Golden Banana Bites

Welcome to the delightful world of Banana Pikelets, a timeless classic that brings warmth and joy to any breakfast table or afternoon tea. If you’ve ever found yourself with a single, perfectly ripe banana, wondering what delicious fate awaits it beyond the usual banana bread, then you’ve stumbled upon a true kitchen gem. These aren’t just any ordinary pancakes; pikelets are their smaller, thicker, and often more charming cousins, offering a uniquely fluffy texture and a golden hue that promises pure satisfaction with every bite. Easy to whip up in under 20 minutes, this recipe transforms a humble banana into a stack of irresistible treats that are sure to become a family favorite.

For many of us who grew up in Australia, the aroma of freshly cooked pikelets conjures up cherished childhood memories. I vividly recall sitting eagerly at the kitchen table, the air thick with anticipation, waiting for a warm batch to be served straight from the sizzling pan. There’s something inherently comforting about these golden discs, perfectly sized for little hands and big appetites alike. While traditional pikelets are a treat in themselves, this banana-infused version takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness, infusing each bite with natural sweetness and a moist, tender crumb.

Pikelets, often described as mini pancakes, boast a distinct character. They are typically thicker than their pancake counterparts, creating a wonderfully substantial yet incredibly light and fluffy interior. The golden-brown exterior provides a delicate crispness, yielding to a cloud-like texture within. They are exceptionally versatile, making them an ideal choice for a leisurely weekend breakfast, a vibrant brunch spread, or a satisfying after-school snack for hungry children. And let’s not forget their incredible ability to rescue that solitary, forgotten ripe banana from the fruit bowl – a truly genius solution that prevents food waste and rewards you with a fantastic treat!

I used to feel a pang of frustration when I’d discover just one overly ripe banana at the end of the week. It never seemed enough to embark on a full batch of my beloved buttermilk banana bread or a tray of mini banana muffins. But those days of disappointment are long gone! Now, armed with this incredibly simple and quick recipe, I know that a single ripe banana is not a problem, but an invitation to create a batch of warm, sweet banana pikelets. It’s a revelation that transforms a minor culinary dilemma into a delightful opportunity.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Banana Pikelet Recipe

There are countless reasons why these banana pikelets are destined to become a staple in your recipe collection. They are more than just a quick meal; they are an experience, offering convenience, versatility, and undeniable deliciousness:

• Irresistibly Kid-Friendly: Their miniature size makes them perfect for children. They’re easy to handle, fun to eat, and a fantastic way to sneak some fruit into their diet. The natural sweetness from the banana often means you need less added sugar, making them a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks.
• Perfect for Any Time of Day: While they shine as a breakfast or brunch item, don’t limit them! They make an excellent mid-morning treat, a fulfilling afternoon snack, or even a light dessert. Pair them with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent twist!
• Effortlessly Simple to Prepare: This recipe is designed for ease. With straightforward ingredients and minimal steps, even novice bakers can achieve perfect results. From gathering your ingredients to plating your first stack, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together.
• A Smart Way to Use Ripe Bananas: Say goodbye to food waste! This recipe is a hero for those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Their increased sweetness and softer texture are actually ideal for mashing and incorporating into the batter, lending a richer banana flavor to your pikelets.
• Light, Fluffy & Golden Perfection: Achieve that coveted light and fluffy texture every time, encased in a beautifully golden crust. The balance of chewiness and tenderness is simply sublime.
• Highly Customizable: While delicious on their own, these pikelets are a blank canvas for your favorite toppings. Whether it’s classic maple syrup, fresh berries, chocolate sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream, you can tailor them to suit any craving.

Gather Your Simple Ingredients

One of the beauties of this banana pikelet recipe lies in its use of everyday pantry staples. You likely have most, if not all, of these ingredients on hand right now, making it incredibly convenient to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need (full, precise measurements are provided in the printable recipe card below):

• Self-Raising Flour: This is the secret to those wonderfully light and fluffy pikelets. Self-raising flour already contains baking powder, which provides the lift. If you only have all-purpose (plain) flour, don’t worry! You can easily make your own self-raising flour by adding 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder for every cup of plain flour.
• White / Granulated Sugar: Just a touch of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the banana and helps with browning, giving the pikelets that lovely golden exterior. You can adjust the amount slightly based on the ripeness of your banana and your personal preference for sweetness.
• Milk: Any type of milk will work here – dairy or non-dairy (almond, soy, oat milk) – to create a smooth, pourable batter. The milk helps to hydrate the flour and bind the ingredients together, contributing to the pikelets’ tender texture.
• Egg: A single egg acts as a binder, adding richness and structure to the pikelets. It helps them hold their shape and contributes to their fluffy consistency.
• Banana: The star of the show! For the best flavor and easiest mashing, choose a ripe or even overripe banana. Those with brown spots on the peel are perfect, as they are sweeter and softer, making them ideal for incorporating into the batter.
• Butter: Used for cooking the pikelets in the pan, butter adds a delicious, rich flavor and helps create a beautiful golden crust. You can also use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil if you prefer, but butter truly elevates the taste.

Simple Steps to Perfect Banana Pikelets

Making these banana pikelets is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these simple instructions for a batch of light, fluffy, and utterly delicious treats. Remember, precise measurements are in the recipe card below, but the technique is key!

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a spacious mixing bowl, begin by whisking together the self-raising flour and granulated sugar. Ensure they are well combined. This initial step helps to distribute the leavening agent (from the self-raising flour) evenly throughout the batter, which is crucial for achieving that desirable light and airy texture. A few quick stirs with a whisk or fork will do the trick.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
Grab a separate, smaller bowl and place your ripe banana inside. Using a fork, thoroughly mash the banana until it forms a relatively smooth consistency. Don’t worry if there are a few small lumps; these will add lovely pockets of banana flavor to your pikelets. Once mashed, crack in the egg and pour in the milk. Stir these wet ingredients together until they are well combined. The goal is a uniform liquid mixture ready to be incorporated with the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Create the Batter
Now, gently pour the banana-egg-milk mixture directly into the bowl with your dry ingredients (flour and sugar). Using a whisk or a spoon, mix everything together. Be careful not to overmix! Mix just until the ingredients are combined and a smooth batter forms. A few small lumps of flour are perfectly acceptable and even desirable; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough pikelets instead of fluffy ones. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 4: Cook the Pikelets to Golden Perfection
Place a large frying pan or griddle over medium heat. Add about a tablespoon of butter to the pan and allow it to melt and coat the surface evenly. Once the butter is shimmering (but not smoking), it’s ready. Drop heaped tablespoons of your banana pikelet batter into the pan. Make sure to leave ample space between each dollop, as they will spread slightly. Typically, you can fit about 3-4 pikelets in a standard frying pan at a time, depending on its size.

Cook the pikelets for 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until you see small bubbles appearing on the surface of the batter and the edges begin to set. This is your cue that they are ready to flip! Using a spatula, carefully turn each pikelet over and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the second side, until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through in the center. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your stove and the thickness of your pikelets, so keep an eye on them.

Step 5: Repeat and Serve
As each batch of pikelets finishes cooking, transfer them to a plate or a wire rack to keep warm while you cook the remaining batter. If using a wire rack, it helps prevent the bottoms from getting soggy. Remember to add another tablespoon of butter (or oil) to the pan between batches as needed, ensuring each pikelet gets that lovely golden finish. Continue this process until all of your delicious batter has been transformed into a stack of warm, inviting banana pikelets.

Serve your freshly cooked banana pikelets immediately with your favorite toppings. The warmth of the pikelets will gently melt any butter or syrup you add, creating an even more indulgent experience. Enjoy!

Expert Tips for Banana Pikelet Perfection

Achieving the perfect batch of banana pikelets is easy with a few simple tricks. Keep these top tips in mind to ensure your treats are consistently light, fluffy, and utterly delicious every single time:

• Flour Substitution Made Easy: If you don’t have self-raising flour on hand, don’t fret! You can easily substitute it with all-purpose (plain) flour. For every cup of plain flour, simply add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder. Whisk them together thoroughly before adding them to your wet ingredients, and you’ll achieve the same fantastic rise and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for fluffy pikelets. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, chewy pikelets instead of light, tender ones. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and often preferred.
• Optimal Pan Temperature: Maintain a medium heat for your frying pan. If the pan is too hot, the pikelets will burn on the outside before cooking through in the middle. If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil/butter and become greasy, losing their golden crispness. A good test is to drop a tiny bit of batter into the pan; it should sizzle gently and immediately start forming bubbles.
• The Beauty of Ripe Bananas: Always use ripe or even overripe bananas for this recipe. They are naturally sweeter and softer, making them easier to mash and ensuring a stronger, more delightful banana flavor throughout your pikelets. Those brown spots on the peel are a sign of peak ripeness!
• Keep Them Warm: As you cook your pikelets in batches, place the finished ones on a plate covered lightly with foil or on a wire rack in a low oven (around 150°F / 70°C) to keep them warm. This ensures everyone gets to enjoy warm pikelets, regardless of when they were cooked.
• Greasing the Pan: It’s essential to add more butter or oil to the pan between batches if it starts to look dry. This prevents sticking, ensures even browning, and contributes to the delicious flavor of each pikelet. Don’t be shy with that extra tablespoon of butter!

Serving Suggestions & Delicious Topping Ideas

While banana pikelets are fantastic on their own, serving them with your favorite accompaniments truly elevates the experience. Here are some ideas to inspire your next breakfast or brunch spread:

• Classic Syrups: A generous drizzle of pure maple syrup, golden syrup, or honey is always a winning choice. The warmth of the pikelets will gently melt the syrup, creating a beautiful sheen.
• Fresh Fruit: Sliced fresh bananas (of course!), berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), or a medley of seasonal fruits add freshness and a burst of color.
• Creamy Delights: A dollop of whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream can transform your pikelets into a decadent dessert.
• Nutty Crunch: A sprinkle of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), toasted shredded coconut, or a drizzle of peanut butter adds texture and a savory note.
• Sweet Spreads: Chocolate sauce, Nutella, or fruit jams are always popular, especially with younger eaters.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Cooked banana pikelets are wonderful for make-ahead breakfasts or snacks! Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigeration: Any leftover pikelets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster, microwave briefly, or warm them gently in a dry frying pan until heated through.
• Freezing: Pikelets freeze beautifully! Once cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or microwave.

Explore More Banana Delights

If you’re anything like us, a love for bananas in baking and cooking runs deep. Once you’ve mastered these irresistible banana pikelets, you might find yourself eager to explore even more delicious ways to enjoy this versatile fruit. From hearty breakfast options to delightful snacks, bananas lend themselves beautifully to a myriad of recipes. Here are some more banana-inspired recipes to keep your kitchen buzzing with flavor:

• Protein Pancakes: A fantastic option for a post-workout boost or a more filling breakfast, often incorporating banana for natural sweetness and moisture.
• Healthy Banana Pancakes: For those seeking a nutritious start to their day, these pancakes cut down on sugar and fats without sacrificing flavor, making banana the star.
• One Banana Muffins: Perfect for when you have just a single ripe banana and crave a delightful, moist muffin.
• Buttermilk Banana Bread: A classic for a reason, the buttermilk adds incredible tenderness and tang to a comforting loaf.
• Mini Banana Muffins: Ideal for little hands or for portion control, these bite-sized treats are always a hit.
• Banana Porridge: A warm and comforting breakfast, naturally sweetened and thickened with banana.
• OR see all Banana Recipes for a complete collection of our favorite banana-centric dishes.

We hope you thoroughly enjoy creating and devouring these wonderfully fluffy Banana Pikelets! Your feedback means the world to us. If you’ve tried this recipe, we’d absolutely love to hear how they turned out for you. Please take a moment to leave a comment and a star rating below to share your experience and help others discover the joy of these simple, delicious treats.

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📋 RECIPE

Banana Pikelets

Yield:
10

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
20 minutes

These delightful banana pikelets are perfect for a quick breakfast, a lovely brunch, or a satisfying afternoon snack. They are smaller and thicker than traditional pancakes, offering a wonderfully light and fluffy interior. Enjoy them warm, topped generously with honey or maple syrup for an unforgettable treat.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup Self-Raising Flour
• 1 tablespoon White Sugar / Granulated Sugar
• 1 Banana
• 1 Egg
• ½ cup Milk
• 2 tablespoon Butter

TOPPING IDEAS

• Honey
• Maple Syrup
• Golden Syrup
• Banana Slices

Instructions

1. Mix flour and sugar together in a large mixing bowl.
2. Mash banana in a separate bowl, then add egg and milk and stir to combine.
3. Pour the liquid ingredients on top of the dry ingredients and mix well to form a smooth batter.
4. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a frying pan on medium heat. Drop heaped tablespoons of the batter into the frying pan, spacing them out to allow room for spreading. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip over and cook the other side until golden brown. Transfer the pikelets to a plate or wire rack. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Notes

• IF USING ALL-PURPOSE / PLAIN FLOUR – add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder to the flour and mix well before combining with other ingredients.
• Store any leftover pikelets in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
• Ensure the pan is adequately greased between batches by adding another tablespoon of butter if it appears dry.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 83Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 144mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 2g