Banana Griddle Cakes are a delightful twist on traditional pancakes. They offer a delicious blend of ripe bananas and a light, fluffy texture. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a breakfast treat that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. The subtle sweetness of bananas makes these griddle cakes perfect for serving with warmed honey, syrup, or even melted jelly.
Join our Vintage Recipe Facebook Group to discuss and find “new” old recipes to enjoy.
Links to find other recipes:
Banana Griddle Cakes
The Origins of Griddle Cakes vs. Pancakes
Griddle cakes and pancakes are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct origins and subtle differences. The term “griddle cake” is historically older and was commonly used in American and British cooking to describe flat cakes cooked on a griddle—a flat, heated surface—without needing an oven. Griddle cakes date back to ancient civilizations, made from simple ingredients like grains and water, cooked on hot stones or griddles.
Pancakes, on the other hand, are a more modern term that became popular in the American culinary language in the 19th century. While pancakes are typically thicker and fluffier, griddle cakes can be slightly denser and have a more rustic texture, especially when made with ingredients like bananas. The distinction between griddle cakes vs pancakes has blurred over time, with both terms now often referring to the same type of breakfast dish, though some still consider griddle cakes to be the more traditional and hearty option.
Stack up the deliciousness with our ultimate collection of pancake recipes! From fluffy classics to flavorful twists, we’ve got everything you need for the perfect breakfast flip!
Historical Use and Popularity
Griddle cakes have been a staple in many cultures around the world. In early America, they were a popular choice among pioneers and settlers because they could be easily made with basic ingredients and cooked over an open fire. Bananas, however, weren’t a common ingredient in griddle cakes until the late 19th and early 20th centuries when bananas became more widely available in the United States. The combination of bananas in a griddle cake adds natural sweetness and moisture, making it a beloved variation that has stood the test of time.
Timeline of Key Ingredients
- Ancient Times: Griddle cakes, made from basic grains and water, are among the earliest forms of bread, cooked on flat, heated surfaces.
- 19th Century: Pancakes become more widely known in American cooking, though griddle cakes continue to be a popular term, particularly in the Southern United States.
- Late 19th Century: Bananas become widely available in the U.S., and cooks begin incorporating them into various recipes, including breakfast dishes like griddle cakes.
- Early 20th Century: Baking powder becomes a common leavening agent in home kitchens, allowing for lighter and fluffier griddle cakes and pancakes.
Recipe Discussion
This Banana Griddle Cake recipe offers a delightful twist on the traditional griddle cake by incorporating ripe bananas into the batter. The bananas add a natural sweetness and a moist texture that contrasts beautifully with the fluffy cake. The key to achieving the perfect griddle cake is in the preparation of the batter. By separating the eggs and folding in stiffly beaten egg whites, the griddle cakes become light and airy, with just the right amount of fluffiness.
The dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—are sifted together to ensure they are well-mixed and free of lumps. The wet ingredients, including the egg yolks, melted butter, milk, and sliced bananas, are then gently mixed into the dry ingredients to create a smooth batter. The final step of folding in the egg whites helps to lighten the batter, creating griddle cakes that are soft and tender.
Flip out—it’s National Pancake Day on September 26th! Get ready to stack up the deliciousness with recipes and tips that make every bite a fluffy masterpiece!
View other Food Holidays.
Preparation Tips
- Banana Selection: For the best flavor, use a ripe banana. The banana should be soft with brown spots, which indicates that it is at its peak sweetness.
- Gentle Mixing: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough griddle cakes.
- Egg Whites: Gently fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites to maintain the batter’s airiness, which will contribute to the fluffiness of the griddle cakes.
- Griddle Temperature: Heat your grill to medium-high. To check if it’s ready, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface—if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, the grill is hot enough.
Ready to rise to the occasion? Unlock the secrets of leavening agents and discover how they bring your baked goods to life—fluffy, light, and oh-so-delicious!
Recommended Kitchen Items
The links below lead to top-rated products on Amazon—if you use our links, we can save more recipes.
- Non-Stick Griddle: A high-quality non-stick griddle is essential for cooking these banana griddle cakes evenly and without sticking.
- Balloon Whisk: A balloon whisk is perfect for beating egg whites to stiff peaks, ensuring they are light and airy before folding into the batter.
- Spatula: A flexible, heat-resistant spatula is ideal for flipping griddle cakes without breaking them, ensuring they remain intact and beautifully browned.
Serving Suggestions
- Warmed Honey: Drizzle warm honey over the griddle cakes for a sweet and natural topping.
- Maple Syrup: Traditional maple syrup pairs perfectly with the banana flavor, adding a rich sweetness to each bite.
- Fresh Fruit: For a refreshing and colorful topping, serve with additional sliced bananas, berries, or other fresh fruit.
- Melted Jelly: Spread melted jelly over the griddle cakes for a fruity and slightly tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the bananas.
More Vintage Recipes
We have many recipes on the site that may be of interest to you. Use the links below to view other recipes similar to this Banana Griddle Cake.
Enjoy the Classic Comfort of Banana Griddle Cakes
Banana Griddle Cakes are a delicious and comforting way to start your day. This recipe combines the best of griddle cakes with the sweet, natural flavor of ripe bananas, resulting in a breakfast treat that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. Whether you call them griddle cakes or pancakes, these fluffy cakes are sure to become a favorite in your home. The next time you’re looking for an easy hotcake recipe that’s both simple and delicious, give these Banana Griddle Cakes a try and enjoy the perfect balance of tradition and taste.
Vintage Recipe Box 90
There are lots of fun recipes to read in the box this recipe for Banana Griddle Cake was with. Click here to view all of Vintage Recipe Box 90 recipes.
Banana Griddle Cake Recipe
Banana Griddle Cake
Ingredients
- 1½ cup flour
- 2½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon melted butter
- 1¼ cup milk
- 1 large ripe banana thinly sliced
Instructions
- Sift the dry ingredients together.
- Beat the egg yolks lightly, then add the butter, milk and banana.
- Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture and stir with a few swift strokes until just blended.
- Fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites.
- Bake the cakes on a hot griddle and serve with warmed honey, syrup or melted jelly.