Scrumptious Mini Banana Pancakes Recipe 

Breakfast is commonly celebrated as the crucial meal of the day, and the reasons behind it are easy to comprehend. Commencing your morning with a satisfying and flavorsome meal establishes the foundation for a productive and energetic day ahead. If you want to add a unique twist to your breakfast routine, buckle up for healthy and adorable buckwheat mini banana pancakes!

Buckwheat, a gluten-free seed that's not actually related to wheat, offers an array of nutritional benefits. Its abundance of fiber, protein, and vital minerals such as magnesium and manganese makes it a remarkable substitute for traditional grains. Paired with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, these pancakes create a harmonious fusion that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.

In this blog post, we'll guide you on how to make this buckwheat mini banana pancake recipe that is gluten-free and kids friendly. The flavor is reminiscent of freshly baked banana bread! Whether you possess culinary expertise or are a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and satiate your cravings.

Mini Buckwheat Banana Pancakes

Ingredients

Directions

1. Combine the buckwheat pancake mix, egg (or egg substitute), oat milk, and mashed banana in a mixing bowl. Stir the ingredients together until thoroughly combined. If the batter appears too thick, you have the option to incorporate a small amount of oat milk to achieve the desired consistency.

2. Allow the batter to rest for a duration of 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over a medium heat setting. Grease the surface with avocado oil or cooking oil.

4. Pour a small portion of the pancake batter onto the skillet, creating a small pancake shape. Then, gently place a slice of banana on the surface of the batter. Add another small amount of batter to cover the banana slice.

5. Allow the pancake to cook for approximately 2-3 minutes or until the edges begin to appear firm and bubbles emerge on the surface. Flip the pancake over and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until it achieves a delightful golden brown color.

6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the remaining batter and banana slices, adjusting the heat as needed.

7. Serve the cooked banana pancakes warm with your desired toppings. I used chocolate hazelnut butter and bee pollen in this recipe.

Let the batter rest: If time allows, allow the pancake batter to rest for a duration of 5 to 10 minutes before proceeding with the cooking process. This rest period allows the dry ingredients to hydrate fully, resulting in fluffier pancakes.

Keep the banana slices thin: When adding the slice of banana in the middle of each pancake, make sure the banana slices are thin. Thin slices will cook through more evenly and won't create overly thick pancake layers.

Flip gently: When flipping the pancakes, use a spatula to lift and turn them over carefully. Be gentle to prevent the banana filling from shifting or falling out.

What Ingredients You Will Need To Make This Buckwheat Banana Pancake Recipe

Buckwheat Pancake Mix

Buckwheat pancake mix is a convenient base for the pancakes, providing the primary structure and flavor. It typically contains buckwheat flour, leavening agents, and sometimes additional ingredients like sugar or salt. Buckwheat is naturally gluten-free, making it a great substitute for whole wheat flour for those looking for gluten-free options.

If buckwheat pancake mix is unavailable, you can make your own by combining equal parts buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

Egg (or substitute)

The egg helps bind the pancake batter together and adds moisture. For a vegan alternative, you can replace the egg with either a flax egg or mashed banana. To prepare a flax egg, simply combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water, and allow it to sit for a few minutes until it thickens.

Oat Milk (or dairy milk)

The addition of oat milk to the pancake batter imparts moisture and richness, contributing to a tender texture and enhanced flavor. If oat milk is not accessible, you can substitute it with other non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or rice milk.

Aside from non-dairy milk, you can also use dairy milk if you have no dietary restrictions.

Ripe Banana

The mashed ripe banana adds flavor and contributes natural sweetness and moisture to the pancakes. It helps create a tender and soft texture. This recipe has no direct substitutes for bananas, as it plays a unique role. However, if you cannot use bananas, you can add applesauce for moisture and sweetness, though the flavor will be different.

Adding slices of banana in the middle of the pancakes provides bursts of banana flavor and texture. Unlike other banana pancake recipes, adding a slice of banana to each pancake creates a unique texture and taste experience.

Vanilla Extract

Adding vanilla extract to the buckwheat banana pancake recipe can enhance the flavor profile of the pancakes. Vanilla extract has a sweet, aromatic, and slightly floral taste that complements the natural sweetness of the bananas and adds depth to the overall flavor of the pancakes.

If vanilla extract is not available, you can either omit this ingredient or opt for another extract like almond extract.

Avocado Oil

Greasing the skillet or griddle with avocado oil or cooking oil prevents the pancakes from sticking and ensures they cook evenly. You can also use coconut oil, vegan melted butter, or plant-based margarine.

While vegetable oil can be a common ingredient in pancake recipes, there are a few reasons why you might choose not to use it in a buckwheat banana pancake recipe. This includes vegetable oil and can result in a slightly greasier texture in pancakes. If you prefer a lighter and fluffier texture, using alternative fats like melted butter or coconut oil can help achieve that. 

Certain individuals may opt against using vegetable oil due to personal preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, they may prefer to avoid highly processed oils or have specific dietary needs that require alternative oils.

How to Elevate This Buckwheat Banana Pancake Recipe

Add Flavorful Spices

Elevate the flavor profile of the pancakes by adding delightful spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter. These warm spices complement the banana and buckwheat flavors beautifully.

Incorporate Nuts or Seeds

Add a delightful crunch and extra nutrients by mixing chopped nuts or seeds into the pancake batter. Walnuts, almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds work well. You can also sprinkle them on top of the pancakes as a garnish.

Make a Caramelized Banana Topping

In addition to the sliced banana in the middle of the pancakes, you can caramelize additional banana slices to serve as a topping. Sauté banana slices in a pan with a touch of vegan butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar until golden and caramelized. Drizzle the caramelized bananas over the pancakes for added sweetness and decadence.

Serve with a Fruit Compote

Create a quick and easy fruit compote by using a variety of berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Cook the berries with a bit of water and sweetener (like maple syrup or agave) until they soften and release their juices. Pour the compote over the pancakes for a burst of fruity goodness.

Experiment with Toppings

Besides traditional maple syrup, consider other toppings to elevate the pancakes. Try a dollop of vegan yogurt, a drizzle of almond butter or peanut butter, or a sprinkle of granola or shredded coconut. These additions will add texture and flavors that complement the pancakes.

Create Pancake Stacks

Instead of serving individual pancakes, layer them on a serving plate to create a beautiful pancake stack. Place a slice of banana between each layer and top it off with additional banana slices, a drizzle of syrup, and any other desired toppings. This presentation makes the dish visually appealing and perfect for sharing.

Add Chocolate Chips

Add some chocolatey goodness by sprinkling some vegan chocolate chips into the pancake batter or on top of the pancakes while they cook for a delightful chocolatey twist.

Experiment with additional toppings

Consider adding fresh fruit slices (such as strawberries or blueberries), a sprinkle of shredded coconut, a drizzle of nut butter, or a dollop of vegan yogurt as additional toppings.

How To Store Leftover Pancakes

To maintain the quality of your cooked pancakes, allow them to cool completely at room temperature before storage to prevent condensation and sogginess. You can store them by placing them in an airtight container or a sealable freezer bag, ensuring a proper seal to retain freshness and avoid freezer burn.

If you anticipate consuming the leftover pancakes within a couple of days, it is advisable to store them in the refrigerator, where they will maintain freshness for approximately 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze banana pancakes in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I ensure that my buckwheat banana pancakes are fluffy?

For achieving fluffy buckwheat banana pancakes, it's crucial to use fresh and active baking powder. Moreover, be cautious not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to denser pancakes. Allowing the batter to rest for a few minutes before cooking is recommended, enabling the baking powder to activate, forming air pockets, and contributing to a lighter texture.

Can I use frozen bananas in my buckwheat banana pancake batter?

Certainly, frozen bananas can be used in your buckwheat banana pancake batter. Thaw the bananas and mash them well before adding them to the batter.

Are buckwheat banana pancakes gluten-free?

Yes, buckwheat flour is naturally gluten-free, so buckwheat banana pancakes can be a gluten-free option. However, be sure to check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free if you have strict dietary restrictions.

Can I make buckwheat banana pancakes without eggs?

Absolutely, it is possible to prepare buckwheat banana pancakes without eggs. According to the recommended measurements, you can replace eggs using substitutes like mashed bananas, applesauce, yogurt, or a commercial egg replacer.

Can I make banana pancakes ahead of time and reheat them?

Indeed, you can make banana pancakes in advance and reheat them later. After cooking the pancakes, allow them to cool and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply reheat the pancakes using a toaster, oven, microwave, or skillet until they are warmed through to your liking.

Can I use a blender to mix the batter for buckwheat banana pancakes?

Certainly, a blender can be used to mix the batter for buckwheat banana pancakes. Simply combine all the ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. This method can help achieve a smoother batter consistency.

How do I prevent my buckwheat banana pancakes from sticking to the pan?

To prevent sticking, make sure your skillet or griddle is well-greased with oil or butter before pouring the pancake batter. Furthermore, waiting for the pancake's edges to set and bubbles to appear on the surface before flipping it is advisable. This will help ensure the pancake releases easily from the pan.