Banana Pancakes

### Instructions

1. **Prepare the Wet Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth. It’s okay to leave a few small chunks for texture. Add the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter (or oil) to the mashed banana. Whisk together until everything is well combined.

2. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar (if using), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients help give your pancakes their fluffy texture.

3. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can make the pancakes tough.

4. **Cook the Pancakes**: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil. Once the pan is hot, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread the batter into a circle.

5. **Cook Until Bubbly**: Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes on one side, or until small bubbles start to form on the surface. Once the edges look set, flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

6. **Serve and Enjoy**: Stack the pancakes on a plate and serve immediately. Top with sliced bananas, a drizzle of maple syrup, whipped cream, or any of your favorite pancake toppings.

### Tips for Perfect Banana Pancakes

– **Banana Ripeness**: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be. Overripe bananas work best for making pancakes as they are soft and easy to mash.
– **Fluffier Pancakes**: For even fluffier pancakes, separate the egg white from the yolk. Whisk the egg white until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the batter before cooking. This extra step will make your pancakes lighter and airier.
– **Customizations**: Add-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, or cinnamon can be mixed into the batter for extra flavor. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
– **Making Mini Pancakes**: For smaller pancakes, reduce the batter portion to about 2 tablespoons per pancake. These mini versions are perfect for kids or as a fun breakfast buffet item.

### Variations of Banana Pancakes

– **Vegan Banana Pancakes**: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and set aside for 5 minutes) and use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) instead of dairy milk.
– **Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes**: For a healthier option, swap the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You may need to add a bit more milk to achieve the right batter consistency.
– **Banana Oat Pancakes**: For a heartier version, try adding some rolled oats to the batter. You can blend the oats into oat flour or simply stir them in for a more textured pancake.

### Why You’ll Love Banana Pancakes

– **Naturally Sweet**: The ripe banana adds natural sweetness, so you don’t need to load the pancakes with sugar or syrup.
– **Nutrient-Packed**: Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, making these pancakes a wholesome way to start your day.
– **Customizable**: With so many options for toppings and add-ins, banana pancakes are a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit anyone’s taste.
– **Quick and Easy**: The recipe comes together quickly, making it a perfect option for busy mornings or leisurely weekends.

Banana pancakes are a simple yet delicious breakfast that brings comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a treat for yourself or a crowd-pleasing brunch dish, these pancakes will surely become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them warm with your favorite toppings for a satisfying and indulgent meal!