Bananas Foster, but make it Pancakes!
Bananas Foster Pancakes
Serves 2–3
Ingredients
For the pancakes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 cup plant milk
1 tbsp melted vegan butter or oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
Oil or vegan butter for the pan
For the bananas foster topping
2 tbsp vegan butter
â…“ cup brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp dark rum (optional but traditional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 bananas, sliced
¼ cup toasted pecans
Powdered sugar for finishing
Instructions
1. In a bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl combine plant milk, melted vegan butter, and vanilla.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix just until combined. Do not overmix. A few lumps are fine.
4. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little oil or vegan butter.
5. Pour about ¼ cup batter per pancake and cook until bubbles form and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes.
6. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Set pancakes aside.
7. In a skillet melt vegan butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg and stir until the sugar dissolves.
8. Add the banana slices and cook gently for 2–3 minutes until they soften and caramelize.
9. Stir in rum and vanilla and cook another minute until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thick.
10. Spoon the warm bananas foster over the pancakes and finish with toasted pecans and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
If you're looking to elevate your brunch game, making Bananas Foster Pancakes is a fantastic way to impress family and friends with a comforting yet sophisticated dish. This plant-based version uses simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, plant milk, and vegan butter to create fluffy pancakes that perfectly complement the sweet and spiced bananas foster topping. One tip I found helpful is to not overmix the batter, as a few lumps ensure your pancakes hold a light and tender texture. The key to great Bananas Foster is in the sauce—the combination of melted vegan butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm, caramel-like flavor that coats the bananas beautifully. Adding the traditional dark rum is optional but highly recommended if you want it authentic and extra flavorful; it also helps to create that glossy, thickened sauce that clings to each pancake stack. Cooking the bananas gently allows them to soften while retaining their shape and adds a delightful sweetness. For garnish, toasted pecans add a pleasant crunch and contrast to the soft textures, while a dusting of powdered sugar finishes the dish with a touch of elegance. From my experience, this recipe is easy to double or triple when serving a crowd, and the pancakes reheat well if you want to prepare ahead. Whether you're vegan, plant-based, or just want to try something different for brunch, this Bananas Foster Pancakes recipe offers a rich, indulgent experience that’s both inviting and satisfying.