Simple Vegan Banana Pancake Recipe You Want to Have at Home – Fluffy, Fast, and Delicious
These vegan banana pancakes are the kind of weekend breakfast you can make on autopilot. They’re soft, golden, and lightly sweet without any refined sugar in the batter. You only need one bowl, a ripe banana, and a few pantry staples.
Even better, the batter comes together in minutes and cooks up beautifully in a lightly greased skillet. If you’re new to vegan pancakes, this recipe is forgiving and foolproof, so you’ll get great results on your first try.
Simple Vegan Banana Pancake Recipe You Want to Have at Home - Fluffy, Fast, and Delicious
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana (spotty and soft is best)
- 1 cup (240 ml) non-dairy milk (oat, almond, soy, or coconut beverage)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola, avocado, or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but tasty)
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour (or use half whole-wheat for more fiber)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt
- Oil or vegan butter for the pan
- Optional add-ins: cinnamon, chocolate chips, blueberries, chopped nuts
Instructions
- Mash the banana. In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana until mostly smooth with just a few small lumps.
- Whisk in wet ingredients. Add non-dairy milk, oil, vanilla, and sugar or maple syrup (if using). Whisk until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients. Sprinkle flour, baking powder, and salt over the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine.
- Rest the batter. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes. This allows the baking powder to activate and the flour to hydrate for fluffier pancakes.
- Preheat your pan. Warm a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with oil or vegan butter.
- Cook the pancakes. Scoop about 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto the hot surface. If using add-ins like chocolate chips or blueberries, sprinkle them on top now.
- Flip at the right time. Cook until you see small bubbles form and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Adjust heat as needed. If pancakes brown too fast, lower the heat slightly. If they’re taking too long, increase it a touch.
- Serve warm. Top with maple syrup, sliced bananas, berries, nut butter, or a dusting of cinnamon.
Why This Recipe Works

This recipe uses banana as both a natural sweetener and a binder, so you don’t need eggs. The mashed banana adds moisture and tenderness, giving you pancakes that are soft but not gummy.
A simple mix of flour, baking powder, and a little salt creates lift and structure. Non-dairy milk thins the batter to the right consistency, while a touch of oil keeps the pancakes from drying out. You get a lightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with maple syrup, berries, or peanut butter.
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana (spotty and soft is best)
- 1 cup (240 ml) non-dairy milk (oat, almond, soy, or coconut beverage)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola, avocado, or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but tasty)
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour (or use half whole-wheat for more fiber)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt
- Oil or vegan butter for the pan
- Optional add-ins: cinnamon, chocolate chips, blueberries, chopped nuts
Instructions

- Mash the banana. In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana until mostly smooth with just a few small lumps.
- Whisk in wet ingredients. Add non-dairy milk, oil, vanilla, and sugar or maple syrup (if using).
Whisk until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients. Sprinkle flour, baking powder, and salt over the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine.
- Rest the batter. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes. This allows the baking powder to activate and the flour to hydrate for fluffier pancakes.
- Preheat your pan. Warm a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Lightly grease with oil or vegan butter.
- Cook the pancakes. Scoop about 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto the hot surface. If using add-ins like chocolate chips or blueberries, sprinkle them on top now.
- Flip at the right time. Cook until you see small bubbles form and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Adjust heat as needed. If pancakes brown too fast, lower the heat slightly.
If they’re taking too long, increase it a touch.
- Serve warm. Top with maple syrup, sliced bananas, berries, nut butter, or a dusting of cinnamon.
Keeping It Fresh
These pancakes taste best right off the griddle, but you can keep them warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a wire rack for 20–30 minutes. For leftovers, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster, skillet, or air fryer until warmed through.
For longer storage, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, and you can reheat straight from frozen.
Why This is Good for You
Bananas bring in potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber, which support heart health and steady energy. Using non-dairy milk and skipping eggs and butter keeps saturated fat lower while still giving you a satisfying breakfast. Whole-wheat flour (if you use it) adds more fiber and nutrients, making the pancakes more filling.
You can also keep the topping game wholesome with fresh fruit, nuts, or a small drizzle of pure maple syrup for balanced sweetness.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Overmixing the batter: This can make pancakes tough. Stir until just combined.
- Pan too hot: You’ll get burnt outsides and raw centers. Aim for steady medium heat.
- Unripe banana: A green or firm banana won’t mash well or taste sweet.
Use spotty bananas for best flavor and texture.
- Flour swaps without adjustments: Oat or almond flour can make the batter too dense or loose. See Alternatives for tips.
- Flipping too early: Wait for bubbles and set edges to prevent tearing.
Alternatives
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose blend with xanthan gum. If batter seems thick, add 1–2 tablespoons more non-dairy milk.
- Whole-grain: Swap up to half the all-purpose flour for whole-wheat pastry flour for a tender, higher-fiber pancake.
- Oil-free: Replace the tablespoon of oil in the batter with 1 tablespoon applesauce.
Cook on a non-stick skillet with a light spray if needed.
- No added sugar: Skip the sugar or maple syrup in the batter and rely on the ripe banana and fruit toppings for sweetness.
- Protein boost: Add 1–2 tablespoons hemp hearts or a scoop of plant-based protein powder. If using protein powder, add a splash more milk to keep the batter pourable.
- Flavor twists: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or lemon zest. Chocolate chips or blueberries make great mix-ins for kids and adults alike.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes.
Thaw the banana completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. The texture will be a bit softer, but it works well for pancakes.
What non-dairy milk works best?
Oat and soy milk give a slightly richer texture, while almond milk keeps it light. Any unsweetened non-dairy milk will do the job.
How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Look for small bubbles across the surface and edges that look set and matte.
When the underside is golden and the pancake lifts easily, it’s time to flip.
Why are my pancakes gummy?
This usually means the batter was overmixed or the heat was too low, causing the pancakes to steam rather than cook through. Mix gently and keep the pan at steady medium heat.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
You can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before. Combine them just before cooking for the best rise.
If you do mix the full batter ahead, add a touch more baking powder before cooking.
What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?
Try a 1:1 gluten-free blend or a mix of half oat flour and half all-purpose for a heartier texture. Pure almond flour won’t hold together as well without other binders.
How do I keep pancakes warm for a crowd?
Place cooked pancakes on a wire rack set on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven. The rack prevents sogginess by allowing steam to escape.
Can I make them without oil?
Yes.
Replace the oil in the batter with applesauce and cook on a high-quality non-stick skillet with minimal or no added fat. The texture will be slightly softer but still tasty.
How many pancakes does this make?
Using a 1/4 cup scoop, you’ll get about 8 pancakes, enough for 2–3 people depending on appetite and toppings.
What are the best toppings?
Maple syrup, sliced bananas, berries, peanut or almond butter, chopped walnuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon are all great. For dessert vibes, add chocolate chips and a dollop of coconut yogurt.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Vegan Banana Pancake recipe is a reliable go-to for busy mornings and slow weekends alike.
It’s quick to mix, easy to customize, and consistently delivers soft, fluffy pancakes with a gentle banana sweetness. Keep ripe bananas on hand, and you’ll always have breakfast ready in minutes. Serve warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy a cozy, plant-based start to the day.
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