Sticky Date & Caramelized Banana Buttermilk Pancakes

These Sticky Date & Caramelized Banana Buttermilk Pancakes are everything you want in a morning stack—warm, rich, and loaded with deep, cozy flavor.

Looking to level up your breakfast game?

Let’s break this down and rebuild it from scratch, the right way. Simple instructions, bold flavor, and optimized to outrank any average pancake recipe online.

Why You’ll Love These Caramelized Banana Buttermilk Pancakes

• No boring bites—every forkful packs sticky sweetness and caramelized banana bliss.
• Buttermilk keeps them soft and tender.
• Made from scratch using everyday ingredients.
• Topped with a quick maple vanilla sweet cream that’s downright addicting.

Caramelized Banana Buttermilk Pancakes

Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 10–12 pancakes)

For the Sticky Date Pancakes

• 10–15 Medjool dates (about 160g), pitted and chopped
• 1 teaspoon (6g) baking soda
• 1 cup (240ml) hot water
• 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (10g) baking powder
• ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons (42g) salted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (30g) light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon (4g) pure vanilla extract

For the Caramelized Bananas

• 2 tablespoons (28g) salted butter
• 1 ripe banana, sliced into thick coins
• 1 teaspoon (3g) ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons (30g) light brown sugar

For the Maple Vanilla Sweet Cream

• ⅓ cup (80ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon (20g) maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon (2g) vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Make the Sticky Date Paste

This adds natural sweetness and rich texture to the pancakes.

• Place the chopped dates, baking soda, and hot water in a bowl.
• Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the dates are soft.
• Use a blender or hand blender to pulse into a chunky paste. (Leave some texture—don’t overblend.)

2. Prepare the Pancake Batter

Here’s where the magic starts.

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a large separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, date paste, eggs, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla.
• Stir until fully mixed.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Mix gently until just combined. A few lumps? Totally fine.

Pro tip: Don’t overmix. Overmixing = tough pancakes.

3. Cook the Pancakes

• Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
• Lightly butter the surface.
• Pour ¼ cup of batter per pancake.
• Let cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles appear.
• Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
• Keep them warm on a wire rack or low oven while you make the bananas.

4. Caramelize the Bananas

Soft, sweet, and sticky. This topping takes them over the top.

• Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add banana slices in a single layer.
• Sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar evenly on top.
• Cook for 3–4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until caramelized.

Avoid stirring too much. Let them sit to develop that golden crust.

5. Make the Maple Vanilla Sweet Cream

Light, creamy, and packed with flavor.

• Combine the heavy cream, maple syrup, and vanilla in a glass or small bowl.
• Use a milk frother or whisk by hand until thick and foamy.

How to Serve

Stack up those pancakes.
Top with caramelized bananas.
Spoon that maple vanilla cream right over the top.

Every bite? Soft, sticky, warm, and a little crunchy on the edges.

Quick Tips for Best Results

• Use Medjool dates. They’re softer and naturally sweeter.
• Don’t skip the buttermilk. It gives pancakes that signature fluff and tang.
• Let the batter rest. Even 5 minutes helps hydrate the flour and make a better texture.
• Cook low and slow. Medium-low heat prevents burning and gives even cooking.
• Want a shortcut? Store-bought date paste can work in a pinch, but fresh makes a huge difference.

FAQ: Sticky Date & Caramelized Banana Buttermilk Pancakes

Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes. Cover and refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours. Just stir gently before using.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or skillet.

Can I freeze these pancakes?
Absolutely. Freeze between layers of parchment paper. Reheat straight from frozen.

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes. A 1:1 gluten-free blend works well in this recipe.

Don’t like bananas?
Swap them for caramelized apples or skip the topping and serve with maple syrup alone.

You don’t need a fancy brunch spot to enjoy pancakes like this.

This is a stack worth staying in for.

Warm, rich, balanced, and downright craveable—Sticky Date & Caramelized Banana Buttermilk Pancakes are the kind of breakfast you make for people you love. Or just for yourself.

So grab your skillet.

Get those dates ready.

And make your morning count.