Chocolate Pancakes Recipe

Sweet Fluffy Chocolate Pancakes Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Mornings sparkle with unexpected magic when warm chocolate pancakes arrive at the table.

Fluffy batter swirled with rich chocolate creates an irresistible breakfast treat.

Each golden-edged pancake promises pure indulgence and comfort.

Weekend brunches transform with these delectable chocolate delights.

Drizzled with maple syrup or topped with fresh berries, these pancakes become an instant favorite.

The aroma of melting chocolate and warm batter promises a delightful start to your day.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this simple yet decadent breakfast classic.

Chocolate Pancakes – Why You’ll Want Them for Breakfast

  • Dive into a pancake experience that transforms breakfast into a decadent treat.
  • Sprinkle chocolate chips, add nuts, or drizzle extra sauce to make these pancakes uniquely yours without complicated steps.
  • Create a fun morning meal that delights children and adults alike, turning an ordinary day into a special celebration.
  • Whip up these chocolatey pancakes in minutes, perfect for spontaneous weekend brunches or surprise breakfast gatherings.

The Must-Have Ingredients for Chocolate Pancakes

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the pancakes.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the pancake batter.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the pancakes rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pancakes.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the batter.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy consistency in the pancake batter.
  • Oil or Melted Butter: Adds moisture and helps prevent the pancakes from sticking.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic flavor to the pancakes.
Chocolate and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Adds extra chocolate bursts throughout the pancakes.
  • Chocolate: Creates a rich and smooth sauce for topping the pancakes.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps create a silky and glossy chocolate sauce.

Tools for Perfect Pancake Flipping

  • Large Bowl: Essential for mixing dry ingredients, use for sifting flour and cocoa powder.
  • Fine Mesh Strainer: Perfect for sifting dry ingredients smoothly and evenly.
  • Medium Bowl: Needed for mixing wet ingredients like eggs, sugar, milk, and oil.
  • Whisk: Great for blending wet ingredients and combining batter thoroughly.
  • Rubber Spatula: Helps fold wet and dry ingredients without overmixing.
  • Heatproof Bowl: Used for melting chocolate and cream in microwave or double boiler.
  • Griddle or Skillet: Primary cooking surface for making pancakes.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps measure ingredients accurately, especially 1/4 cup for batter.
  • Spatula or Pancake Turner: Essential for flipping pancakes without breaking them.
  • Plate: For serving and keeping pancakes warm.

How to Whip Up Fluffy Chocolate Pancakes

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Use a fine mesh strainer or whisk everything thoroughly to eliminate any lumps and create a smooth, even mixture.

Step 2: Blend Wet Components

In a separate medium bowl, whisk egg and sugar until they become light and fluffy.

Pour in milk, oil, and vanilla extract.

Stir until all ingredients are beautifully combined and create a silky liquid.

Step 3: Create Pancake Mixture

Gently pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Stir with a rubber spatula or whisk just until everything is moistened.

Be careful not to overmix – a few small lumps are perfect.

Fold in chocolate chips or chunks for extra deliciousness.

Step 4: Craft Chocolate Drizzle

Select a heatproof bowl and combine chocolate and heavy cream.

Microwave in short 20-30 second bursts, stirring between each interval.

Alternatively, use a double boiler method with a stainless steel bowl over simmering water.

Continue until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Cook Fluffy Pancakes

Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.

Lightly coat with butter or oil.

Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake.

Watch for tiny bubbles to form on the surface, which signals it’s time to flip.

Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

Transfer to a plate and keep warm if desired.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pancakes immediately.

Drizzle with the warm chocolate sauce.

Rewarm the sauce quickly in the microwave if it has cooled down.

Enjoy your decadent chocolate pancakes while they’re hot and delightful!

Pro Tips for Light, Chocolatey Pancakes Every Time

  • Use a fine mesh strainer to prevent lumps in cocoa powder and flour, ensuring a smooth, delicate pancake texture.
  • Stir wet and dry ingredients just until combined to keep pancakes tender and fluffy, preventing tough, dense results.
  • Gently fold chocolate chips into batter to prevent sinking, allowing even chocolate spread throughout pancakes.
  • Watch for small bubbles on surface before flipping, indicating the right moment to turn for golden-brown, evenly cooked pancakes.
  • Reheat chocolate sauce in short microwave bursts, stirring between intervals to maintain silky, glossy consistency without burning.

Ways to Switch Up Your Chocolate Pancakes

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Pancakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version that's equally rich and delicious.
  • Vegan Chocolate Pancakes: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and substitute dairy chocolate with vegan dark chocolate for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Pancakes: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and incorporate unsweetened cocoa powder to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining intense chocolate flavor.
  • Protein-Packed Chocolate Pancakes: Add a scoop of chocolate protein powder to the dry ingredients, boosting nutritional value and creating a more filling breakfast option.

Serving Chocolate Pancakes for Any Occasion

  • Decadent Chocolate Drizzle: Pour warm chocolate sauce generously over pancakes, creating a luxurious waterfall of rich, glossy chocolate that cascades down the fluffy stack.
  • Sweet Berry Companion: Top pancakes with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to add a bright, tangy contrast against the deep chocolate flavor and provide a fresh, colorful presentation.
  • Creamy Indulgence: Add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top, allowing it to slightly melt and create a delightful temperature and texture contrast with the warm chocolate pancakes.
  • Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts over the pancakes to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty depth that complements the chocolate's richness.

Keeping Pancakes Fresh and Warm

  • Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
  • Wrap individual pancakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
  • Warm pancakes on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds. Add a damp paper towel on top to prevent drying out and maintain softness.
  • Warm pancakes in a lightly buttered skillet over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes per side. This method restores crispy edges and prevents sogginess.

FAQs

  • What makes these chocolate pancakes different from regular pancakes?

These chocolate pancakes use cocoa powder in the dry ingredients, giving them a rich chocolate flavor throughout the batter, not just as a topping.

  • Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pancake batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these pancakes?

No special equipment is needed. Just a mixing bowl, whisk, skillet or griddle, and measuring cups will work perfectly.

  • How do I know when to flip the pancakes?

Look for small bubbles forming on the surface of the pancake and the bottom turning golden brown. This usually takes 1-2 minutes on medium heat.

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Chocolate Pancakes Recipe

Chocolate Pancakes Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent chocolate pancakes from Switzerland bring rich cocoa comfort to breakfast tables. Fluffy layers drizzled with maple syrup promise a delightful morning that will satisfy chocolate cravings completely.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/3 cups (185g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (25g) cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (85g) chocolate chips or chunks
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons (45g) canola or vegetable oil (or 45g melted butter)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Butter or oil, for cooking

Chocolate Ganache Sauce Ingredients:

  • 140 grams (5 ounces) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Sift cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt together in a large mixing bowl, ensuring a uniform dry mixture with no lumps.
  2. Whisk egg and sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes light and slightly frothy. Incorporate milk, oil, and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.
  3. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing. Fold in chocolate chips, creating a smooth, slightly lumpy batter.
  4. Create chocolate sauce by melting chocolate and heavy cream together in 20-second microwave intervals, stirring between each heating cycle until the mixture becomes glossy and completely smooth.
  5. Preheat a non-stick griddle or skillet to medium heat (around 350°F). Lightly grease cooking surface with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake, allowing small bubbles to form on the surface (about 1-2 minutes). Carefully flip and cook the opposite side until golden brown.
  7. Transfer cooked pancakes to a warm plate, repeating the cooking process and re-greasing the pan between batches to maintain even cooking.
  8. Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over pancakes just before serving, ensuring each pancake is generously coated with the rich, glossy sauce.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality cocoa powder for richer chocolate flavor and deeper color in pancakes.
  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to help create smoother, more consistent batter.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense pancakes – mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • Add extra chocolate chips or chopped nuts for more texture and indulgence in each bite.
  • Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned griddle to prevent pancakes from sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend.
  • Keep pancakes warm in a low-temperature oven (200°F) while cooking remaining batches.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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