Banana Pecan Pancake Breakfast from Denny's features fluffy buttermilk pancakes topped with caramelized banana slices and crunchy toasted pecans, served alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a satisfying and sweet-savory morning meal.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Frying pan or griddle
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Saucepan (for caramelizing bananas)
- Baking sheet (for toasting pecans)
- Oven or toaster oven
- Plate (for serving)
- Tongs (for bacon)
- Fork (for scrambling eggs)
- Ladle or scoop (for pancake batter)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large bananas
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for caramelizing bananas)
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 4 large eggs (for scrambled eggs)
- 1/4 cup whole milk (for scrambled eggs)
- Salt and pepper (for eggs)
- 8 slices bacon
- Butter or oil (for cooking pancakes and eggs)
Using ripe but firm bananas is essential for caramelizing, as overly soft bananas may become mushy and lose texture during cooking. Toasting pecans on a baking sheet enhances their crunch and flavor, making sure they are evenly spread to avoid burning. Buttermilk is key for the pancake batter to achieve a fluffy and tender crumb, so avoid substituting with regular milk unless you add an acidic component like vinegar or lemon juice. When cooking scrambled eggs, whisk the eggs and milk thoroughly to create a creamy consistency, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Your Banana Pecan Pancake Breakfast from Denny's copycat menu will deliver the perfect balance of sweet caramelized bananas, nutty toasted pecans, and savory eggs and bacon for a delightful breakfast experience.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) for toasting pecans.
- Spread pecan halves on baking sheet and toast for 6-8 minutes; set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter until combined.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients; gently whisk until just combined.
- Preheat frying pan or griddle over medium heat; grease lightly with butter or oil.
- Scoop pancake batter onto griddle; cook until bubbles form on top, then flip and cook until golden brown; keep warm.
- Slice bananas.
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat; add brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Add banana slices to the pan, cooking until caramelized and golden on both sides; set aside.
- Cook bacon in frying pan or griddle until crispy; transfer to plate lined with paper towels.
- In a bowl, whisk 4 eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Grease a frying pan with butter or oil, cook scrambled eggs over medium-low heat until just set.
- Top pancakes with caramelized bananas and toasted pecans.
- Serve pancakes with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon on the side.
Substitution
Denny's Banana Pecan Pancake Breakfast copycat features fluffy buttermilk pancakes loaded with tender caramelized banana slices and crunchy toasted pecans, paired with creamy scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. If pecans are unavailable, walnuts or almonds can be substituted to maintain the nutty texture and flavor. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk alternatives and vegan butter in both the pancake batter and caramelized bananas. When caramelizing bananas, monitor the heat carefully to prevent burning and achieve a rich, golden color. Your scrambled eggs turn out fluffier by whisking them well and cooking over medium-low heat with constant stirring.
Tips
Your pancake batter should be mixed gently to avoid overworking the gluten, which can make pancakes tough rather than fluffy. Use medium heat on the griddle or frying pan to cook pancakes evenly and prevent burning, flipping only when bubbles appear on the surface. When caramelizing bananas, melt the brown sugar and butter slowly over medium heat to achieve a rich, golden glaze without burning. Toast pecans in a preheated 350degF oven for about 6-8 minutes, stirring once to ensure even toasting and maximize their crunch and flavor.
Nutritions
The Banana Pecan Pancake Breakfast from Denny's provides a rich source of protein and healthy fats from eggs, bacon, and toasted pecans, supporting muscle repair and satiety. Carbohydrates in buttermilk pancakes and bananas offer quick energy with natural sweetness, while fiber from pecans aids digestion. The caramelized bananas add antioxidants and essential vitamins like potassium, promoting heart health. Your meal balances macro- and micronutrients for a delicious, energizing start to the day.
Storage
Store leftover banana pecan pancakes in an airtight container inside the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 3 days. Keep caramelized bananas and toasted pecans separate in sealed containers to preserve their texture and flavor when reheating. Your scrambled eggs and crispy bacon should be consumed within 1-2 days for best taste and quality.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different crunch and flavor profile for your pancake topping. Try using coconut oil instead of butter when caramelizing bananas for a subtle tropical twist. For a healthier variation, substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour to add fiber without sacrificing texture. Consider baking the bacon on a rack in the oven to reduce grease and achieve even crispiness without constant attention.
Allergies
Your Banana Pecan Pancake Breakfast contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (buttermilk, butter, whole milk), and tree nuts (pecans), which could trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Gluten from all-purpose flour is also present, posing a risk for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Be cautious if you have allergies to any of these ingredients to avoid adverse effects.
Why this recipe?
The Banana Pecan Pancake Breakfast at Denny's combines fluffy pancakes with fresh banana slices and crunchy pecans, creating a unique blend of flavors and textures that appeal to many customers. Its rich maple syrup drizzle enhances the natural sweetness, making each bite indulgently satisfying. You can recreate this beloved dish at home using simple ingredients, saving money while customizing sweetness and portion size to your preference. Trying this copycat recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy a classic restaurant favorite with the comfort of homemade quality.