If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy breakfast option, look no further than vegan banana pancakes! Not only are these pancakes easy to make, but they’re also cruelty-free and packed with flavour.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make perfect vegan banana pancakes every time. We’ll cover the ingredients you’ll need, step-by-step instructions for making the pancakes, tips for getting them just right, suggestions for healthy toppings, and even advice on how to store and reheat them.
So let’s get started and learn how to make vegan banana pancakes that are quick, delicious, and perfect every time.
Ingredients for Vegan Banana Pancakes
Before diving into making your own vegan banana pancakes, it’s important to have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s everything you need to get started:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ripe bananas | 2 |
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Plant milk (such as almond or oat milk) | 1 1/4 cups |
| Vanilla extract (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Vegan butter or cooking spray | for greasing the pan |
If any of these ingredients are not readily available at your local grocery store, be sure to check out specialty health food stores or order online. Additionally, if you’re looking to make these pancakes gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend of your choice.
How to Make Vegan Banana Pancakes
Making vegan banana pancakes is easy and takes only a few simple steps. Follow these instructions to create a delicious and fluffy stack of pancakes that are completely plant-based.
- Mash 2 ripe bananas in a mixing bowl.
- Add 1 cup of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- Pour in 1 cup of plant milk and mix again until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Optional: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the batter for extra flavor.
- Heat a non-stick pan on medium heat and add a small amount of vegan butter or oil.
- Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour the batter onto the pan to form pancakes of desired size (about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake).
- Cook until bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancake, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Repeat until all the batter is used up.
Tip: To keep the pancakes warm while making the rest of the batch, place the cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.
Now that you know how to make vegan banana pancakes, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy breakfast any day of the week.
Tips for Making the Best Vegan Banana Pancakes
If you want to make the best vegan banana pancakes possible, there are a few tips and tricks you should keep in mind:
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavourful your pancakes will be. Look for bananas with brown spots on the peel for best results.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can cause the pancakes to become tough and rubbery. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
- Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to rest for a few minutes before cooking can help the pancakes become more tender and fluffy.
- Use a non-stick pan: A non-stick pan will help the pancakes cook evenly and prevent sticking. If you don’t have a non-stick pan, be sure to grease your pan well before cooking.
- Cook over medium heat: Cooking over too high heat can cause the pancakes to cook too quickly on the outside while remaining raw in the center. Cooking over medium heat will ensure even cooking.
- Add extras: For an extra flavour boost, consider adding some cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even chopped nuts to your pancake batter.
Healthy Alternatives to Traditional Pancake Toppings
When it comes to toppings for vegan banana pancakes, there are plenty of healthy and delicious options that can help elevate the flavour of your breakfast. Here are some ideas to get you started:
| Topping | Description |
|---|---|
| Fresh fruit | Top your pancakes with sliced bananas, berries, or any other fruit you like. This is a great way to add natural sweetness and extra nutrients to your breakfast. |
| Nut butter | Spread a dollop of almond butter, peanut butter, or any other nut butter on top of your pancakes. This will add some protein and healthy fats to your breakfast, while also making it more filling. |
| Coconut cream | If you’re looking for something creamy and indulgent, try topping your pancakes with whipped coconut cream. This is a great dairy-free alternative to whipped cream, and it pairs perfectly with the tropical flavour of the banana pancakes. |
| Chia seeds | Sprinkle some chia seeds on top of your pancakes for some added texture and crunch. Chia seeds are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and fibre, making them a healthy addition to your breakfast. |
| Cinnamon | Sprinkle some cinnamon over the top of your pancakes for a warm and cozy flavour. |
Of course, these are just a few ideas – feel free to get creative with your toppings and experiment with different flavour combinations. Just remember to choose toppings that are healthy and nutrient-dense, so that you can start your day off on the right foot.
How to Store and Reheat Vegan Banana Pancakes
After making a batch of homemade vegan banana pancakes, you may be wondering how to store and reheat them to enjoy later. Here are some tips to help you keep your pancakes fresh and tasty:
Storing Vegan Banana Pancakes
If you have leftover pancakes, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. You can separate each pancake with a piece of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Alternatively, you can freeze the pancakes for up to three months. Wrap each pancake individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container with a lid.
Reheating Vegan Banana Pancakes
To reheat your pancakes, you can microwave them for 30 seconds to one minute, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can reheat them in a toaster or toaster oven until golden brown.
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when reheating your vegan banana pancakes:
- Don’t overheat your pancakes, as this can cause them to become dry and tough.
- If you’re reheating frozen pancakes, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- If you’re using a microwave, cover your pancakes with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your homemade vegan banana pancakes anytime you like, whether for a quick breakfast or a delicious snack.
FAQ: Common Questions and Answers about Vegan Banana Pancakes
If you’re new to making vegan banana pancakes, you may have a lot of questions. Here are some common ones:
Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the flour with your preferred gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use other types of milk besides plant milk?
Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer. However, plant milk is a great option for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant.
Can I make these pancakes without baking powder?
Baking powder helps the pancakes rise and become fluffy, so omitting it may result in flatter pancakes. However, you can make your own baking powder using baking soda and cream of tartar.
Can I freeze the leftover pancakes?
Absolutely! Just place the cooled pancakes in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or microwave.
Can I use ripe bananas instead of overripe bananas?
Yes, you can use ripe bananas if you don’t have overripe ones. Just keep in mind that the riper the bananas, the sweeter and more intense the banana flavour.
Can I add protein powder to the pancake batter?
Yes, you can! Simply add a scoop of your preferred protein powder to the dry ingredients and mix well before adding the wet ingredients.
How can I adjust the recipe for other dietary needs?
If you have other dietary restrictions, such as nut allergies or a soy intolerance, you can simply substitute the ingredients with alternatives that suit your needs. For example, if you’re allergic to nuts, you can use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter.
With these tips and answers to common questions, you can confidently make delicious vegan banana pancakes that are healthy, cruelty-free and satisfying!
