If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously tender, super-flavorful pancake that doesn’t rely on milk, then you’re going to absolutely love this Banana Yogurt Pancakes Recipe. I discovered this gem on a lazy weekend morning, and honestly, it’s become a staple in our household. The bananas add that natural sweetness and moisture, while the yogurt keeps each bite wonderfully fluffy and light. Stick around—I’ve got all the tips and tricks to help you nail these pancakes on your very first try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just a handful of pantry-friendly staples, these pancakes come together quickly without any hassle.
- No Milk Needed: Perfect for those who are dairy-sensitive or just out of milk—yogurt’s the hero here for moisture and tang.
- Naturally Sweetened: Ripe bananas provide all the sweetness you need, no extra sugar required.
- Fluffy and Tender: Thanks to the right balance of whole wheat flour, baking powder, and yogurt, these pancakes are light yet satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how easy and natural the ingredient list is for this Banana Yogurt Pancakes Recipe. Using whole wheat flour gives it a nice nutty depth, while ripe bananas and natural yogurt bring great texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll want to pick up, with a few notes on why each ingredient matters.
- Bananas: Choose ripe to overripe bananas—they’re sweeter and mash more easily, which makes your pancakes even more flavorful.
- Natural Yogurt: This adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of bananas beautifully.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the batter and help create a fluffy texture; fresh ones always work best.
- Oil (any kind): Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for a light crumb, or olive oil if you want a slightly richer taste.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Adds a wholesome flavor and a little extra fiber, but you can swap with all-purpose if you want a lighter pancake.
- Baking Powder: Essential for that perfect lift and fluffiness.
Variations
One of the things I adore about this Banana Yogurt Pancakes Recipe is how easy it is to personalize it depending on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Let me share some of my favorite tweaks that you might want to try yourself.
- Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the whole wheat flour for a gluten-free blend once, and the pancakes still came out fluffy and just as tasty—perfect for guests with sensitivities.
- Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg takes the flavor up a notch without complicating things. I love adding cinnamon when making these in the fall.
- Mix-In Fun: Toss in a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts for some textural contrast—my kids go crazy for chocolate chips in these!
- Dairy-Free Alternative: If you can’t have yogurt, coconut yogurt works surprisingly well and adds a subtle tropical twist.
How to Make Banana Yogurt Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Dry Ingredients Separately
Start by combining the whole wheat flour with baking powder in a bowl. Using a whisk, give it a good stir to make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed. This step might seem small, but it really helps your pancakes rise beautifully. Set this aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas Just Right
Grab your bananas and mash them up in a shallow bowl using a fork. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth—a few small lumps add character and texture. I learned the hard way that mashing them too early leads to brown, bitter banana flavor, so try to get this step done immediately before mixing.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients Together
In a larger bowl, whisk together your mashed bananas, yogurt, eggs, and oil. You want everything nicely blended so when you add the dry ingredients next, the batter comes together without lumps. I usually give it a good 30-second whisk here.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry to Make Batter
Pour the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients gradually, whisking gently just until combined. Overmixing is a common mistake I’ve made in the past, and it results in tough pancakes. The batter should be a lovely thick consistency but still pourable.
Step 5: Cook Your Pancakes Low and Slow
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, then lightly mist it with cooking spray. Using a spoon, drop batter onto the pan—try to keep them spaced out since the pancakes puff up as they cook. Cook each pancake for about 3 minutes on the first side until bubbles form and edges look set, then flip carefully and cook for another 2 minutes. Patience is key here; cooking on too high heat leads to burnt pancakes with raw centers.
When done, set cooked pancakes on a plate and cover loosely with foil or a large bowl to keep warm while you finish the batch.
Pro Tips for Making Banana Yogurt Pancakes Recipe
- Use Very Ripe Bananas: This is key for the natural sweetness and soft texture—I never make these without overripe bananas on hand.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: I used to whisk the batter endlessly, but I learned it flattens the pancakes. Mix just enough to combine all ingredients.
- Cook on Low Heat: Cooking slowly prevents burning and ensures each pancake cooks through evenly—you’ll see how much better they turn out.
- Keep Pancakes Warm: A simple trick I use is covering them with a lid or foil while the rest cook so they stay soft and warm without drying out.
How to Serve Banana Yogurt Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these pancakes with a smear of almond butter or a drizzle of pure maple syrup for natural sweetness that complements the banana flavor perfectly. Fresh berries or sliced nuts add a nice crunch and a fresh finish—I’m a big fan of sprinkle-on chopped walnuts for texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Pairing these pancakes with crisp turkey bacon or a simple scrambled egg makes for a well-rounded breakfast that’s both comforting and nutritious. Sometimes, I serve them alongside a refreshing smoothie bowl so the meal feels extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthday breakfasts or weekend brunches, I like stacking the pancakes into a tall tower and layering between with thin spreads of nut butter or yogurt. A dusting of powdered sugar and some edible flowers can turn these simple Banana Yogurt Pancakes into a breakfast worth celebrating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), loosely cover and store them in the fridge for up to two days. I find they taste almost as good the next morning and reheat super quickly in the microwave for a fast breakfast fix.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these pancakes successfully too! Just cool them completely, then layer between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. When you want them, pop a few in the toaster or microwave straight from the freezer. It’s a lifesaver for busy mornings.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat these pancakes without drying them out is to warm gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or toast them on low heat in a skillet. Adding a tiny pat of butter while reheating works wonders, making them taste freshly made.
FAQs
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Can I make this Banana Yogurt Pancakes Recipe vegan?
Great question! You can make a vegan version by swapping eggs with flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg, let sit until gelled). Also, use a dairy-free yogurt alternative like coconut or almond yogurt. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
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What kind of yogurt is best for this recipe?
I prefer plain natural or Greek yogurt without added flavors or sweetness. Greek yogurt makes the batter thicker, while natural yogurt keeps it lighter. Avoid flavored yogurts because they can alter the taste and sweetness balance unexpectedly.
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Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat?
Absolutely! All-purpose flour will give you slightly lighter and softer pancakes. Whole wheat add a nutty flavor and a bit more texture. Feel free to experiment and see which you prefer.
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How do I know when the pancakes are done cooking?
Look for bubbles forming on the surface and edges that appear set but not dry. When these signs show, carefully flip the pancake and cook the other side until golden brown. Cooking on low heat ensures the inside cooks through without burning the outside.
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Can I prepare the batter the night before?
Yes, you can! I sometimes make the batter the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking. Pancakes still turn out fluffy and flavorful, which makes busy mornings simpler.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Yogurt Pancakes Recipe holds a special place in my breakfast repertoire because it’s so forgiving and consistently delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself on a weekend morning, I’m confident these pancakes will impress. Give them a try—you might find, like me, that the perfect pancake doesn’t need milk to taste amazing!
Print
Banana Yogurt Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 pancakes 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Yogurt Pancakes are a healthy and delicious breakfast option made without milk. Featuring ripe bananas, natural yogurt, and whole wheat flour, they are fluffy, naturally sweet, and perfect for a gluten-conscious diet. Cooked on a non-stick pan over low heat to achieve the ideal texture and flavor, this recipe yields light pancakes that are great fresh or reheated.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe or overripe bananas
- 5 tablespoons natural yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon oil (any type)
Instructions
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the whole wheat flour with the baking powder. Whisk them together and set aside to prepare for incorporation into the batter.
- Mash bananas: Peel and place the ripe bananas into a shallow bowl. Mash them using a fork until smooth, but it’s okay if the texture is slightly lumpy. It’s best to proceed to the next step immediately to prevent browning.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate medium or large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, natural yogurt, eggs, and oil until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
- Make batter: Gradually add the dry flour and baking powder mixture to the wet ingredients, whisking gently just until combined. Do not overmix to ensure the pancakes remain fluffy.
- Cook pancakes: Heat a large non-stick pancake pan over low heat and lightly spray or grease it. Pour spoonfuls of batter onto the pan, making 3-4 pancakes per batch. Cook each pancake over low heat for about 3 minutes until bubbles form and edges look set, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove cooked pancakes from the pan and serve immediately. To keep remaining pancakes warm, cover them with a lid or foil. Reheat leftovers briefly in the microwave before serving.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- When mixing the batter, add dry ingredients gradually and stir just to combine to keep pancakes fluffy.
- Cook pancakes over low heat to ensure they cook evenly without burning.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; 3-4 pancakes per batch is ideal.
- Best served hot. Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated.
- Batter can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight, covered.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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