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 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 recipe's simplicity, often requiring 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, which is vital for growing bodies.

Using Different Flours in Banana Pancake Recipe

Experimenting with different flours can add a nutritional boost and 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. To create a smooth batter, you'll blend ripe bananas with your choice of flour, a little baking powder, eggs, and milk (dairy or plant-based). Cooking them on 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 nutritious for all ages. For added enjoyment, they can be topped with fresh fruit, a dollop of yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Serve them on Brightberry Silicone Suction Plates with yogurt, maple syrup, honey, and fresh fruit for a complete breakfast. This versatile recipe can be modified to fit everyone's taste and dietary needs.

Freezing Baby Pancakes for Convenience

A stash of banana pancakes in the freezer can be a lifesaver for busy mornings. 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

A few simple kitchen tools are essential for this particular banana pancake recipe. You'll need a medium mixing bowl to combine your dry ingredients and a smaller bowl to mix the banana 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. Finally, a spatula will be needed to flip 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, explore other kid-friendly recipes like Chia Pudding.

Pumpkin, blueberry, and spinach pancakes can offer new flavours and additional nutrients, keeping breakfast exciting and healthy.

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

Ingredients

FOR PANCAKES:

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

FOR COOKING:

vegetable oil
unsalted butter

FOR SERVING:

Maple syrup or honey (optional)
Sliced bananas or other fruit

Instructions

Mix 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.
Mash the bananas in a smaller bowl until they're almost smooth. A few lumps are okay; they add character! Crack in the eggs next, then pour the milk and vanilla extract (if you're using it). Whisk everything together until it's well combined.
Now, combine 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 lumpy and thick—that's precisely what you want.
Heat your non-stick pan in a medium setting. Once warm, melt a small pad of butter and a tablespoon of vegetable oil. This mix prevents the butter from burning and adds a nice flavour.
Scoop the batter onto the pan, using about ¼ cups for each pancake. Leave some space between them for easy flipping. Cook until bubbles form 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.
Clear the pan with a paper towel between batches, adding more butter and oil as needed. Keep going until all the batter is used up.
Serve the pancakes warm, topped with maple syrup or honey, and add a generous amount of banana slices or other fruits.

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

Recipe Notes

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

Add-Ins for Extra Nutrition: For an extra treat, consider stirring in a handful of blueberries, chopped nuts, or even a few chocolate chips. 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: Let the batter sit for about 5 minutes after mixing if you prefer fluffier pancakes. This resting time activates the baking powder further, creating a lighter texture.

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

Serving Suggestion: For an engaging and nutritious breakfast, serve these pancakes with various 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 make your banana pancakes more delicious and adaptable to meet your family's nutritional needs and taste preferences. Plus, involving kids in the kitchen by letting them choose their toppings can create a fun and interactive mealtime experience.

FAQ

Can my 7-month-old eat banana pancakes?

Yes, banana pancakes can be an excellent option for a 7-month-old, especially if you follow a baby-led weaning approach. Ensure the pancakes are made with baby-friendly ingredients and soft enough for your baby to chew. Cut them into small, manageable pieces or strips to make them 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 okay for a 6-month-old?

Yes, bananas are an excellent 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, replace the milk in your 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?

Babies do not need teeth to eat pancakes, so they should be soft enough to gum and easily mashed with their gums. When preparing pancakes for a baby, ensure they are cooked until smooth 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 cause is cooking them longer 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 for a fluffy texture.

Why are my banana and egg pancakes falling apart?

Banana and egg pancakes might fall apart due to insufficient binding ingredients. Traditional pancakes use flour to help bind everything together. Still, the batter can be more delicate in a flourless recipe like banana and egg pancakes. To prevent this, ensure your batter is not too runny; 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 needs and readiness for solid foods. Consult with a nutritionist if you have concerns about introducing new foods to your baby's diet.