Banana Pancake for One

Whether you live alone or are simply the only one in the house craving pancakes (been there for both!), you can totally make a batch of banana pancakes for one. This easy, five-ingredient breakfast comes together in 15 minutes or less—coincidentally, the time it takes to bake bacon—and uses only one ripe banana. The recipe makes two regular-sized pancakes or one giant pancake. I must admit, I love the novelty of the giant banana pancake for one. You could also double this recipe and have breakfast for two in no time—or ready-made pancakes for another day.

Ingredients for Banana Pancakes for One

• All-purpose flour: Measure the flour properly so you don’t accidentally add too much to the measuring cup.
• Baking powder: Baking powder helps the pancakes rise so they become nice and fluffy.
• Banana: You’ll only need one banana for this recipe. The riper, the better! Mash it beforehand so it can be easily incorporated into the batter.
• Egg: Bring your egg to room temperature and lightly beat it so you don’t have to mix it into the batter too much. Overmixing causes flat, dense pancakes.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a touch of sweetness and a delicate floral note to the pancakes.
• Toppings: We suggest a good maple syrup and more sliced bananas when topping banana pancakes, but feel free to use your usual favorites. Peanut butter, homemade whipped cream or chocolate chips would be great with the banana flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Make the batter

In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. In another bowl, stir together the mashed banana, egg and vanilla extract. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until they’re moistened.

Editor’s Tip: For the fluffiest pancake(s), don’t overmix the batter! Stir just until there are no streaks of flour, but leave some lumps.

Step 2: Griddle the pancakes

Pour the batter onto a hot griddle coated with cooking spray. Once bubbles form on the top of the pancake and the bottom is golden brown, it’s time to flip the pancake.

Editor’s Tip: You can make one big pancake or two regular-sized pancakes.

Step 3: Flip and serve the pancakes

Cook the second side until it’s golden brown. Remove the pancake from the heat and, if desired, serve it with maple syrup, butter and banana slices.

Recipe Variations

• Add mix-ins: Make these banana pancakes uniquely yours—because they’re probably just for you! Feel free to add any other mix-ins that would pair well with bananas, like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries or raspberries.
• Flavor the batter with extracts: While vanilla extract is great in these pancakes, you can replace it with coconut, almond, butter or lemon extract as desired to introduce new flavors.
• Make gluten-free banana pancakes: To make gluten-free banana pancakes for one, replace the all-purpose flour with one of the best gluten-free flour blends. For anyone particularly sensitive to gluten, ensure all other packaged goods are gluten free, too.

How to Store Banana Pancakes for One

Allow any leftover banana pancakes to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to four days.

Can you freeze banana pancakes for one?

Yes, you can freeze banana pancakes. Allow the pancakes to cool to room temperature, then stack them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking. Freeze them for up to two months.

How do you reheat banana pancakes for one?

Reheat banana pancakes for one in a microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, or in a convection oven at 350° until they’re warmed through, about five minutes.

Banana Pancakes for One Tips

Why aren’t my pancakes fluffy?

There are a few reasons why your pancakes aren’t fluffy. Overmixing the batter will make the pancakes dense and flat, so avoid overmixing the flour. It’s actually one of the biggest pancake mistakes people make; you want lumps in the batter!

Another culprit could be your baking powder. If yours has been in the cabinet for a while, it may have lost its potency or passed its expiration date. Test the baking powder before using it again.

How hot should the griddle be?

Heat your griddle over medium-low heat. If the griddle is too hot, the outside of the pancake will burn before the inside is cooked through. Low and slow is the way to go.

When do you flip a pancake?

You’ll know it’s time to flip a pancake when the batter forms bubbles on the surface and they begin to pop. After that, all you have to do is carefully flip the pancake and cook the other side until it turns golden brown.