Banana Pancakes Smothered in Peanut Butter

I woke up this morning with every intention of making lentils for dinner.  However, as the day wore on I began craving banana pancakes.  It’s only August and already I am wishing for Mardi Gras so I can celebrate Pancake Day again!  I put the lentils back in my pantry, went to the store and bought bananas and prepared to make banana pancakes.  And yes, I smothered them in peanut butter.

Bananas and peanut butter are a naturally perfect pairing.  Who didn’t eat peanut butter and banana sandwiches as a child?  I do something special for the peanut butter for my pancakes.  If you’ve ever been lucky enough to make it to Amish Country in Pennsylvania and try their homemade peanut butter, you will notice that the taste is different.  There is honey in their peanut butter….quite a bit.  It’s DELICIOUS.  When I make pancakes for my brother (who always wants peanut butter on them), I have to whip up a small serving of honey-peanut butter.  While I don’t usually like it on my regular weekend pancakes, it’s perfect on banana pancakes.

Banana Pancakes

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of American Cooking (1986)

2 to 3 ripe bananas

1-1/2 cups buttermilk

2 eggs

2 Tblsp. sugar

2 cups self-rising flour

¼ tsp. baking soda

2 Tblsp. melted butter

Mash bananas.

Add buttermilk, eggs and sugar; blend well.  Add flour and soda; beat thoroughly.  Add melted butter.

Pour onto greased hot griddle, cook on both sides until brown.  Serve with butter and powdered sugar (or peanut butter!)  YIELD:  8-10 servings

This is a very thick pancake batter.  Don’t be alarmed if the pancakes look dark.  Because of the bananas and their high sugar content, there will be a darker-than-normal-color to these pancakes and the edges might get a little crispy.  It’s fine….and delicious.

If you do not have self rising flour, never fear!  Simply add 1 tsp. baking powder per cup of AP flour and you’ll have proper levening action.

For the peanut butter spread, simply put 1 cup of your favorite smooth peanut butter and add 2 Tblsp. honey and mix.  The honey not only adds amazing flavor, but it also things out the peanut butter a little and makes it less gooey.

Thank the Pennsylvania Amish for that amazing flavor.  Go visit them if you have the means and buy some of their food!

There’s no need for powdered sugar or maple syrup.  The peanut butter and honey are all the topping these pancakes need.  I do hope you try this.  It’s so damned good that I’m thinking of going back for seconds just after writing this!  Enjoy!

Related posts:

1. Eggs Benedict
2. Peach Pie
3. Heritage House Blueberry Muffins