The Lazy Person’s Guide to Perfect Banana Pancakes (Yes, Really!)
You know that feeling. It’s a lazy weekend morning, you’re craving something delicious for breakfast, but the thought of measuring a dozen ingredients and washing a mountain of bowls makes you want to just crawl back into bed. I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit.
What if I told you that the solution to your breakfast woes has been sitting in your fruit bowl this whole time, probably getting a little spotty? That’s right. We’re talking about the humble banana. And we’re making pancakes.
Not just any pancakes. We’re making the stupidly simple, impossibly easy, 3-ingredient banana pancakes. No fancy flours, no weird ingredients. Just breakfast magic. Ready to have your mind blown?
What You Actually Need (Spoiler: It’s Not Much)
Let’s get the “hard” part out of the way. Gathering the ingredients. I promise, it won’t take long. In fact, you probably have everything right now.
Here’s your shopping list:
- 1 large, ripe banana (The spottier, the better. I’m talking about the ones you consider tossing in the freezer for “someday.” That day is today.)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder (This is our secret weapon for fluff. Trust me on this one.)
That’s it. Seriously. No, I didn’t forget the flour. No, you don’t need milk. This isn’t a drill.
FYI, the ripeness of your banana is non-negotiable. A green banana will leave you with a sad, starchy taste and a lumpy batter. A ripe, spotty banana is naturally sweeter and mashes into a beautiful, smooth puree. It’s the difference between “meh” and “magnificent.”
How to Become a Breakfast Wizard in 5 Minutes
Okay, you’ve assembled your elite team of ingredients. Now, let’s make some pancakes. The process is almost as simple as the ingredient list.
The Foolproof Method
Step 1: The Banana Smash
Peel that banana and plop it into a medium-sized bowl. Now, get aggressive with it. You want to mash it until it’s basically a smooth liquid. No lumps! Use a fork, a potato masher, or the back of a whisk. I find a little bit of controlled rage first thing in the morning is quite therapeutic.
Step 2: The Egg-cellent Addition
Crack your two eggs right into the banana goop. Add the ½ teaspoon of baking powder. Now, whisk it all together until it’s completely combined and slightly frothy. You’re looking for a uniform, liquidy yellow consistency. See? You’ve just made pancake batter. Told you it was easy.
Step 3: The Perfect Pour
This is where a lot of people go wrong, so listen up. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. I repeat, medium-low. This isn’t a searing steak; it’s a delicate pancake. If your pan is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Been there, done that, ate the charcoal-tasting pancake.
Lightly grease your pan with a tiny bit of butter, coconut oil, or a spritz of cooking spray. Pour about two tablespoons of batter for each pancake. Don’t make them too big; they are easier to flip when they’re modestly sized.
Step 4: The Patient Flip
Now, wait. You’ll see little bubbles start to form and pop on the surface. This takes a bit longer than a traditional pancake. After about 1.5-2 minutes, the edges should look set. Slide your spatula under one with confidence and flip! They should be a gorgeous golden brown. Cook for another minute or so on the other side.
And just like that, you’re a pancake pro.
Pro-Tips from Someone Who’s Burned a Few (So You Don’t Have To)
Look, I’ve made a lot of these. I’ve had triumphs, and I’ve had… learning experiences. Here are the key takeaways to guarantee your success.
- Embrace the Non-Stick: IMO, a good non-stick pan is your best friend here. It eliminates 90% of the potential frustration.
- Size Matters: Keep your pancakes small to medium. This makes them infinitely easier to manage and flip without tragic, batter-y tears.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: I can’t stress this enough. Patience is your secret fourth ingredient. A lower heat gives the inside time to set and cook through without incinerating the outside.
- The Ripeness is Right: One more time for the people in the back: use a ripe, spotty banana! Your taste buds will thank you.
Let’s Get Fancy: Level-Up Your Pancakes
So you’ve mastered the basic recipe. Feeling adventurous? Here’s where you can make these pancakes truly your own. Stir any of these into your batter right before cooking:
- A dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon (Classic moves that never fail.)
- A handful of chocolate chips or blueberries (Because why not? You’re an adult.)
- A scoop of protein powder (If you’re feeling extra virtuous. Just add a tiny splash of milk if the batter gets too thick.)
See? The world is your pancake oyster.
🔥Recommended Slow Cooker Essentials
Here are a few of my favorite slow cooker essentials that make crockpot cooking easier, faster, and way more fun.
- Crock-Pot 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Perfect for big families or meal prepping — set it, forget it, and come home to tender, juicy meals every time.
Check it out on Amazon - Hamilton Beach 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Reliable, easy-to-use, and keeps food warm automatically — ideal for busy weeknights.
See today’s price on Amazon - Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PRO (8-in-1 Multi-Cooker)
Slow cook, sauté, roast, and more — one appliance that does it all for your crockpot dinners.
View it on Amazon - Silicone Slow Cooker Divider Insert
Cook two different meals at once — perfect for picky eaters or meal prep variety.
Grab it on Amazon - Fix-It and Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes Cookbook
Packed with easy, flavorful slow cooker chicken ideas your family will love.
Get the cookbook on Amazon
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I only recommend products I personally use and love.
The Final Flip
So, what’s the verdict? Are these going to be the exact same as the thick, buttermilk diner-style pancakes your grandma used to make? No, and let’s be honest, nothing ever will be. 🙂
But what they are is a quick, wholesome, and genuinely delicious breakfast that you can make with zero planning and almost no cleanup. They’re naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, and a genius way to use up those sad bananas. They’re the hero your weekday breakfasts (or lazy weekends) deserve.
You have no excuses left. Your breakfast game is about to get a major upgrade. Go on, give it a try. And don’t forget the maple syrup
