers, place them in separate airtight containers. They will keep well in the fridge for about two days. Place your pancakes in a warm oven, microwave, or toaster to reheat them. Reheat the Bananas Foster sauce in the microwave. 

Can I Freeze?

You can freeze the pancakes themselves but do not freeze the Bananas Foster sauce. Transfer your cooled pancakes to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat them, pop them into your microwave or toaster until warm. You will want to make a fresh batch of Banana Fosters Sauce to top them with. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor and texture, use ripe bananas for the Bananas foster topping. Ripe bananas are sweeter and will caramelize beautifully during cooking.
• Preheat the Skillet: Make sure to preheat the skillet on medium-low heat before adding the pancake batter. This helps to ensure even cooking and prevents the pancakes from sticking to the pan.
• Consistent Pancake Size: Use a measuring cup or ice cream scoop to portion the pancake batter to ensure the pancakes are all the same size. Doing this will help them to cook evenly and give them a consistent appearance when serving them.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Avoid overmixing your pancakes when combining the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing your batter can lead to dense pancakes. It’s okay if there are a few lumps in the batter.
• Thicker Batter for Fluffier Pancakes: Keep the batter thicker if you prefer fluffier pancakes. The thicker batter tends to produce taller and fluffier pancakes.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Use a non-stick cooking spray or a small amount of butter to grease the skillet before cooking each pancake. This prevents sticking and helps to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and crispy edges.
• Keep Pancakes Warm: To keep them warm while cooking the rest of the batch, place them on a baking sheet in a warm oven preheated to around 200°F until ready to serve.
• Safety for Flambé: If you decide to flambé the bananas foster, practice caution. Ensure no flammable items are nearby, and use a long-handled lighter to ignite the rum. Keep a lid or fire extinguisher handy if the flame gets out of control.
• Serve Immediately: Pancakes are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve the Bananas Foster Pancakes immediately after making them get the best flavor results.

What is Bananas Foster?

Originating from New Orleans, Bananas Foster is a delicious dessert with ripe bananas cooked in a caramelized sauce. Typically served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert showcases the natural sweetness of bananas with the magic of caramelization. 

Bananas Foster is prepared by sauteing sliced bananas in a pan with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. As the butter and the sugar melt and combine, they create a rich and gooey caramelized flavor. Flambeing is optional but is a classic Bananas Foster technique. Once the bananas have been cooked, flammable alcohol like rum is added to the pan. The alcohol is then ignited, creating a burst of flames that cooks off the alcohol and creates a delicious depth of flavor. 

What Do They Taste Like?

Bananas Foster has a rich, sweet, buttery flavor with caramel notes and a hint of cinnamon. The dish starts with ripe bananas that become soft and tender as they cook. As the bananas caramelize in the sauce made from brown sugar and butter, they take on a deep, sweet flavor that is enhanced by the warm spices of cinnamon.

The flambeing step, if included, adds a subtle, smoky undertone from the burned-off alcohol, which contributes to the overall complexity of flavors. The alcohol itself is quickly burned off during this process, leaving behind just the essence of the rum without the actual alcoholic content.

Combining warm, caramelized bananas and the sweet, buttery sauce creates a luxurious and indulgent taste. When served over a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, the warm bananas and sauce contrast with the ice cream making it even more delicious and well-rounded.

How to Make More Fluffy

To make your pancakes fluffier, you want to avoid overmixing the batter. It is also essential to make sure your batter is thick enough and allow it to rest for a few minutes before cooking. If possible, you can also substitute regular milk with buttermilk. 

How to Make Homemade Buttermilk

• Step One: Pour 1 cup of whole milk (or any of your choice) into a measuring cup or a bowl.
• Step Two: Add one tablespoon of white vinegar or fresh lemon juice to the milk.
• Step Three: Stir the milk and acid together gently.
• Step Four: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, the acid will react with the milk, causing it to thicken and curdle slightly, mimicking the texture and tang of buttermilk.
• Step Five: Stir the homemade buttermilk after 5 to 10 minutes. You will notice that it has thickened slightly and may have some curdled bits.
• Step Six: Your homemade buttermilk is now ready to use in your favorite recipes that call for buttermilk. If you have more than you need, you can store any extra homemade buttermilk in the refrigerator for later use.

Do I Have to Use Rum? 

No, you don’t have to use rum in this pancake recipe. Adding rum is entirely optional. The rum is only used to flambe the Bananas Foster. If you prefer to avoid alcohol or have none on hand, you can just skip this step. 

Why Are My Pancakes Soggy?

There are several different reasons that your pancakes turned out soggy. They are either undercooked, and your batter is too thin, you over-mixed it, used too much oil or butter, or added the toppings too early.

What to Do With Leftover Sauce

If you have leftover Bananas Foster Sauce, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat the sauce in the microwave and use to top waffles, french toast or add it to overnight oats. 

Can I Eat Them Warm or Cold?

You want to ensure you eat your pancakes warm for the best results. They taste so much better when enjoyed fresh. 

Can I Use Pancake Mix Instead?

Yes, you can use pancake mix. Choose a premade buttermilk pancake mix as it produces sturdier pancakes that stand up perfectly to the sauce. 

What’s the Best Way to Keep Pancakes Warm?

 If you are making your pancakes in batches, you want to ensure that you keep them warm. Before you begin cooking, preheat your oven to 200 degrees. Once your pancakes have finished cooking in the hot pan, transfer them to a baking sheet and place them in the oven until you are ready to serve them.  

Can I Use a Different Fruit Instead of Bananas in the Foster Topping?

Yes, you can. Apples, pears, peaches, mangoes, and pineapples go very well with the pancakes when cooked in the fosters sauce. Follow the directions in the recipe, using the fruit of your choice. 

Why Is My Sauce So Thick?

There are several reasons that your sauce may have turned out too thick. You may have cooked it for too long, had too high heat, used too much sugar, or needed to add more liquid. 

How to Ripen Bananas

• Paper Bag Method: Place your unripe bananas in a paper bag and fold the top to close it loosely. The bananas release ethylene gas, which is a natural ripening agent. Trapping them in the paper bag concentrates the gas, helping the bananas ripen faster.
• With Other Fruits: Place the unripe bananas in a bowl or a paper bag along with other ripe fruits like apples or tomatoes. Ripe fruits also release ethylene gas, accelerating the bananas’ ripening.
• Warm Spot: Keep the bananas in a warm spot in your kitchen. Warmer temperatures can help speed up the ripening process.
• Cover with Plastic Wrap: If you only have one or two bananas, you can wrap them individually. This will trap the ethylene gas produced by the banana and quicken the ripening.
• Microwave Method: While there are more ideal methods, you can also use a microwave to ripen bananas quickly. Prick the bananas with a fork or knife and microwave them on low power for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Check the bananas regularly to avoid overcooking them.

Optional Toppings

• Whipped Cream
• Chopped Nuts
• Maple Syrup
• Hot Fudge Sauce
• Shredded Coconut
• Caramel Sauce
• Fresh Berries
• Banana Slices
• Vanilla Ice Cream
• Dusting of Cinnamon
• Powdered Sugar
• Butterscotch Sauce

Pancake Recipes

• Oreo Pancakes
• Cinnamon Banana Pancakes
• Whole Wheat Blueberry Pancakes
• Apple Pie Pancakes
• Pancake Syrup
• Mini Pancakes

FAQ

Banana Recipes

• Crockpot Banana Bread
• Caramel Banana Muffins
• Banana Raspberry Muffins
• Mango Banana Marshmallow Salad
• Banana Pudding Fluff
• Banana Cupcakes

Try Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast Sticks.

Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.