If you love pancakes but crave something with a touch of indulgence and flair, this Bananas Foster Pancakes Recipe is about to become your new brunch obsession. Imagine fluffy, tender pancakes smothered in a luscious, buttery brown sugar sauce speckled with caramelized bananas that melt in your mouth. Inspired by the classic New Orleans dessert, this recipe brings that rich, comforting flavor right to your breakfast table. It’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings, special occasions, or any day when you want your taste buds to celebrate something truly delightful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with pale beige oats in the center on a white marbled surface. To the upper right, there are two yellow bananas with brown spots. Near the bananas, a white dish holds a brown egg. Below the egg dish is a white pitcher filled with white milk. Above the oats, there is a small white bowl containing light golden brown sugar. To the left of the oats, a small rustic pottery cup with a spoon inside holds smooth light brown peanut butter. Below that, a small white dish with black speckles holds white baking soda and salt. On the lower left side, there is a small round white bowl filled with dark amber vanilla extract, placed on a light wooden board. In the lower right corner, a partially visible red packet adds a pop of color to the setup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together magically to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the fluffy pancake base to the rich topping that gives this dish its signature charm.

1 ½ cups flour: The foundation for your fluffy pancakes, providing structure and a soft crumb.
1 tbsp sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the batter, balancing flavors perfectly.
1 ½ tsp baking powder: Your secret weapon for light, airy pancakes that rise beautifully.
1 egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the batter.
1 cup milk: Moistens the batter for tender pancakes; whole or any milk of choice works well.
1 tbsp melted butter: Adds a lovely buttery flavor and keeps pancakes tender.
2 ripe bananas, sliced: The star fruit that caramelizes into sweet, luscious topping.
3 tbsp butter: Creates the golden base for your Bananas Foster sauce.
¼ cup brown sugar: Infuses the sauce with caramel notes that enhance the bananas perfectly.
1 tbsp maple syrup or rum extract: Adds depth and that classic Bananas Foster flair – rum extract is a great alcohol-free option.
Dash of cinnamon: Provides a warm spice kick, lifting the entire dish.

How to Make Bananas Foster Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then mix in the milk and melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently until just incorporated — don’t overmix, or your pancakes could turn dense instead of fluffy.

Step 2: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a greased griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the surface. Cook until bubbles form on top and edges look set, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown. Keep them warm while you prepare the topping.

Step 3: Make the Bananas Foster Topping

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup or rum extract, and a dash of cinnamon until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes syrupy. Add the sliced bananas and simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the bananas to soften and soak up the sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bananas Foster Pancakes Recipe

Stack the warm pancakes on plates and generously spoon the warm caramelized banana sauce over the top. The contrast of the fluffy pancakes and the rich, buttery topping finishes this dish with an irresistible touch of decadence.

How to Serve Bananas Foster Pancakes Recipe

A round cake with three clear layers sits on a wooden cake stand over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is thick and brown with a crumbly texture, forming a sturdy base. The middle layer is creamy white and smooth, evenly spread over the crust. The top layer is glossy caramel sauce that covers many slices of banana placed on the surface, the bananas are light yellow with a shiny caramel coating. The caramel slightly drips over the edges of the cake. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For that extra wow factor, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, or add a dollop of whipped cream for creaminess. Fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing pop of color and flavor, elevating your presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these pancakes with crispy bacon or maple sausages to balance the sweetness with savory. Alternatively, fresh fruit like berries or citrus segments provide a lovely tangy contrast that keeps every bite exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these pancakes as stacked towers drizzled with sauce at the table for a bit of drama. For a brunch crowd, consider a pancake bar where guests can add their own toppings like toasted coconut, chocolate chips, or vanilla ice cream to customize their own Bananas Foster Pancakes Recipe experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store cooled pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the syrup and bananas separately to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze individual pancakes by layering them between parchment paper and sealing tightly in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature or in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat pancakes in a toaster or skillet for best texture. Warm the Bananas Foster topping gently in a pan or microwave before serving to restore that melt-in-your-mouth sensation.

FAQs

Can I make the Bananas Foster topping without alcohol?

Absolutely! Using rum extract or pure maple syrup instead of actual rum captures the classic flavor and keeps this recipe family-friendly.

What kind of bananas work best?

Ripe but firm bananas are ideal—they caramelize beautifully without becoming mushy, offering just the right balance of sweetness and texture.

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes! While all-purpose flour works best for fluffy pancakes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free blends, though texture may vary slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for a dessert?

Definitely. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to turn it into an indulgent dessert treat.

How do I make the pancakes extra fluffy?

Don’t overmix the batter — it’s perfectly fine if there are a few lumps. Also, fresh baking powder ensures good rise and fluffy texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a pancake recipe that brings a little something special to your breakfast or brunch table, this Bananas Foster Pancakes Recipe is it. The way the caramelized bananas and buttery brown sugar sauce complement the light pancakes is truly magical. Once you try it, it might just become your go-to dish for weekend mornings or anytime you want to treat yourself with a little culinary love.

Chef MARTHA

Bananas Foster Pancakes Recipe