These Banana Pancake Dippers are not just a breakfast; they’re an interactive treat! The fluffy pancakes paired with the sweetness of ripe bananas make for a delicious, kid-friendly morning meal. Plus, the maple syrup dip adds that extra touch of indulgence for a perfect start to your day.
What’s great about this dish is how versatile it is. You can play with different flavors, adding chocolate chips, blueberries, or even a dash of cinnamon to the batter for a fun twist. It’s easy, quick, and a surefire way to bring smiles to the table, whether it’s a weekend brunch or a weekday morning rush.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 ripe banana
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup milk (or as needed)
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1 egg
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1 tablespoon butter, melted
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
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Pinch of salt
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Maple syrup (for dipping)
Directions:
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In a large bowl, mash the banana with a fork until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
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Add the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the mashed banana. Stir until well combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the batter is smooth. If the batter is too thick, add more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
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Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
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Scoop spoonfuls of the batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
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Once the pancakes are cooked, cut them into strips for dipping.
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Serve with maple syrup on the side for dipping.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 150 kcal per serving | Servings: 2-3 servings
Why Banana Pancake Dippers Are Perfect for Busy Mornings
Mornings can be hectic, especially when you have little ones running around, trying to get ready for school. Banana Pancake Dippers offer a quick and easy way to make a breakfast that feels special without requiring too much time or effort. The recipe is incredibly simple, needing only a few pantry staples and fresh bananas. The pancakes can be prepped in under 10 minutes and cooked in just a few minutes on each side.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its versatility. You can add other ingredients, such as chocolate chips, blueberries, or cinnamon, to customize the flavor to your family’s taste. The pancakes are also easy to freeze, so you can make a big batch and store them for a quick breakfast on another busy day. Simply pop them in the toaster or microwave, and you have an instant breakfast ready to go.
The Simple Process Behind Banana Pancake Dippers
To make these Banana Pancake Dippers, you’ll start by mixing a basic pancake batter. Using a boxed pancake mix like Bisquick simplifies the process, but you can easily substitute with gluten-free pancake mix if needed. The batter comes together quickly with just three ingredients: pancake mix, milk, and eggs. After whisking these together, it’s time to prepare the bananas.
Once the batter is ready, peel 3-4 bananas and slice them into thin strips. Dip each banana slice into the pancake batter, coating it evenly before placing it on the griddle or skillet. This is where the magic happens—each banana slice becomes encased in a soft, fluffy pancake exterior while the banana inside softens and becomes slightly caramelized from the heat.
After cooking the pancake dippers for about two minutes on each side, remove them from the skillet and allow them to cool slightly. Serve them with a side of maple syrup for dipping. The result? A delicious, finger-friendly breakfast that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. These Banana Pancake Dippers can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, or fruit.
The Benefits of Banana Pancake Dippers
In addition to being a tasty breakfast option, Banana Pancake Dippers also offer several nutritional benefits. Bananas are a great source of potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy heart and muscle function. They also contain vitamin C and B6, both of which support a healthy immune system and contribute to overall well-being.
When combined with whole wheat or gluten-free pancake mix, this dish provides a good amount of fiber and carbohydrates, which are great for keeping you energized throughout the morning. While it’s a treat, it’s a relatively balanced one, with the pancakes offering both a satisfying texture and the natural sweetness of the bananas.
Another benefit is that Banana Pancake Dippers are an excellent way to introduce more fruit into your kids’ diets. Since the bananas are hidden inside the pancakes, even picky eaters might be more willing to try them. Plus, the dipping action adds an element of fun to breakfast, making it more likely that your kids will eat the entire meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a large batch of Banana Pancake Dippers and store them in the freezer for future use. To freeze, simply let the pancakes cool completely and then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for an hour or two, then transfer the dippers to a freezer-safe bag or container.
When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them in the microwave or toaster, and they’ll be ready to dip in maple syrup once again. This makes Banana Pancake Dippers not only a great breakfast choice for busy mornings but also a convenient option for snack time or lunchboxes. You can even change up the dips from maple syrup to peanut butter, chocolate sauce, or honey for different flavor combinations.
Ways to Customize Your Banana Pancake Dippers
Though the original recipe is delightful on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it. Here are some ideas to take your Banana Pancake Dippers to the next level:
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Add Chocolate Chips: For a sweet treat, mix chocolate chips into the pancake batter before dipping the bananas. The combination of banana, pancake, and chocolate will make a decadent breakfast that feels more like dessert.
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Try Other Fruits: If bananas aren’t your thing, try using other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or apple slices. They’ll all cook up similarly in the pancake batter and offer a fresh twist.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a spiced flavor profile. This adds a cozy, warming touch to the pancakes and pairs wonderfully with maple syrup.
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Make It Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pancake mix to make this recipe gluten-free. You can still enjoy all the flavors and textures without worrying about gluten.
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Toppings and Dips: Serve these Banana Pancake Dippers with a variety of toppings and dips. From whipped cream to yogurt, the possibilities are endless for creating a fun and personalized breakfast experience.
Banana Pancake Dippers for All Ages
These pancakes aren’t just for kids. Adults will enjoy them too, especially if they’re looking for a healthier yet indulgent breakfast option. The banana provides a natural sweetness, so you don’t need to add too much sugar to the batter, and the pancakes themselves are light yet filling. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast, Banana Pancake Dippers will surely become a staple in your household.
Conclusion
Banana Pancake Dippers are the perfect combination of convenience, taste, and nutrition. With their easy prep and customizable nature, they’re a great choice for busy mornings, family breakfasts, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. The recipe is simple enough for anyone to make, yet it offers endless possibilities for personalization. Whether you stick with the classic banana and maple syrup or get creative with toppings and add-ins, these Banana Pancake Dippers are sure to become a favorite in your household.