Banana Bread Pancakes With Nutella

Banana Bread Pancakes With Nutella: Your Weekend Brunch Just Got an Upgrade!

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. And let’s be honest, who *doesn’t* love banana bread? But then you remember… pancakes. Crispy, fluffy, breakfast-of-champions pancakes. What if I told you we could smash those two awesomeness levels together? Yep, we’re talking Banana Bread Pancakes, and because we’re feeling EXTRA, we’re drizzling them with Nutella. Get ready, your taste buds are about to throw a party.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s cut to the chase. This recipe is awesome because it’s basically a hug in pancake form. It’s got the comforting vibes of banana bread with the fun, interactive joy of pancakes. Plus, Nutella. Do I even need to say more? It’s surprisingly easy, meaning you can whip this up even if your brain is still half asleep on a Saturday morning. It’s idiot-proof, even I didn’t mess it up (mostly). And the smell? Forget about it. Your kitchen will smell like pure bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the rundown, no need to panic. It’s probably stuff you already have lurking in your pantry.

• 1 ripe banana (the spottier, the better – those are the sweetest!)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat if you’re feeling fancy)
• 1 tsp baking powder (the magic puff-maker)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda (works with the banana’s acidity for extra fluff)
• 1/4 tsp salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (because it’s banana *bread*, duh)
• 1 large egg (the binder of dreams)
• 1 cup milk (any kind will do, really)
• 2 tbsp melted butter or vegetable oil (for that smooth batter texture)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, if your banana isn’t super sweet or you have a sweet tooth)
• Nutella (your main squeeze for drizzling, obviously)
• Optional toppings: More banana slices, whipped cream, chocolate chips (because why not?)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get this pancake party started!

1. Mash that banana in a bowl. Get it nice and smooth, like you’re preparing for a spa treatment for your taste buds.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Think of it as the dry ingredients’ reunion.
3. Add the egg, milk, melted butter (or oil), and brown sugar (if using) to the mashed banana. Give it a good stir until it’s all friends.
4. Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until *just combined*. **Seriously, don’t overmix!** Lumps are your friends here. Overmixing leads to tough pancakes, and nobody wants a tough pancake.
5. Heat a lightly greased non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. You want it hot, but not so hot that it’ll smoke like a dragon.
6. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until you see little bubbles forming on the surface and the edges look set. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
7. Repeat with the rest of the batter. Stack ‘em high!
8. Once they’re all golden and ready, get your Nutella. Warm it up slightly if it’s too stiff to drizzle. Then, go wild! Drizzle it all over your glorious stack of banana bread pancakes. Add any other toppings you fancy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t be that person who ruins perfectly good pancakes. Here’s what to steer clear of:

• Not using a ripe banana: Underripe bananas mean less sweetness and a less pronounced banana flavor. Go for those brown spots, I’m begging you!
• Overmixing the batter: This is a biggie. Overmixed batter develops the gluten too much, resulting in rubbery, tough pancakes. A few lumps are fine, even desirable.
• Pancake batter too thick or too thin: If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, add a spoonful more flour. Aim for a consistency that slowly drips off the spoon, not runs like water.
• Skillet not hot enough: Your pancakes will be pale and sad. They won’t cook through evenly either. Give it a minute to preheat properly.
• Flipping too early: You’ll end up with a pancake massacre. Wait for those bubbles!

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling a bit experimental? Or just ran out of something? No worries!

• Dairy-free? Swap the milk for almond, oat, or soy milk. And use oil instead of butter. Easy peasy.
• No ripe bananas? Honestly, this recipe is *best* with ripe bananas. But if you’re desperate, you could try a tiny pinch more sugar and a dash of extra cinnamon, but it won’t be quite the same. IMO, plan ahead!
• Gluten-free? Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend. Results might vary slightly, but it’s usually a decent swap.
• Don’t have Nutella? Okay, this is a tough one. You could use melted chocolate chips, a dollop of peanut butter, or even some maple syrup with banana slices. But let’s be real, it won’t be quite the same magic. Just saying.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Let’s tackle those burning questions before they get too out of hand.

• Can I make the batter ahead of time? Sure, you can mix it the night before and keep it in the fridge. Give it a good stir in the morning, and you’re golden.
• What if my pancakes are sticking to the pan? Are you sure your pan is hot enough and greased? Maybe you’re using a pan that’s seen better days. **A good non-stick pan is your best friend.**
• Why aren’t my pancakes fluffy? Most likely overmixing, or not enough leavening (baking powder/soda). Did you check the expiry date on your baking powder? Just a thought.
• Can I freeze these? Yep! Let them cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper in between and pop them in a freezer bag. Reheat them in the toaster or microwave.
• Is it really banana bread *in* pancake form? Pretty much! It’s got the flavor profile and the comforting texture. It’s a delicious hybrid, if you ask me.
• Do I *really* need the cinnamon? If you want it to taste like banana bread, then yes! Cinnamon is kind of its signature scent. But hey, you do you.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! Banana Bread Pancakes with a healthy (or not so healthy, depending on your Nutella pour) dose of Nutella. It’s the perfect way to make a regular weekend feel a little bit special, without breaking a sweat. So go ahead, embrace the deliciousness, and don’t be afraid to get a little messy with that Nutella. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Happy flipping!