If you have ever thought about sneaking some greens into your breakfast in a delicious and fun way, the Banana Spinach Pancakes Recipe is exactly what you need. These pancakes marry the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the vibrant nutrition of baby spinach, creating a stack that looks enticingly green yet tastes irresistibly mellow and comforting. Perfectly fluffy with a hint of cinnamon, these pancakes aren’t just a treat for the taste buds but also an easy and clever way to add extra veggies to your morning routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this Banana Spinach Pancakes Recipe fool you—each ingredient is carefully chosen to create a harmonious balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the creaminess of the mashed banana to the subtle warmth of cinnamon, every component plays an essential role in making these pancakes memorable.
- 1 cup (150 g) white, all purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for fluffy pancakes.
- 2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the batter a nice lift and light texture.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a comforting, warm spice that pairs beautifully with banana.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to a tender crumb.
- ½ cup (150 g) mashed banana: Offers natural sweetness and moisture; ripe bananas work best.
- ⅔ cup (170 g) milk of choice: I love using soy milk, but any milk will do to keep the batter just right.
- 1 cup (50 g) baby spinach: Washed and fresh, this adds vibrant color and hidden nutrients.
- Oil, to grease the pan: Coconut oil is my go-to because it adds a subtle richness and helps to crisp the edges.
How to Make Banana Spinach Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mash the Bananas
Start by mashing the bananas with a fork in a small bowl until mostly smooth but with a few small chunks left for texture. Use about ½ cup of this mashed banana—roughly equivalent to 1 ½ ripe bananas. This creates the natural sweetness that forms the heart of the batter.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined. This dry mix forms the base, so make sure your ingredients are well distributed to avoid clumps.
Step 3: Blend Spinach and Milk
Add the baby spinach and milk to a blender, then blitz until completely smooth. Nobody wants leafy bits in their pancake, so blending thoroughly is key to a velvety batter and beautiful green color.
Step 4: Combine Egg and Banana
Beat the egg lightly in a separate bowl, then stir in the mashed banana. This mixture brings moisture and richness to the batter, helping everything come together into a luscious blend.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the banana-egg mixture and the spinach-milk puree into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—some lumps are perfectly fine here! Overmixing can make the pancakes tough, and we want them fluffy and tender.
Step 6: Cook Your Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with your chosen oil. Pour about ⅓ cup of batter for each pancake and cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles surface. Flip carefully, then cook another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with the remainder of the batter. The smell by this point will have you excited for your first bite!
How to Serve Banana Spinach Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
Top these pancakes with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries to enhance natural sweetness and add bursts of color. A drizzle of pure maple syrup or a dollop of creamy yogurt works wonderfully to balance the flavors while adding a touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crispy bacon or a simple avocado salad for a well-rounded breakfast. The savory and fresh sides create a delightful contrast, making your meal feel both complete and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your pancakes high and sprinkle with toasted nuts or seeds for a delightful crunch. Feel free to experiment by swirling in a spoonful of nut butter or layering with banana slices in between for an extra-special touch that friends and family will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any pancakes left, cool them completely before storing in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days and are perfect for a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
Freezing
You can freeze individual pancakes by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they stay fresh for up to 2 months and you can enjoy homemade goodness anytime you want.
Reheating
To reheat, pop frozen or refrigerated pancakes in a toaster or pan over low-medium heat until warmed through and slightly crisp around the edges. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use baby kale instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale can be a great substitute but make sure to blend it very well just like the spinach to avoid leafy bits. The flavor will be a bit more robust but still delicious.
What if I don’t have a blender to puree the spinach?
If you don’t have a blender, finely chop the spinach and stir it into the batter directly, but be aware that you’ll get a chunkier texture and a more pronounced green taste.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can swap the egg for a flax or chia egg and use plant-based milk, which is already part of the recipe options. The pancakes will still be fluffy and flavorful!
Should the bananas be overripe for this recipe?
Ripe to overripe bananas work best since they provide natural sweetness and moisture. The more ripe the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be without added sugar.
How do I prevent pancakes from sticking to the pan?
Use a good quality non-stick pan and grease it lightly with oil or butter before cooking. Make sure the pan is hot enough but not too hot to avoid burning. Cooking over medium heat is usually just right.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Banana Spinach Pancakes Recipe is a game changer for breakfast. It sneaks in healthy greens without sacrificing flavor or fun, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up on any morning. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen—healthy eating never tasted so good!
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Banana Spinach Pancakes Recipe
These Banana Spinach Pancakes are a nutritious and delicious twist on classic pancakes, blending the sweetness of ripe bananas with the vibrant nutrition of fresh spinach. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or brunch, they are fluffy, flavorful, and easy to make, using a blender for the spinach to create a smooth batter without leafy bits.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes (serves 3-4)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (150 g) white, all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (150 g) mashed banana (about 1½ ripe bananas)
- ⅔ cup (170 g) milk of choice (soy milk recommended)
- 1 cup (50 g) baby spinach, washed
- Oil, for greasing the pan (coconut oil preferred)
Instructions
- Mash the bananas: In a small bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth with a few small chunks remaining for texture. Measure out ½ cup of mashed banana and set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to distribute all dry ingredients evenly.
- Blend spinach and milk: Add the milk and baby spinach to a blender. Blend until the spinach is completely smooth without any leafy bits remaining.
- Prepare banana-egg mixture: Slightly beat the egg in a bowl until just combined. Then stir in the mashed banana to combine the two.
- Combine all mixtures: Add the banana-egg mixture and the spinach-milk mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, making sure not to overmix. The batter should remain slightly lumpy for fluffier pancakes.
- Cook the pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or butter. Pour about ⅓ cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and cook the other side for 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, maple syrup, or yogurt.
Notes
- Ensure the spinach is blended thoroughly to avoid leafy bits in the pancakes; a high-speed blender like a Vitamix works best.
- Use ripe bananas to bring natural sweetness to the pancakes.
- Cook on medium to medium-high heat; lower the heat if pancakes brown too quickly but remain raw inside.
- Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps will help keep pancakes fluffy and tender.
- Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking and make flipping pancakes easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian