September 27, 2015

3-ingredient banana pancakes

I think it's fairly well-established that bananas (much like chickpeas and cauliflower) are something of a magical ingredient.  A banana, along with a handful of nuts, is my regular late-morning snack of choice but, as we know, they can be used for so much more.  These pancakes are another example. 
I first caught sight of these 3-ingredient pancakes via Cooking Light's instagram feed and then I saw it again in the latest issue of the magazine.  As you can imagine, there's room for add-in's if you're inclined to take it beyond the three ingredients.  I couldn't resist a splash of vanilla extract.  Stirring in some spices, or maybe even incorporating a spoonful of peanut or almond butter, could be good ideas.
To make these pancakes: a medium ripe banana, 2 tablespoons of whole wheat flour, and an egg
But very simply, you just need (1) a ripe banana, (2) a couple tablespoons of whole wheat flour, and (3) an egg to make these pancakes.  So no baking powder/soda, or melted butter, or sugar.  Since I make pancakes often, and have bananas on the ready at home at all times, it was easy to give these a try.
These pancakes turn out moist and sweet, a fun change on the usual fluffy pancakes. I didn't quite believe it at first but as the magazine describes, they are very much like the custardy center of a French toast.  If you like that texture as well as bananas, this is something to try.  This recipe makes 3 pancakes that you see here, perfect for a protein-packed breakfast for one.  I topped mine with maple syrup and a sprinkle of toasted walnuts.  I recommend some kind of topping, crunchy or fruity, as a nice way to add a little contrast and texture to these soft, custardy pancakes. I can tell you that a slice of savory bacon on the side also works quite well.


After making these, I came to realize there's even such a thing as two-ingredient pancakes.  That calls for just a banana and an egg.  I think I'm going to stick with adding the two tablespoons of whole wheat flour.  I like having that bit of flour to give these pancakes a bit more structure.  I think it must also make them a bit less fragile and easier to cook/flip on the cooktop.
As you can see, the batter is runny but ladle it onto your griddle and they hold up just fine.  Let them cook thoroughly until set and golden on one side, then carefully flip them over and finish for another minute or so.
If you like bananas, this is a wholesome pancake to throw into your rotation.

Recipe:

3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes
From Cooking Light

- One serving (makes 3 pancakes) - 

1 medium ripe banana
2 tablespoons whole wheat flour (I used white whole wheat flour)
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Optional add-in ideas: 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon or other spice
Optional topping ideas: toasted chopped nuts such as walnuts, fruit, maple syrup, honey, or crumbled bacon


Mash the banana in a wide rimmed plate with a fork.  Add flour and egg (as well as vanilla extract or another add-in, if using), whisking until combined.

Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium-high heat.  Very lightly spray with cooking spray.  Spoon batter onto griddle into 3 pancakes.  Let cook for about 2 minutes, until edges set, bubbles begin to surface, and the bottom is golden.  Flip and let cook another 1-2 minutes.  Serve immediately with desired toppings.



30 comments:

  1. A magic fruit...couldn't agree more, Monica. These look fantastic! I made some pancakes with just eggs and banana before...very delicious too.

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    1. I gotta have my bananas! And good to know it's good with the 2 ingredients as well...perfect for those who have to avoid gluten.

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  2. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe! I will give it a try and share with my daughter. I think my grandson would gobble these up in a minute! Great way to start a Sunday morning - have a wonderful day!

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    1. I hope your grandson likes them, Tricia! If he likes bananas and a custardy kind of texture, it would definitely work. Enjoy the rest of the day!

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  3. Pancakes is the best thing for breakfast! Especially if it's only 3 ingredients :)

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    1. Such comfort food, which is what we're all starting to crave these days. Thank you.

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  4. These pancakes look so delicious and I love that they're only three ingredients- bananas really are magical!

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    1. I'm glad I'm not the only one who appreciates the mighty banana. haha
      These pancakes are a nice healthy start to the day.

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  5. Hi Monica, you always come up with the best pancake recipes, will have to try this one.

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    1. I wish I could take some real credit but I just keep an eye out! : ) Thanks so much, Cheri.

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  6. I love how simple the ingredient list is! Next time I make pancakes, I'm making these Monica! :)

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    1. So nice of you, Bonnie. These are *too* easy for you but hey, maybe you need a break once in a while. ; )

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  7. I love baking with bananas too and these pancakes are the perfect weekend breakfast! They look so moist and delicious! So easy and fun to make!

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    1. I've really come to appreciate bananas in the last handful of years, Kelly. These are so, so easy!

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  8. Love this 3-ingredient easy peasy pancake. So delicious and moist. Perfect for breakfast.

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    1. Very moist and it's good to throw in a healthy swap once in a while. ; )

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  9. These sound great, especially without adding any sugar. Lovely idea for breakfast.

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    1. They were really sweet on their own...though it's hard not to put the maple syrup on top. ; )

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  10. OMG! Really? I need to give this a try...I love the idea of using banana as a natural sweetener and binding agent for the pancakes...thanks for sharing the recipe Monica!
    Have a wonderful week :)

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    1. They say you can even do it with 2 ingredients (no flour). This worked perfectly well and the texture will be moist, like custardy...hope you give it a try one day. Thanks!

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  11. I'm not a huge fan of bananas on their own, but really like them cooked (banana bread style!). I've seen this recipe around and it's clearly time to give it a go :)

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    1. Yes, banana bread style works for me! I just baked a small banana walnut cake yesterday, though I love eating bananas as is. It's so filling and I love heavy, carb-dense foods! : )

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  12. I love bananas and haven't had pancakes in a while - this might just be on my weekend list now!

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    1. It's easy enough to give it a go! Thanks, Bianca.

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  13. I have seen something like this on Facebook. I am glad to know it really works! Going to try this tomorrow. Hopefully I can find some ripe bananas in supermarket. ;)

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    1. It's funny because some days, all I see are super ripe bananas when I don't need it and when I do want ripe ones, all I find are green ones! Good luck. This does work! : )

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  14. Really just 3 little ingredients? I might be able to handle that even before 2 cups of coffee in the am. Saturday breakfast is sorted, thanks Monica.

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    1. Are you kidding? You could do this in your sleep! : )

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  15. I make these with 2 ingredients, just banana and egg and it works really well! Also that way you can serve it to GF or paleo eaters :D

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    1. Yes, I read about that and it really sounds like a great GF option! Bananas are magic! : )

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