Strawberry Banana Pancakes

Wake up to the sweet aroma of fluffy, fruit-packed Strawberry Banana Pancakes that transform an ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary. These golden discs studded with juicy strawberries and ripe bananas create the perfect balance of natural sweetness and comforting warmth. Strawberry Banana Pancakes bring together two beloved fruits in a classic pancake batter that’s sure to delight everyone at your breakfast table. You’ll learn how to create perfectly fluffy pancakes with the ideal fruit-to-batter ratio for a breakfast treat that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Strawberry Banana Pancakes are about to become your new breakfast obsession, and for good reason. The combination of sweet strawberries and creamy bananas creates a naturally sweet flavor profile that reduces the need for excessive syrup. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the soft, fluffy pancake texture and the juicy strawberry pieces, while the banana adds a creamy smoothness throughout.

What makes these fruit pancakes special is their versatility – they’re fancy enough for weekend brunches but simple enough for weekday mornings when you need something special. The recipe comes together in minutes with basic pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable based on seasonal fruit availability and personal preferences.

Parents especially love this recipe because it’s a clever way to incorporate fresh fruit into breakfast in a form kids eagerly devour. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas and strawberries means you can use less added sugar without sacrificing flavor in these delectable Strawberry Banana Pancakes.

Ingredients

For perfect Strawberry Banana Pancakes, you’ll need:

• 1½ cups (187g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1¼ cups (295ml) milk (whole milk creates the richest texture)
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ripe banana, mashed (about ½ cup)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced small
• Cooking spray or additional butter for greasing the pan

The key to exceptional Strawberry Banana Pancakes lies in using perfectly ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness. Choose fresh, ripe strawberries when possible, though frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) can work in a pinch. The vanilla extract might seem optional, but it enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit without adding sugar.

Pro Tips

Tip 1: Perfect Batter Consistency
The key to fluffy Strawberry Banana Pancakes is achieving the right batter consistency. It should be thick but still pourable, similar to honey. If your batter seems too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time. Conversely, if it’s too thin, incorporate small amounts of additional flour. Remember that the mashed banana adds moisture, so the batter might initially seem thicker than standard pancake batter before the banana is added.

Tip 2: The Flip Technique
Patience is essential when making Strawberry Banana Pancakes. Cook them on medium-low heat rather than high heat to ensure they cook through without burning. Wait until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges beginning to set before flipping – this usually takes about 2-3 minutes on the first side. Use a wide, thin spatula and flip with confidence in one swift motion to avoid pancake breakage.

Tip 3: Fruit Distribution Strategy
For the perfect fruit distribution in your Strawberry Banana Pancakes, fold the mashed banana directly into the batter, but sprinkle the diced strawberries onto each pancake after pouring the batter into the pan. This prevents the strawberry juice from turning the entire batter pink and ensures even fruit distribution. Gently press the strawberry pieces into the batter to help them set.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This proper mixing ensures your Strawberry Banana Pancakes will rise evenly and have consistent sweetness throughout.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then fold in the mashed banana until just incorporated. You’ll see small banana chunks throughout the mixture, which will create delicious pockets of banana flavor in your finished Strawberry Banana Pancakes.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until just combined. You’ll still see a few small lumps – that’s perfect! Overmixing will develop gluten and make your pancakes tough rather than fluffy. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow the baking powder to activate and the flour to hydrate.

Step 4: Prepare the Cooking Surface
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. When a few drops of water sizzle upon contact, lightly grease the surface with cooking spray or a small amount of butter. The right temperature is crucial for perfectly golden Strawberry Banana Pancakes.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
For each pancake, pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the hot surface. Immediately sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of diced strawberries onto each pancake and gently press them into the batter. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip with confidence and cook the other side until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes more.

Step 6: Keep Warm and Serve
Transfer cooked Strawberry Banana Pancakes to a plate in a warm oven (200°F/95°C) while you finish cooking the remaining batter. Serve warm with maple syrup, additional fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent breakfast treat.

Variations

Chocolate Lover’s Strawberry Banana Pancakes
Transform these fruity pancakes into a more decadent treat by adding ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter along with the fruits. The melted chocolate creates heavenly pockets of sweetness that complement both the strawberries and bananas. For an even more indulgent version, drizzle finished Strawberry Banana Pancakes with chocolate sauce instead of maple syrup.

Tropical Strawberry Banana Pancakes
Give your Strawberry Banana Pancakes a tropical twist by adding ¼ cup shredded coconut to the batter and replacing ¼ cup of the milk with coconut milk. For extra tropical flair, add a few tablespoons of diced pineapple along with the strawberries. Serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a breakfast that feels like a vacation.

Protein-Packed Strawberry Banana Pancakes
For a more nutritious version, substitute ¼ cup of the all-purpose flour with protein powder and add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds or ground flaxseed to the dry ingredients. These modifications increase the protein and fiber content while maintaining the delicious flavor profile of classic Strawberry Banana Pancakes.

Storage and Serving

Storage Solutions
These Strawberry Banana Pancakes store beautifully for convenient breakfasts throughout the week. Allow leftover pancakes to cool completely before stacking with pieces of parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag where they’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating Methods
To reheat refrigerated Strawberry Banana Pancakes, warm them in a toaster, microwave for 20-30 seconds, or heat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. For frozen pancakes, either thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Strawberry Banana Pancakes with these serving ideas:

1. Create a pancake bar with various toppings like maple syrup, honey, Nutella, peanut butter, whipped cream, and additional fresh fruits.
2. Layer pancakes with Greek yogurt and extra fruit for a pancake “cake” that makes breakfast feel special.
3. For a complete brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a sweet and savory combination.

FAQs

Can I make the batter the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the Strawberry Banana Pancakes batter the night before, but with some adjustments. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients (except banana) in another, then refrigerate separately. In the morning, mash and add the banana, combine the mixtures, fold in the strawberries, and cook. This prevents the baking powder from losing its effectiveness overnight.

Why are my pancakes not fluffy?
If your Strawberry Banana Pancakes are flat rather than fluffy, you may have overmixed the batter (which develops gluten) or your baking powder might be expired. Remember to mix just until ingredients are incorporated and to check your baking powder’s freshness by placing a small amount in hot water – it should bubble vigorously.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries work in Strawberry Banana Pancakes, but thaw and drain them first to remove excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding to prevent soggy pancakes.

Are these pancakes healthy?
Strawberry Banana Pancakes contain nutritious fruits providing vitamins and fiber. To make them healthier, substitute whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour, reduce the sugar, and serve with fresh fruit instead of syrup.

Why do my fruit pancakes burn before cooking through?
If your Strawberry Banana Pancakes brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside, your heat is too high. Cook pancakes on medium to medium-low heat to allow them to cook through evenly before the exterior becomes too dark.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Banana Pancakes are comfort food at its finest — a perfect harmony of fluffy pancake texture and sweet, juicy fruit in every bite. They’re the kind of dish that transforms ordinary mornings into special occasions while still being simple enough for everyday preparation. Whether you’re serving them to weekend guests or treating your family to a midweek breakfast upgrade, these fruit-studded pancakes deliver the perfect balance of wholesome and indulgent. With their perfect blend of two favorite fruits, these pancakes are sure to become a requested favorite in your breakfast repertoire.

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