Pancakes with bananas and caramel

Banana and Caramel Pancakes - A Recipe Made with Love

Who can resist a delicious serving of pancakes? This quick dessert, combining textures and flavors, is perfect for enjoying at breakfast, lunch, or even as a sweet snack. Banana and caramel pancakes are not just a treat, but a culinary experience that will take you back in time to moments spent around the table with loved ones.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Number of servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the pancakes:
- 2 large eggs
- 300 ml milk
- 250 grams flour
- 200 ml lager beer
- 50 grams sugar
- Zest of one lemon (about 1 teaspoon)
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 100 ml white wine (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons sugar

For the caramel:
- 200 grams sugar
- 200 ml liquid cream

Ingredient Details

1. Eggs: Choose fresh eggs, as they are essential for fluffy pancakes. Eggs contribute to the structure and final texture of the batter.
2. Milk: Use whole milk for richer pancakes. You can also experiment with almond or soy milk for vegan options.
3. Lager beer: Beer adds a pleasant effervescence to the batter. The fermentation in the beer helps the pancakes rise and gives them an airy texture.
4. Bananas: Choose ripe bananas; they have a sweeter taste and will caramelize better.
5. White wine: Adds a note of acidity that balances the sweetness of the bananas.

Preparation Steps

1. Making the pancake batter:
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar and salt until frothy. Add the lemon zest, then gradually add half of the milk, half of the flour, and half of the beer. Mix well to obtain a smooth mixture. Continue adding the remaining ingredients: milk, flour, and beer. Mix until you achieve a fine batter. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

2. Making the caramel:
In a saucepan, melt 200 grams of sugar over medium heat. Be careful not to burn it! When the sugar turns golden and has a nice color, carefully add the cream. Stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves and you obtain a thick caramel syrup. Pour it into a jar and let it cool.

3. Making the filling:
In another saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of sugar until it becomes liquid. Add the white wine and mix well. The sugar will harden, but don't worry, keep it on low heat until it melts again. Add the sliced bananas and gently stir to coat them with the sugar syrup. Turn off the heat and let the filling cool slightly.

4. Making the pancakes:
Heat a pancake pan over medium heat. Add half a ladle of batter to the pan and spread it evenly to create thin pancakes. Cook the pancake for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden. Repeat the process until all the batter is used.

5. Assembling the pancakes:
Fold the warm pancakes and fill them with the caramelized bananas. You can serve them on a platter or in cups, drizzling some caramel on top. Give them a special touch with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Serving Suggestions

- Ice Cream: Serve the pancakes with vanilla or coconut ice cream for a delicious contrast.
- Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle toasted nuts or ground hazelnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate Sauce: A warm chocolate sauce can turn this dessert into a real indulgence.

Possible Variations

- Alcohol-Free: If you prefer an alcohol-free version, you can replace the wine with orange juice or water.
- Other Fruits: Instead of bananas, you can use apples or peaches, caramelizing them similarly.
- Adding Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the pancake batter can add extra flavor.

Useful Tips

- Pan Temperature: Make sure the pan is well-heated, but not too hot to avoid burning the pancakes.
- Batter: If the batter is too thick, add a little milk or beer to thin it out.
- Storage: Pancakes can be stored in the fridge for the next day, but it is recommended to reheat them in a pan to restore their crispy texture.

Nutritional Benefits

These pancakes are a good source of carbohydrates and protein due to the eggs and flour. Bananas provide a significant amount of potassium and vitamins, while homemade caramel, although delicious, should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, whole wheat flour will give the pancakes a richer flavor and increased nutritional value.
- How can I make the caramel healthier? You can try replacing some of the sugar with maple syrup or honey, but the taste will vary.
- Can I freeze the pancakes? Yes, pancakes can be frozen. Make sure they are well-cooled and place parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.

These banana and caramel pancakes are a true delight, perfect for special moments spent with loved ones. Make them with love and enjoy every bite!