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19 Substitutes for Bananas in Pancakes

We know you love pancakes. We know you love bananas.

But what if you’re out of bananas?

What can you put in your pancakes that will give them that banana-y goodness without, well, being a banana?

Substitutes for Bananas in Pancakes

We’ve got the answer for you, and it’s not another trip to the grocery store.

So, what’s the best substitute for bananas in pancakes?

The best substitute for bananas in pancakes is another fruit that is similar in texture and flavor to bananas. Fruit like apples, pears, blueberries and raspberries can be used instead of bananas to make a pancake that tastes delicious and looks beautiful.

19 Substitutes for Bananas in Pancakes

Don’t have bananas on hand?

No problem—there are plenty of ways to substitute bananas in pancakes!

Here are just a few:

1. Applesauce

Applesauce

This is probably the easiest and most readily available substitute for bananas, but it’s not always the tastiest.

If you don’t mind your pancakes being a little less sweet than they would be with bananas, go ahead and try this one.

To substitute applesauce in your pancakes, add 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce to the batter in place of mashed banana (1/2 cup).

Just be sure to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 1 tsp.

The applesauce will make your pancakes sweeter than banana would have.

2. Plantains

Plantains

One of the things that makes bananas so great as a pancake ingredient is that they’re kind of starchy, so they help bind the batter together.

Plantains have this quality too, which is why they make a great substitute.

You can find plantains in many stores, or you can grow them in your garden if you want to try something new!

3. Powdered banana

Powdered banana

If you want an easy way to get banana flavor without having any real bananas around, powdered banana can do the trick!

It’s pretty easy to find at health food stores or online.

4. Yogurt

Yogurt

Plain yogurt is a great option because it’s not complicated.

And simple is always better, right?

Its smooth texture adds the oomph you need to your pancake batter, plus it makes them taste like a million bucks.

Plus, plain yogurt is a great source of protein—perfect for fueling your day!

5. Strawberries

Strawberries

Strawberries offer a similar flavorful sweetness to bananas and are also soft in texture.

They also have a red color that will contrast nicely with the yellow of the pancake batter.

6. Peaches

Peaches

Peaches are another fruit that offers a similar sweetness to bananas and is soft in texture.

They can be cut into small pieces if using fresh peaches or can be heated up if using canned peaches.

The peach color can also add a nice contrast to the yellow-colored pancakes.

7. Pears

Pears

If you have some pears that are a little too ripened for your taste, feel free to throw them into a blender with some eggs and milk, then fry up the batter just the way you would any pancake batter.

The resulting pancake will be light and fresh-tasting, but still crisp on the outside just like a traditional pancake that uses bananas as a binder.

8. Pineapple Pieces

Pineapple Pieces

These are also best if they’re not too ripe, as they will make the batter slightly more acidic—but not so much as to be unpleasant.

As with the pear pancakes, these will be somewhat light and airy, but still crisp on the outside.

9. Ripe avocado

Ripe avocado

It’s a weird one, but avocados are a great substitute for bananas in vegan pancakes.

If you’ve ever made banana pancakes, you know that they can seem to have a consistency that’s almost glue-like—this is because bananas are extremely sticky.

Avocados are also very sticky, so they’re perfect for this recipe.

Plus, the flavor of avocado will get masked by the other flavors in your pancakes, like vanilla and cinnamon.

Just be sure to mash it thoroughly with a fork before adding it to your pancake batter as you would with banana.

10. Pumpkin purée

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin purée works especially well in fall or winter when pumpkin is already in season!

It has a similar consistency to mashed banana and therefore makes an excellent substitute for banana in pancakes.

Plus, it packs an extra serving of vegetables into your morning meal.

Be sure to get plain pumpkin purée and not pumpkin pie filling when you go shopping for this recipe; you don’t want any added sugar or spices in your pancakes!

11. Mango

Mango

Mangoes are sweet and delicious—the perfect fruit for any pancake recipe!

  1. To add mangoes to your next batch of banana-free pancakes, simply cut up one mango into small chunks for every 2 servings of pancakes you plan on making.
  2. Toss them into the batter after you’ve combined all of the dry ingredients with the wet ones, and then stir until just combined.

You’ll have delicious mango pancakes in no time!

12. Sweet potato puree

Sweet potato puree

Whether you use the flesh of a sweet potato you’ve roasted yourself or purchase a tub of premade sweet potato baby food from your local grocery store, this option is just as versatile as pumpkin puree and packs that same burst of warm flavors.

13. Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter may seem like an unlikely choice, but hear us out: it’s packed with protein, which means it’s going to be perfect for giving you the energy you need throughout the day.

And if you ask us, you can never have enough peanut butter in your life!

14. Malt powder

Malt powder

Malt powder—the kind they use to make malted milkshakes—is a great way to add sweetness and depth of flavor to your pancakes.

If you’ve ever had malt ice cream, you know how delicious malt tastes by itself!

Malt powder is available at most grocery stores or online; check at the baking aisle or ask someone at the store where you might find it.

15. Apple butter

Apple butter

Another option for banana-less pancakes is apple butter.

Apple butter doesn’t have quite the same texture as banana puree, but it does have a similar level of sweetness and moisture.

Apple butter also adds a unique flavor to the pancakes you might really enjoy.

16. Smoothie leftovers

Do you have leftover smoothie that’s not quite enough to be filling, but too much to throw out?

Why not use it in your pancake mix instead of milk?

If it’s already flavored, you don’t even need to add any maple syrup or honey!

Of course, if it isn’t sweet enough for you, feel free to add some honey or maple syrup—or whatever other sweetener you like best.

17. Butternut squash

Butternut squash

Simply bake the squash and scoop out the flesh.

Add this to your pancake batter and you have a sweet, flavorful alternative to banana.

The butternut squash will also add some color and texture to your pancakes, making them look even more appealing.

18. Zucchini

Zucchini

Zucchini is a great substitute for mashed banana because it can easily take on the flavor of whatever else you mix with it, so all the other flavors in your pancake batter will shine through!

Plus, zucchini has a similar consistency to mashed banana, so you won’t have to mess around with altering your recipe too much.

The best part about using zucchini? You don’t have to remove its skin.

Just make sure you grate it finely before adding it to your batter.

19. Mashed black beans

Mashed black beans

This is another good substitute for banana, but the most complicated to make.

You’ll need dried black beans and a large bowl.

  1. First, soak the beans in cold water overnight.
  2. Then, pour them into a pot, cover them with more water, and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 40 minutes until tender.
  4. Drain and let cool slightly before removing the skins (this will be difficult).
  5. Put the beans in a bowl and mash with a fork until smooth.

How to Choose a Substitute for Bananas in Pancakes

pancakes

There are many different kinds of fruit that you can use in pancakes, so if bananas aren’t your cup of tea, you still have lots of options.

The most important thing to consider when choosing a substitute for bananas is flavor.

  • Do you want something sweet?
  • Something tangy?
  • Something spicy?

Or maybe something more savory would suit you better.

Next, think about the texture of the fruit.

Will the fruit’s consistency be similar to that of bananas, or will it be crunchier, chewier, softer, harder…?

Finally, think about the color and shape of the fruit.

Will it change the color of your batter?

Will it affect the appearance of your finished pancakes?

Once you’ve thought through these factors and decided what kind of fruit you’d like to use as a substitute for bananas in pancakes, head over to our list above for some great suggestions!

ripe bananas

19 Substitutes for Bananas in Pancakes

Bananas are a great addition to pancakes—but what happens when you're out of bananas?
Never fear, there's no need to run to the store for a quick fix.
We have some excellent and healthy substitutes for bananas in pancakes that you probably already have on hand!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Applesauce
  • Plantains
  • Powdered banana
  • Yogurt
  • Strawberries
  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Pineapple Pieces
  • Ripe avocado
  • Pumpkin purée
  • Mango
  • Sweet potato puree
  • Peanut Butter
  • Malt powder
  • Apple butter
  • Smoothie leftovers
  • Butternut squash
  • Zucchini
  • Mashed black beans

Instructions
 

  • Pick a substitute from this list to use instead of bananas.
  • Prepare the rest of your ingredients.
  • Be ready to munch on your pancakes in no time!
Keyword Substitutes for Bananas in Pancakes
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.