Feb 10, 2024

Easy Kids Breakfast: Banana Pancakes Recipe

Starting your child's day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast can set the tone for their whole day. Banana pancakes offer a fantastic blend of simplicity, taste, and nutrition, making them a go-to choice for busy parents. This blog post will guide you through making these kid and baby-friendly pancakes, ensuring even the littlest eaters can enjoy a healthy start.

Why Banana Pancakes are Perfect for Kids and Babies

Banana pancakes are soft, easy to chew, and naturally sweetened by ripe bananas, making them an ideal first food for babies and a favourite among older kids. The simplicity of the recipe, which often requires just a few wholesome ingredients, means you can prepare a meal free of processed sugars and additives. Plus, bananas are a great source of dietary fibre, Vitamin C, potassium, and Vitamin B6, supporting overall health and digestion.

Adding Nutritional Boost to Baby Pancakes

To make these pancakes even more nutritious, consider incorporating a variety of add-ins. Ground flaxseeds or chia seeds can be added for a dose of Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for brain development. A spoonful of almond butter or a sprinkle of hemp seeds can also increase protein content, vital for growing bodies.

Using Different Flours in Banana Pancake Recipe

Experimenting with different flours can not only add a nutritional boost but also cater to dietary needs. Coconut flour or almond flour are great gluten-free options, while oat flour can add extra fibre. Each flour brings a unique flavour and texture, allowing you to customise the pancakes to your child’s preference.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baby-Friendly Pancakes

Making banana pancakes is straightforward and quick. You'll blend ripe bananas with your choice of flour, a little baking powder, eggs and milk (dairy or plant-based) to create a smooth batter. Cooking them on a low to medium heat ensures they are thoroughly cooked, yet remain soft and tender for little mouths.

Using Pancakes for Baby Led Weaning

Banana pancakes can be a fantastic option for baby-led weaning (BLW). Cut them into strips or small pieces, making it easy for babies to pick up and self-feed. This method encourages babies to explore textures and tastes at their own pace, fostering independence and confidence in eating.

Healthy Banana Pancakes for All Ages

These pancakes are not just for babies and young kids; they're a nutritious option for all ages. They can be topped with fresh fruit, a dollop of yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup for added enjoyment. Serve them on Brightberry Silicone Suction Plates divided together with yogurt or maple syrup or honey and fresh fruit to make a complete breakfast. It's a versatile recipe that can be modified to fit everyone's taste and dietary needs.

Freezing Baby Pancakes for Convenience

For busy mornings, having a stash of banana pancakes in the freezer can be a lifesaver. Simply let them cool after cooking, then freeze them between layers of parchment paper. Reheat in the toaster or microwave for a quick, nutritious breakfast.

Essential Tools for Making Kid-Friendly Pancakes

For this particular banana pancake recipe, a few simple kitchen tools are essential. You'll need a medium mixing bowl for combining your dry ingredients and a smaller bowl for mashing the banana and mixing it with the wet ingredients. A whisk is crucial for blending the ingredients smoothly. A non-stick pan is recommended for cooking the pancakes to perfection, ensuring they don't stick and are easy to flip. And finally, a spatula will be needed for flipping the pancakes. For serving, presenting these delightful pancakes on a Brightberry divided plate can add fun and colour to your child's meal, making breakfast an enjoyable experience.

Other Kid-Friendly Pancake Recipes to Try

Once you've mastered banana pancakes, feel free to explore other kid-friendly recipes. Pumpkin, blueberry, and spinach pancakes can offer new flavors and additional nutrients, keeping breakfast exciting and healthy.

Recipe: Quick & Easy Banana Pancakes (Baby & Kid-Friendly!)

Ingredients

FOR PANCAKES:
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
• 2½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1-2 small, over-ripe bananas, peeled & mashed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup of milk (add more for thinner batter)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

FOR COOKING:
• vegetable oil
• unsalted butter

FOR SERVING:
• Maple syrup or Honey (optional)
• Sliced bananas or other fruit

Instructions

1. Begin by combining the flour, sugar (if using), baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Give these dry ingredients a good whisk to mix them thoroughly.

2. In a separate, smaller bowl, mash the bananas until they’re almost completely smooth. A few lumps are okay; they add character! Crack in the eggs next, then pour in the milk and vanilla extract (if you’re using it). Whisk everything together until it’s well combined.

3. Now, merge the banana mixture with the dry ingredients. Pour in the melted butter too. Fold everything together gently with a rubber spatula. It's okay if the batter is a bit lumpy and thick—that's exactly what you want.

4. Heat up your non-stick pan on a medium setting. Once it’s warm, melt a small pad of butter along with a tablespoon of vegetable oil. This mix prevents the butter from burning and adds a nice flavour.

5. Scoop the batter onto the pan, using about ¼ cup for each pancake. Leave some space between them for easy flipping. Cook until you see bubbles forming on the surface, and the underside is nicely browned, which should take about 2 minutes. Then flip them over and cook for another minute or two until they’re just as golden on the other side.

6. Clear the pan with a paper towel between batches, adding a bit more butter and oil as needed. Keep going until all the batter is used up.

7. Serve the pancakes warm, topped with your choice of maple syrup or honey, and add a generous amount of banana slices or other fruits.

For a truly kid-friendly presentation, arrange them on Brightberry divided plates, perhaps accompanied by yogurt or additional fruit to round out a nutritious and appealing meal.

Recipe Notes

Allergy Adjustments: For families dealing with allergies, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. If dairy is a concern, any plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or soy) works wonderfully in place of cow's milk, and coconut oil can be a great alternative to butter.

Add-Ins for Extra Nutrition: Consider stirring in a handful of blueberries, chopped nuts, or even a few chocolate chips for an extra treat. A tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds can also be added to the batter to boost omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and antioxidants.

Making Pancakes Fluffier: If you prefer fluffier pancakes, let the batter sit for about 5 minutes after mixing. This resting time allows the baking powder to activate further, creating a lighter texture.

Storage and Reheating: These pancakes store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or a warm oven until heated through. This makes them a perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings.

Serving Suggestion: For an engaging and nutritious breakfast, serve these pancakes with a variety of toppings on the side. Letting kids "decorate" their pancakes with sliced fruit, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon can make breakfast fun and encourage them to enjoy a variety of flavours.

Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they mash easily and incorporate seamlessly into the batter, eliminating the need for additional sugar.

Incorporating these recipe notes will not only make your banana pancakes more delicious but also more adaptable to meet the nutritional needs and taste preferences of your family. Plus, involving kids in the kitchen by letting them choose their toppings can make for a fun and interactive mealtime experience.

FAQ

Can my 7-month-old eat banana pancakes?
Yes, banana pancakes can be a great option for a 7-month-old, especially if you are following a baby-led weaning approach. Ensure the pancakes are made with baby-friendly ingredients and are soft enough for your baby to gum. Cut them into small, manageable pieces or strips to make it easier for your baby to handle and eat.

Can a 6-month-old have pancakes?
Yes, a 6-month-old can have pancakes, provided they are made with baby-friendly ingredients and are soft and easy to chew. Baby pancakes should be free from added sugar, salt, and honey. Making pancakes with fruit, such as bananas, and using baby formula or breast milk instead of cow's milk can make them suitable for this age. Always supervise your baby while eating and ensure the pancakes are cut into small, manageable pieces.

Is banana OK for a 6-month-old?
Yes, bananas are a great option for 6-month-old babies starting on solid foods. They are soft, easy to digest, and rich in nutrients like potassium and fibre.

How to make baby pancakes with baby formula?
To make baby pancakes with baby formula, simply replace the milk in your pancake recipe with an equivalent amount of prepared baby formula. This can be a great way to introduce new textures to your baby while ensuring they are still getting the nutrients from their formula. Combine the formula with your chosen pancake ingredients, like mashed bananas and a little flour, to create a smooth, baby-friendly batter.

Do babies need teeth to eat pancakes?
No, babies do not need teeth to eat pancakes. Pancakes for babies should be soft enough to gum and easily mashed with their gums. When preparing pancakes for a baby, ensure they are cooked until soft and then cut into small, easy-to-manage pieces or strips. This makes them a perfect finger food for babies who are still teething or do not have teeth yet.

Why are banana pancakes gooey?
Banana pancakes might turn out gooey for a few reasons. One common reason is not cooking them long enough on each side, which is crucial to ensure they're cooked through. Another reason could be using too much banana or liquid in the batter, resulting in a thicker, gooier texture. To avoid this, follow the recipe closely and adjust the heat and cooking time as needed to achieve a fluffy texture.

Why are my banana and egg pancakes falling apart?
Banana and egg pancakes might fall apart due to a lack of binding ingredients. Traditional pancakes use flour to help bind everything together, but in a flourless recipe like banana and egg pancakes, the batter can be more delicate. To prevent this, make sure your batter is not too runny; if necessary, add a small amount of flour or oatmeal to help stabilise the mixture. Also, keep the pancakes small for easier flipping and cook them on a well-greased skillet over medium heat.

Remember, every child is different, and it's essential to consider your baby's individual needs and readiness for solid foods. Consult with a nutritionist if you have any concerns about introducing new foods to your baby's diet.