Banana Nut Pancakes

Around the Campfire

Banana nut pancakes are a good campsite breakfast when you want something that feels homemade without bringing a complicated pantry. A ripe banana and a handful of nuts turn ordinary pancake mix into something that feels planned.

This recipe teaches add-in control. Bananas add moisture and sugar, so the griddle needs to stay gentle.

Why This Recipe Works

The Blackstone makes it easy to cook a full batch at once while giving the pancakes room to set before flipping.

Quick Facts

• Serves: 4
• Heat zone: Medium-low
• Best for: Cool mornings, ripe bananas, kid-friendly breakfasts
• Teaches: Managing sweet add-ins

Shopping List

• Pancake mix
• Bananas
• Chopped nuts
• Butter or oil
• Syrup
• Cinnamon, optional

Home Prep

Measure pancake mix and nuts at home. Pack bananas where they will not get crushed.

Cooler Packing

Bananas usually do not need cooler space unless weather is very hot. Keep batter ingredients dry.

Equipment

• Blackstone griddle
• Spatula
• Mixing bowl or squeeze bottle

Heat Zones

Use medium-low heat. Banana sugars brown quickly.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pancake mix
• 1 1/3 cups water (or as pancake mix directs)
• 1 large ripe banana, mashed or sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil, for cooking

Instructions

1. Preheat the griddle to medium-low.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups pancake mix with 1 1/3 cups water (or as package directs) until just mixed.
3. Fold in 1 large mashed banana or arrange banana slices on the poured batter, as preferred.
4. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons chopped nuts onto each pancake.
5. Grease griddle with 2 tablespoons butter or oil.
6. Pour or scoop batter onto the griddle, making pancakes about 4 inches across.
7. Cook until edges set and bubbles form, about 3–4 minutes.
8. Flip once and cook another 2–3 minutes, until pancakes are set in the center and lightly browned.
9. Serve warm.

Doneness

Pancakes should be set in the center and lightly browned.

Common Mistakes

• Using too much banana.
• Cooking too hot.
• Flipping before the edges set.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with syrup, cinnamon, bacon, or coffee.

Variations

• Add chocolate chips.
• Use pecans or walnuts.
• Add cinnamon to the batter.

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pancake mix.
• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free batter and oil.
• Nut-free: Skip nuts.

Scaling

Cook in batches and hold finished pancakes on a cooler zone.

Weather Notes

Wind cools the griddle between batches. Let it recover before adding more batter.

Leftovers

Leftover pancakes make good snack sandwiches with peanut butter or jam.

Kid Helper Tasks

Kids can mash bananas, sprinkle nuts, or choose toppings.

Dragonfly Tip

Add banana to individual pancakes instead of the whole bowl if your batter starts getting too loose.

Dragonfly Challenge

Make one batch with nuts and one without. Let the campsite vote.