I love this Sprinkle Pancakes recipe from Crazy for Crust—it features fluffy banana‑banana pancakes studded with colorful sprinkles (jimmies) for a fun, syrup‑free breakfast the kids (or I) adore. It’s quick, nostalgic, and playful.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I adore that these pancakes get their sweetness and visual appeal straight from sprinkles—no syrup necessary. The overripe banana mashed into the milk adds moisture and a hint of fruit without tasting banana‑y. They puff up beautifully, turn fluffy, and feel celebratory even on a regular morning. Plus, I can freeze extras for later.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1½ cups all‑purpose flour
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 overripe banana
1 cup milk (plus banana to equal ~1¼ cups liquid)
2 large eggs
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup sprinkles (use jimmies—not nonpareils)
directions
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I whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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I mash the banana in a measuring cup, then add milk until the banana + milk total about 1¼ cups of liquid. I whisk in the oil and eggs.
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I combine the wet ingredients with the dry by mixing until just combined; a few lumps are okay.
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I stir in the sprinkles right before cooking so they don’t dissolve in batter.
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I preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle to around 350 °F. I butter or oil lightly, then scoop batter (about ¼ cup) per pancake.
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I cook until bubbles form and edges begin to set, then flip and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
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I serve warm—optionally with butter or syrup, but honestly they’re sweet enough as is.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12 pancakes (about 12 servings if serving one pancake each). Prep is about 10 minutes, cooking takes around 10 minutes, for a total of 20 minutes from start to table.
Variations
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I sometimes use almond or oat milk instead of dairy—the pancakes still fluff well.
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I substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
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I use themed sprinkle colors for holidays or birthdays.
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I mash other fruit (like applesauce) if I’m out of banana—though banana gives the best moisture with minimal taste.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in a resealable bag or airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. To freeze, I lay pancakes between paper towels in a zip-top bag and keep in the freezer; they last up to 1 month. I reheat them by toasting or microwaving until warm. They defrost beautifully.
FAQs
What if the sprinkles bleed or melt into the batter?
That usually happens with nonpareils or cheap sprinkles—they dissolve in the liquid. I always use “jimmies” sprinkles so they stay colorful in the cooked pancakes.
Can I skip the banana?
You can—but banana helps keep the pancakes moist and fluffy without adding much flavor. If I’m short on banana, I sometimes substitute applesauce.
Do these need syrup?
Not really. I trained my daughter to enjoy them plain—the sprinkles supply sweetness. But if I want, a drizzle of syrup or honey is lovely.
Are these pancakes kid-friendly for freezing?
Absolutely—they freeze really well. I often double the batch so I have quick breakfasts during busy mornings.
Can dietary substitutions work?
Yes! I’ve successfully used non-dairy milk, gluten‑free flour, or different oils. Just keep the same consistency, and don’t overmix.
Conclusion
I find these Sprinkle Pancakes to be a delightful and simple way to elevate breakfast. With just a dash of sprinkles and a sneaky banana, they feel fun, light, and satisfying—no syrup required. They’re reliable for weekday mornings or special brunches, and even better when I make enough to freeze.
Print
Sprinkle Pancakes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: about 12 pancakes
Description
Bright, fun, and fluffy pancakes bursting with colorful sprinkles—no syrup needed! A joyful start to breakfast that kids love and adults enjoy too.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups (186 g) all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (36 g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 overripe banana
1¼ cups (≈ 300 ml) milk (banana + milk combined)
¼ cup (59 ml) vegetable oil
2 large eggs
¼ cup rainbow jimmies-style sprinkles
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Mash the banana in a measuring cup, then add milk until the total reaches 1¼ cups. Whisk in oil and eggs.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix; stir just until combined—batter will be slightly lumpy. Add sprinkles and fold in gently.
Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet to medium (~350 °F if using electric griddle). Lightly grease if needed.
Pour about ¼ cup batter per pancake onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles form on top and edges look set, about 2–3 minutes, then flip and cook until golden, 1–2 more minutes.
Serve warm—kids often skip syrup thanks to the sweet sprinkles! Store leftovers refrigerated for up to a week or freeze between parchment-lined layers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast