Lazy weekend mornings call for a treat that feels extra special. You can make these Banana Foster Pancakes in your own kitchen today. This recipe turns a simple breakfast into a restaurant-quality meal. It is the perfect way to start a slow Saturday morning.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
These pancakes are a total winner for your family. They combine fluffy buttermilk batter with a rich, buttery sauce. You get the sweetness of caramelized bananas in every single bite. It is a great choice for a cozy winter brunch. Your kids will think you are a professional chef. Plus, it uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
How to Make Banana Foster Pancakes
Making these is much easier than it looks. You start by whisking a basic pancake batter together. While those cook, you make a quick caramel sauce in a skillet. The warm rum and brown sugar create a deep flavor. Even if you are new to cooking, you can master this sauce. It only takes a few minutes to thicken perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are pantry staples you already have on hand.
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.25 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 large bananas, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
Step-by-Step
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Heat a lightly greased griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake, cooking until bubbles form on the surface, then flipping to cook until golden brown.
- In a separate large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter and stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until bubbly.
- Add the sliced bananas to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring gently to coat.
- Carefully stir in the dark rum and heavy cream, simmering for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stack the pancakes on plates and spoon the warm banana Foster sauce generously over the top.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Stack them high on your favorite warm plates. Spoon the sauce over the top while it is still bubbly. Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra decadence. Pair this with a hot cup of coffee or cold milk. It is the ultimate comfort food for a rainy morning. Set the table and enjoy this with your family.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to two days. Reheat the pancakes in a 350°F oven for about five minutes. Warm the sauce separately in a small saucepan over low heat. Do not microwave the bananas for too long. They can get mushy if they are overheated.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the buttermilk for the fluffiest texture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the pancakes light.
- Use ripe but firm bananas so they don’t fall apart.
- Prepare the sauce while the pancakes stay warm in the oven.
- For a holiday brunch, add a sprinkle of toasted pecans.
- Upgrade the dish with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Swap the rum for apple juice for a kid-friendly version.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe allergy-friendly.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper winter flavor.
- Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a caramel-like taste.
Common Questions
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It is best to make the batter right before cooking. The baking powder works best when it is fresh. You can mix the dry ingredients the night before.
What if I do not have rum?
You can easily substitute the rum with apple juice. A teaspoon of rum extract also works well. The sauce will still be delicious and buttery.
How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Wait until you see small bubbles forming on the surface. The edges should look slightly set and dry. This usually takes about two to three minutes.
I hope this cozy breakfast brightens your weekend mornings. These pancakes are such a treat for the whole family. Give them a try and enjoy every sweet bite.
— Alex
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all -purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon sal t
- 1.25 cups buttermil k
- 1 large eg g
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 large bananas , sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Heat a lightly greased griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake, cooking until bubbles form on the surface, then flipping to cook until golden brown.
- In a separate large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter and stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until bubbly.
- Add the sliced bananas to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring gently to coat.
- Carefully stir in the dark rum and heavy cream, simmering for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stack the pancakes on plates and spoon the warm banana Foster sauce generously over the top.

