Vegan Banana-Walnut Pancakes: A Delicious and Healthy Breakfast Recipe

A Stack of Comfort and Goodness

Imagine waking up to the warm, sweet aroma of caramelizing bananas and toasted walnuts wafting from your kitchen. That’s the promise of these Vegan Banana-Walnut Pancakes. More than just a breakfast, this recipe is a hearty, satisfying, and incredibly delicious way to fuel your day. Perfect for lazy weekend brunches, busy meal-prep mornings, or when you simply crave a comforting treat that aligns with a plant-based lifestyle.

This recipe masterfully combines overripe bananas for natural sweetness and binding, wholesome flour, and crunchy walnuts for texture and brain-boosting omega-3s. The result? Fluffy, tender pancakes that are entirely free from dairy and eggs but never compromise on flavor or satisfaction. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, experimenting with plant-based eating, or just looking for a healthier pancake recipe, this guide will walk you through creating the perfect stack, step by step. Let’s turn those spotty bananas into a breakfast masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Pancake Recipe

• Incredibly Flavorful: Ripe bananas and cinnamon create a deep, naturally sweet flavor profile.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Make a batch and freeze them for quick breakfasts all week.
• Nutrient-Dense: Packed with potassium, fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats.
• Allergy-Friendly: Easily adaptable to be gluten-free and nut-free if needed.
• Unbelievably Easy: A simple, one-bowl method perfect for beginners and busy cooks.

Vegan Banana-Walnut Pancakes Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create magic. Using very ripe bananas (with lots of brown spots) is the key to maximum sweetness and moisture.

Main Ingredients

• 2 large very ripe bananas (about 1 cup, mashed)
• 1 ¼ cups (300ml) unsweetened plant-based milk (oat, almond, or soy milk work best)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup or agave nectar (plus more for serving)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) melted coconut oil or neutral vegetable oil (plus more for cooking)

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour (or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for GF option)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

The Star Add-In

• ¾ cup (90g) walnuts, roughly chopped (divided – some for batter, some for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Pancakes

Follow these simple, numbered steps for flawless results every time.

Step 1: Prepare the “Vegan Buttermilk”
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth, with a few small lumps for texture. Add the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes. This creates a tangy, thickened buttermilk alternative that helps the pancakes rise.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
To the banana-milk mixture, add the vanilla extract, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. Whisk everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures no lumps and even distribution of leavening agents.

Step 4: Create the Batter
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Using a spatula or whisk, gently fold the mixture until just combined. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and will prevent tough pancakes. Do not overmix. Finally, fold in about ½ cup of the chopped walnuts, reserving the rest for garnish.

Step 5: Let the Batter Rest
Allow the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes. This lets the flour hydrate and the baking agents start to activate, which leads to a fluffier texture.

Step 6: Cook the Pancakes

1. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. A drop of water should sizzle when it hits the surface.
2. Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of oil or vegan butter.
3. For each pancake, pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the hot skillet. Use the back of the ladle to gently spread it into a circle if needed.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges look set and slightly dry.
5. Carefully flip the pancake with a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate and cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm while you cook the remaining batter. Re-grease the pan as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your pancakes warm in a tall stack. Top with the remaining chopped walnuts, fresh banana slices, a generous drizzle of maple syrup, and perhaps a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of vegan yogurt.

Pro Tips for Pancake Perfection

• Banana Ripeness is Key: The blacker the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be.
• Control the Heat: Medium heat is crucial. Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too low, and they’ll be greasy and pale.
• Don’t Peek! Resist the urge to press down on the pancakes with the spatula while cooking. This squeezes out air and makes them dense.
• Keep Them Warm: Place cooked pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish the batch.
• Get Creative: Add a handful of vegan chocolate chips, blueberries, or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for variation.
• Nut-Free Option: Simply omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.

Conclusion: Your New Breakfast Staple Awaits

These Vegan Banana-Walnut Pancakes prove that compassionate, healthy eating can be deeply indulgent and satisfying. They are a testament to how simple, whole-food ingredients can be transformed into something truly special. This recipe isn’t just a set of instructions; it’s an invitation to slow down, enjoy the process, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal made with care.

So, the next time those bananas on your counter start to speckle, don’t think of them as past their prime see them as the essential start to your next delicious breakfast. Whip up this easy recipe, share the stack, and savor every bite. Don’t forget to tag your creations online we love seeing your kitchen wins! Happy cooking