The Easiest 2-Ingredient Banana Pancakes: A Quick, Healthy, and Kid-Friendly Recipe for Any Time

Imagine a breakfast treat so simple, so wholesome, and so delicious that it only requires two ingredients and a fork to bring it to life. These easy banana pancakes are exactly that – tender, sweet little morsels of pure banana goodness, perfect for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a delightful brunch. (Jump to the recipe)

Simple Joys in the Kitchen: Making Banana Pancakes with Kids

Cooking with children is a wonderful way to create lasting memories and teach valuable life skills, and this recipe for 2-ingredient banana pancakes makes it incredibly fun and accessible for even the youngest chefs. Kids inherently love pancakes, and they will absolutely adore making (and eating!) these unbelievably easy banana egg pancakes. The simplicity of this recipe ensures a stress-free experience, empowering your little ones to take an active role in the kitchen. Imagine their delight as they help transform just two humble ingredients into a stack of golden, fluffy pancakes!

That’s right – all you need is one ripe banana and one egg. It’s truly that simple! This minimal ingredient list makes it an ideal recipe for a quick and easy breakfast or snack. You likely already have these staples in your pantry, eliminating the need for a special grocery run. The beauty of these healthy banana pancakes lies in their natural sweetness from the banana and the binding power of the egg, creating a naturally gluten-free and dairy-free treat.

If your children are old enough to safely use the stove with supervision, they can practically whip up these simple banana pancakes “lickety-split.” The process of mashing the banana and whisking in the egg is a fantastic activity for developing motor skills, and seeing their creation cook on the griddle is incredibly rewarding. For younger kids, they can handle the mashing and mixing, leaving the cooking part to an adult.

But these easy banana pancakes aren’t just for kids. If you’re a grown-up searching for a quick, healthy snack for yourself, a nutritious after-school treat for your children, or if you need to feed the whole family a delicious breakfast in a hurry on busy mornings, then these banana egg pancakes are absolutely perfect for you too! They offer a good source of protein from the egg, essential for sustained energy, and are packed with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B6, manganese, and potassium from the banana. This makes them a wonderfully nutritious option suitable for any time of the day, whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a satisfying snack.

The natural sweetness of ripe bananas provides just the right amount of flavor, so you can easily serve these little pancakes without any extra sugar or syrup. They are fantastic on their own, allowing the pure banana flavor to shine. For a lighter touch, pair them with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, or a vibrant medley of fresh berries and sliced fruit. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to “gild the lily,” go all out and serve them with a generous dollop of sour cream (or a plant-based alternative) and a decadent drizzle of pure maple syrup. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate these simple pancakes into a gourmet experience.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your 2-ingredient banana pancakes! The basic recipe is a perfect canvas for countless variations. For a warm and inviting flavor, try adding a touch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. If you’re a chocolate lover, beat in a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder to create delicious chocolate banana pancakes – a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. For added texture and a burst of fruity flavor, toss in a few dried currants, cranberries, or even mini chocolate chips. For a sophisticated twist that grown-ups will appreciate, a touch of matcha powder can add an earthy note and a vibrant green hue. Let your imagination be your guide, experimenting with different spices, extracts, or even a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. A splash of vanilla extract can also significantly enhance the overall flavor profile.

Easy Peasy Two-Ingredient Banana Pancakes: The Ultimate Simple Recipe

This recipe for easy banana pancakes is so straightforward, it barely needs instructions. But for perfect results every time, follow these simple steps. It’s a single-serving recipe, but easily scalable for more! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana (the riper, the sweeter and easier to mash)
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon coconut oil or other cooking oil (such as butter, grapeseed, or canola oil) for the skillet

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Banana:** In a shallow bowl, peel your ripe banana. Using a fork or a potato masher, thoroughly mash the banana until it achieves a pudding-like consistency with only a few small lumps remaining. The riper the banana, the easier it will mash and the sweeter your pancakes will be. Overripe bananas (with brown spots) are ideal for maximum sweetness and moisture. Avoid using green or firm bananas, as they will be difficult to mash and lack the necessary sweetness.

2. **Combine with Egg:** Crack the large egg directly into the bowl with the mashed banana. Use your fork or a whisk to beat the banana and egg together vigorously. Continue mixing until the mixture is well combined, relatively smooth, and starts to get slightly frothy. This frothing indicates that air is being incorporated, which helps create lighter and fluffier pancakes. Ensure there are no large egg white streaks remaining.

3. **Heat the Skillet:** Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or a non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. The key to successful banana pancakes is cooking them gently to prevent burning while ensuring they cook through. This means the temperature should be a notch lower than you would typically use for traditional flour-based pancakes. Allow the pan to heat for a minute or two until it’s evenly warm.

4. **Add Oil:** Add approximately ½ teaspoon of coconut oil (or your preferred cooking oil) to the hot pan. Once the oil has melted, swirl it around to lightly coat the entire bottom surface of the pan. You only need a thin layer to prevent sticking; too much oil can make the pancakes greasy.

5. **Cook the Pancakes:** Pour small amounts of batter into the pan for each pancake. Approximately 1½ tablespoons of batter per pancake is ideal. The batter should naturally spread out into a round pancake, about 2 to 3 inches (5-7 cm) in diameter. It is crucial not to make these pancakes too large, as their delicate nature makes larger pancakes much harder to flip without breaking. Cook no more than 3-4 pancakes at once, ensuring they are well-spaced in the pan to allow for easy flipping and even cooking.

6. **Flip with Care:** Cook the pancakes for about 2-4 minutes on the first side. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when the edges look set and slightly firm, and the bottom is golden brown. Gently lift one corner of a pancake with a spatula to peek underneath and check the color. Flipping these delicate pancakes takes a bit of practice, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly. Slide your spatula gently under the pancake as far as it will go, lift the pancake only until the bottom edge is still touching the pan, then swiftly and confidently flip it over into the same spot it was in. Speed and a firm grip are your friends here!

7. **Finish Cooking:** Cook the second side for another 2-3 minutes, or until it is also beautifully golden brown and the pancake is cooked through. The internal temperature should be consistent, and the pancake should feel slightly springy to the touch. Remove the cooked pancakes from the pan and either serve immediately or keep them warm on a plate covered with foil while you cook the remaining batter.

This recipe typically yields 8 to 9 small pancakes (approximately 2½ inches each), though the exact number can vary slightly depending on the size of your banana and egg, and how generously you pour your batter.

Guten Appetit! Enjoy Your Delicious 2-Ingredient Banana Pancakes

These incredibly easy banana pancakes are a testament to the fact that delicious, healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated. They are perfect for anyone seeking a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal. Their natural sweetness and simple ingredients make them a fantastic choice for families, busy individuals, or anyone looking for a wholesome treat.

Tips for Perfect 2-Ingredient Banana Pancakes Every Time:

• Banana Ripeness is Key: Always use ripe or even overripe bananas (with brown spots). They are sweeter, easier to mash, and contribute to a moister batter.
• Don’t Overmix: While you want the egg and banana well combined and slightly frothy, avoid over-beating. A few small lumps of banana are perfectly fine and add texture.
• Low and Slow: Cook these pancakes over medium-low heat. This ensures they cook evenly without burning, especially since they don’t contain flour and can brown quickly.
• Small is Best: Stick to small pancakes (2-3 inches). They are much easier to flip and hold together better than larger ones.
• Patience is a Virtue: Wait for the edges to set and bubbles to appear on the surface before attempting to flip. A golden-brown underside is your signal.
• Grease Lightly: A thin layer of oil is all you need. Too much oil can result in greasy pancakes.

Creative Serving Suggestions & Topping Ideas:

• Classic Pairings: Maple syrup, honey, fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), sliced bananas, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Indulgent Treats: Whipped cream, chocolate syrup, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of ice cream for a dessert-like experience.
• Nutty Delights: A drizzle of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter, along with chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds).
• Fruity Freshness: Unsweetened applesauce, fruit compote, or a citrus zest sprinkle.
• Savory Twist (for the adventurous): While primarily sweet, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top can offer an interesting sweet and salty contrast.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Banana Pancake Recipe:

• Incredibly Easy: Only two ingredients and minimal steps make it perfect for beginners and busy schedules.
• Naturally Healthy: Packed with protein from eggs and vitamins, minerals, and natural sweetness from bananas.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun and engaging recipe for kids to help prepare, encouraging healthy eating habits.
• Dietary Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, catering to various dietary needs without compromise on taste.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with various add-ins and toppings to suit any craving.
• Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, you can have a fresh batch of pancakes in under 15 minutes.

For more fun kitchen projects to make with kids and expand your culinary repertoire, see our ‘Cooking With Kids’ series. Discover new ways to bond over delicious food!

You might also like these other delightful pancake and breakfast recipes:

• High Protein Pancakes: A Low-Carb Alternative
• Cooking with Kids: Festive Gingerbread Pancakes
• Fluffy Oat Flour Pancakes: A Wholesome Twist
• Cooking with Kids: Hearty Chicken and Waffles