There’s a delightful warmth that fills my kitchen when I make Banana Bread Griddle Cakes with Caramelized Bananas—a treat that somehow manages to be both nostalgic and luxurious. The rich aroma of cinnamon wafting through the air calls to mind cozy mornings and lazy weekends. I’ve often found myself drawn to this recipe when I want to elevate my brunch game and step away from the mundane.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and the promise of caramelized bananas that lend a sweet, decadent twist, these griddle cakes are a perfect solution for those fast food cravings that sneak up on us all too often. Whether you’re whipping them up for a special occasion or just to indulge your own taste buds, each bite delivers a perfect balance of fluffy texture and deep flavor combined with satisfying crunch from toasted walnuts.
So grab those ripe bananas sitting on your counter, and let’s transform them into something extraordinary that will have everyone raving. You won’t just be making breakfast—you’ll be creating memories!
Why are Banana Bread Griddle Cakes irresistible?
Decadent sweetness awaits you with the caramelized bananas that bring a luxurious touch to every bite. Quick and easy to whip up, these cakes make breakfast or brunch a delightful breeze. Unique flavor pairings from cinnamon, nutmeg, and walnuts ensure a deliciously memorable dish. Crowd-pleaser appeal means they’re perfect for family and friends alike, making any gathering more special. For tips on pairing these griddle cakes with a delicious drink, check out my guide on perfect brunch beverages.
Banana Bread Griddle Cakes Ingredients
• Let’s gather what we need!
For the Batter
- Unsweetened Coconut Milk – Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor without dairy.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Helps activate the baking powder for fluffy cakes.
- All-purpose Gluten Free Flour – Ensures everyone can enjoy these Banana Bread Griddle Cakes without gluten.
- Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Baking Powder – The secret to making your cakes rise beautifully.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances the flavors, bringing all the ingredients together.
- Ground Cinnamon – Introduces a warm, inviting aroma that elevates your griddle cakes.
- Ground Nutmeg – A hint of nutmeg adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Melted Coconut Oil – Keeps the batter moist and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
- Mashed Bananas – The star ingredient that infuses sweetness and natural moisture.
- Toasted Walnut Pieces – Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor for added deliciousness.
For the Caramelized Bananas
- Coconut Oil – A non-dairy option for caramelization that brings hints of coconut.
- Sugar – Creates that beautiful caramel crust on the bananas.
- Maple Syrup – Introduces a rich sweetness that complements the caramelized flavors.
- Large Banana, Sliced – The main component that turns ordinary bananas into a decadent topping.
- Toasted Walnut Pieces – Adds extra crunch and depth when mixed with the caramelized bananas.
- Kosher Salt – Just a pinch brings out the sweetness of the bananas beautifully.
Get ready to experience the magic of these Banana Bread Griddle Cakes topped with caramelized bananas!
How to Make Banana Bread Griddle Cakes
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Combine coconut milk and vinegar in a small bowl, letting it sit for 5 minutes. This step creates a lovely buttermilk substitute that enhances the texture of your cakes.
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Whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg—in a medium bowl. Once well mixed, add melted coconut oil, mashed bananas, and the coconut milk mixture, then whisk until smooth.
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Heat a griddle or nonstick pan over medium-high heat, greasing it with coconut or vegetable oil. A well-heated surface ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden brown color.
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Pour the batter onto the griddle and cook for about 2 minutes, or until you see small bubbles forming on the edges. Flip the cakes and cook for another minute or two until they are nicely golden.
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Serve your griddle cakes immediately or keep them warm in a low oven until you’re ready to enjoy them with friends and family.
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For the Caramelized Bananas: In a medium nonstick pan over medium-high heat, add coconut oil and sugar. Allow the sugar to melt and turn golden brown before adding maple syrup, letting it bubble delightfully.
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Add the sliced bananas, walnuts, and a pinch of salt to the bubbling mixture. Stir gently to coat everything until the bananas achieve a beautiful golden crust.
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Top your warm griddle cakes with the hot caramelized bananas, another sprinkle of walnuts, and drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.
Optional: For a splash of color, garnish with fresh mint leaves!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Banana Bread Griddle Cakes
Room Temperature: Keep leftover griddle cakes at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Ensure they’re covered with a clean kitchen towel or wrap to prevent drying out.
Fridge: Store Banana Bread Griddle Cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their fluffy texture while keeping them fresh and delicious.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the griddle cakes. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container after freezing for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your griddle cakes again, reheat them in a toaster or microwave, adding a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of fresh walnuts for that just-made taste!
Banana Bread Griddle Cakes Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor these delightful griddle cakes to suit your taste buds!
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Nut-Free: Substitute walnuts with pumpkin seeds or omit nuts entirely for a safe and delicious alternative.
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Dairy-Free: Use any plant-based milk, such as almond or oat, in place of coconut milk to keep things dairy-free while maintaining that creamy texture.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder to the batter for an unexpected spicy twist—perfect for adventurous eaters.
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Vegan Delight: Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) to make these griddle cakes completely plant-based.
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Chocolate Lovers: Fold in chocolate chips or cocoa powder into the batter for a rich, chocolaty flavor that pairs perfectly with the caramelized bananas.
Imagine waking up to the alluring aromas wafting through your kitchen as you customize this recipe, making it all your own!
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Banana Variety: Use ripe plantains instead of regular bananas for a unique twist. They’ll caramelize beautifully and offer a different flavor profile.
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Extra Fruity: Incorporate other fruits like blueberries or strawberries into the batter for a burst of fruity goodness in every bite.
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Gluten-Free Mix: If you don’t have gluten-free flour on hand, try almond flour or coconut flour, adjusting the liquid slightly if needed to maintain the right consistency.
What to Serve with Banana Bread Griddle Cakes?
Discover the perfect accompaniments to elevate your sweet and cozy brunch experience!
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Greek Yogurt: Creaminess and tanginess from Greek yogurt pair beautifully, balancing the sweetness of your griddle cakes. A dollop adds that delightful richness without overwhelming the palate.
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Fresh Berries: The burst of juicy berries adds a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the cakes, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Raspberries or blueberries bring a lovely pop of color, making your plate visually appealing.
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Maple Bacon: A savory twist! The crispy, salty bacon offers a wonderful contrast to the sweet caramelized bananas, making each bite a delicious adventure. This pairing creates a symphony of flavors that’s truly irresistible.
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Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey gives an extra layer of sweetness, making the griddle cakes even more indulgent. It complements the caramelized bananas perfectly, making every bite feel like a treat.
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Coconut Milk Latte: Sip on a creamy coconut milk latte to echo the flavors in your griddle cakes. The subtle coconut taste rounds out the meal, creating a wonderfully harmonious brunch vibe.
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Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top before serving to bring an extra touch of warmth and sweetness, perfect for those cozy, lazy weekends. It heightens the aromatic experience while adding a delightful crunch.
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Chia Seed Pudding: A refreshing chia seed pudding can provide a light and nutritious contrast, making your brunch both satisfying and guilt-free. It’s also a great way to sneak in some healthy fats!
Indulging with these pairings will ensure your Banana Bread Griddle Cakes become the star of your next brunch gathering!
Expert Tips for Banana Bread Griddle Cakes
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Perfect Batter: Ensure your coconut milk and vinegar mixture sits for at least 5 minutes. This creates a buttermilk-like texture, key for fluffy Banana Bread Griddle Cakes.
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Controlled Heat: Cook your griddle cakes over medium-high heat. Too high, and they’ll burn; too low, and they won’t cook through properly.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until smooth. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough cakes instead of light and fluffy ones.
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Caramelization Magic: Watch the sugar closely when melting for the caramel bananas, as it can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Stir in the bananas only after achieving a golden hue.
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Add Extra Crunch: Keep some toasted walnut pieces on hand to sprinkle on the top of your griddle cakes. They add delightful texture and enhance the flavor profile.
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Make Ahead: These cakes are fantastic for meal prep! Prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just cook them fresh in the morning for an easy breakfast treat.
Make Ahead Options
These Banana Bread Griddle Cakes are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic mornings! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the dry ingredients and combining them with the wet ingredients, then refrigerating. For the caramelized bananas, slice the bananas and mix them with the sugar and coconut oil; store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To serve, simply cook the batter on a heated griddle and caramelize the bananas right before serving to ensure they’re just as delicious and warm. This makes it easy to indulge in a homemade treat that feels fresh without the fuss!
Banana Bread Griddle Cakes Recipe FAQs
What type of bananas are best for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for bananas that are just starting to ripen to ensure a perfect sweetness without being overly mushy. The ideal bananas for these Banana Bread Griddle Cakes should have a few brown spots—this signifies they are sweet enough and will mash easily to blend into your batter.
How should I store leftover Banana Bread Griddle Cakes?
To maintain the freshness, store any leftover griddle cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool to room temperature first to avoid condensation, which could make them soggy. You can also keep them wrapped in foil if you don’t have a container handy!
Can I freeze Banana Bread Griddle Cakes?
Absolutely! To freeze your griddle cakes, lay them flat on a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bags. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, just pop them straight into the toaster or microwave for a quick reheating!
What should I do if my griddle cakes are too dense?
If your griddle cakes come out dense, it might be due to overmixing your batter. Remember to mix just until everything is combined. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh; old leavening agents can lead to dense cakes. If you find your cakes are too dry, try adding a bit more coconut milk or a splash of water to the batter for moisture.
Are these Banana Bread Griddle Cakes suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, indeed! By using all-purpose gluten-free flour, these griddle cakes cater to those with gluten sensitivities. Always check the label of your flour to ensure it’s certified gluten-free, especially if you have severe allergies. And if you’re concerned about nut allergies, you can replace walnuts with sunflower seeds for a delicious, safe alternative!
Delicious Banana Bread Griddle Cakes with Caramelized Bananas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine coconut milk and vinegar in a small bowl, letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg—in a medium bowl. Add melted coconut oil, mashed bananas, and the coconut milk mixture, then whisk until smooth.
- Heat a griddle or nonstick pan over medium-high heat, greasing it with coconut or vegetable oil.
- Pour the batter onto the griddle and cook for about 2 minutes, or until you see small bubbles forming on the edges. Flip the cakes and cook for another minute or two until they are nicely golden.
- Serve your griddle cakes immediately or keep them warm in a low oven until you're ready to enjoy them.
- In a medium nonstick pan over medium-high heat, add coconut oil and sugar. Allow the sugar to melt and turn golden brown before adding maple syrup.
- Add the sliced bananas, walnuts, and a pinch of salt to the bubbling mixture. Stir gently to coat until the bananas achieve a beautiful golden crust.
- Top your warm griddle cakes with the hot caramelized bananas and drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.