Banana Flax Pancakes

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These tasty Banana Flax Pancakes are nutritious, filling, and a great way to make healthier pancakes that still taste great.

313 CAL 28g CARBS 15g FAT 17g PROTEIN 2
3 Comments

We are a huge fan of flaxseed pancakes and this updated version with mashed bananas brings just the perfect amount of sweetness to these healthy, fiber-packed pancakes.  They are filling, easy to make, and work for Whole30 and Paleo diets.

Simple 3 ingredient banana pancakes are one of my favorite go-to breakfasts. They are easy, low calorie, and after a little practice can be made in just a couple of minutes. However, on days when I have a workout planned or just wake up feeling hungry, I like to use flaxseed meal instead of flour in my banana pancakes to add extra fiber and protein. This keeps me feeling full longer. Add nut butter, yogurt, or fresh fruit on the side for a breakfast will keep you full for hours.

Another reason I love these pancakes is that flaxseeds are a powerhouse when it comes to nutritional density. They are packed with Omega 3's, a healthy fatty acid, that helps reduce cholesterol and supports heart health. They are also high in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals including folate and calcium.

Lastly, for anyone who has tried and not loved flaxseeds in the past, this is an easy way to introduce this healthy seed. The banana becomes the predominant flavor in the pancake and mellows out the flavor of the flaxseeds. They take on a nutty flavor that's actually really delicious with the banana, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Banana Flaxseed Pancakes stacked on a plate with syrup being drizzled on top.

What kind of flaxseed is the best for pancakes?

There are two different types of flaxseed, brown and golden, which differ both in color and flavor. Golden flaxseed and golden flaxseed meal has a milder flavor that is better for cooking in most cases. It results in better pancakes especially since it lets the flavor of the banana come through. 

Tips and Recipe Ideas

  • If you don't use the pancake batter right away, it will thicken from the flaxseeds. If your batter becomes too thick, simply thin it out with some water or unsweetened almond milk. 
  • For an added boost of protein, add some peanut butter to your batter. It adds great flavor, healthy fats, and protein. 
  • If banana isn't your favorite thing, you can make these pancakes with canned pumpkin instead. You may need to add a sweetener as well since the pumpkin isn't as sweet as banana.
  • This will come out the best with really ripe bananas. Don't be scared to let your bananas get really brown and ripe.
  • Toppings make everything better so don't shy away from adding berries, nut butter, yogurt, honey, maple syrup, or butter to your pancakes.
  • If you want to tone down the flaxseed flavor or get a more traditional texture, you can swap in almond or whole wheat flour for half of the flaxseed meal.
  • Looking for another way to use flaxseeds? Try these Flaxseed Cookies made with flaxseed and almond flour.

How to store flaxseed pancakes?

Flax pancakes will keep in the fridge for 5-7 days. Store them in an airtight container and reheat them in the microwave, toaster, or pan. These pancakes can also be frozen and will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the same way. 

How to make flaxseed meal?

It is easy to make your own flaxseed meal from whole flaxseeds if that is what you have on hand. Simply add the flaxseeds to a high powered blender and blend until they resemble a powder. Store your flaxseed meal in an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place to preserve the nutrients. Some of the nutrients in flaxseed meal degrade when stored in an area with lots of light.

Flax banana pancakes with syrup and a bite taken out with a fork.

Are flax pancakes keto friendly?

These flax pancakes do not work well for low carb and keto diets since they use banana as a natural sweetener. For a more keto-friendly pancake, make these with canned pumpkin puree or make the flaxseed pancakes linked at the beginning of the recipe.

Looking for more pancake recipes?

This post was originally shared over five years ago but has been updated with new tips and photos.

The Recipe
Banana flax pancakes on a plate with syrup on the side.

Banana Flax Pancakes

313 CAL 28g CARBS 15g FAT 17g PROTEIN 2
PREP TIME: 5 Min
COOK TIME: 5 Min
TOTAL TIME: 10 Min
3 Comments
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla
  • 1/16 tsp cinnamon (or nutmeg)

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Instructions

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1

Mash the banana in a bowl.

2

Whisk in the eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon/nutmeg.

3

Stir in the flaxseed meal.

4

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Pour in batter and once it begins to bubble and firm up on the edges, flip and cook on the other side for around 1 minute.

Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 3-4 pancakes
Amount Per Serving
Calories 313
Calories from Fat 89
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g
16%
Saturated Fat 3g
18%
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Cholesterol 372mg
124%
Sodium 147mg
6%
Total Carbohydrate 28g
8%
Dietary Fiber 7g
11%
Sugars 12g
Protein 17g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

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About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
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3 Comments
On Banana Flax Pancakes
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Brittany
June 4, 2022 - 15:42
Add a Rating:
5
I loved it. I used one egg and one egg white to cut the cholesterol a bit. Topped it with a little bit of Reddi Whip and some strawberries. Delish.
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Janelle Baker
January 25, 2020 - 06:19
Add a Rating:
4
These were just ok. A bit dense. Next time I am going to try whipping the egg whites first to give it some volume. I am going to also add a pinch of salt.
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Michelle
May 22, 2019 - 07:01
Add a Rating:
5
Yummy!
Added a T of cassaba flour. Great for Whole 30 plan!
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