Name: Bananas Foster Pancakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 2 cups whole milk; 4 large egg yolks; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; Zest of 1 lemon; Zest of 1 orange; 1 cinnamon stick; Additional granulated sugar for topping

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pancakes are a luxurious blend of sweet, spiced, and buttery flavors. The caramelized bananas, laced with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of rum, perfectly complement the soft, pillowy pancakes beneath. Whether you’re making a weekend brunch or celebrating a special occasion, this dish is both impressive and easy to make at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Sugar
Salt
Eggs
Milk
Unsalted butter (melted for batter and for cooking)
Bananas (sliced)
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Dark rum (or rum extract as a non-alcoholic alternative)
Vanilla extract
Heavy cream or half-and-half

Directions

Prepare the pancake batter: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until just combined. Let the batter rest while you prepare the topping.
Make the Bananas Foster topping: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar and cinnamon and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add sliced bananas and cook until softened and caramelized, about 2–3 minutes.
Flambé (optional): Carefully add the rum to the skillet. If desired, ignite with a long lighter to flambé. Allow the flame to burn off. Stir in vanilla and cream. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Cook the pancakes: Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly butter the surface. Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake and cook until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Assemble: Stack the pancakes and spoon the warm bananas foster sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings (approximately 8 pancakes).
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Nutty addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for extra crunch.
Chocolate twist: Add chocolate chips to the pancake batter or drizzle with chocolate syrup.
Bourbon version: Substitute bourbon for rum to change the flavor profile.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Vegan option: Use plant-based milk, egg replacers, and vegan butter for a fully vegan version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pancakes and topping separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat pancakes, warm them in a toaster, skillet, or microwave.
Reheat the banana topping in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Avoid boiling the sauce again to maintain its texture.

FAQs

Can I make the pancake batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter up to 12 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Stir before using.

Is flambéing the rum necessary?

No, flambéing is optional. You can simmer the rum to cook off the alcohol without igniting it.

What if I don’t have rum?

You can substitute with rum extract or simply omit it for a kid-friendly version.

Can I use store-bought pancake mix?

Yes, for a shortcut, use your favorite pancake mix and focus on making the Bananas Foster topping from scratch.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas can become too mushy in the sauce.

Can I freeze the pancakes?

Yes, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven when ready to eat.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free milk and butter alternatives, and skip the cream or use a plant-based substitute.

How do I prevent the sauce from burning?

Keep the heat on medium and stir constantly. Once the bananas are added, reduce the heat to avoid overcooking.

What can I serve with Bananas Foster Pancakes?

They pair well with crispy bacon, sausage, or a cup of strong coffee to balance the sweetness.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just double all the ingredients and cook the pancakes in batches to serve a larger crowd.

Conclusion

Bananas Foster Pancakes are the ultimate fusion of comfort food and elegance. With buttery caramelized bananas and a sweet rum-infused sauce poured over fluffy pancakes, this recipe turns an ordinary breakfast into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re hosting brunch or treating yourself, this dish delivers a taste of indulgence in every bite.