Name: Chocolate Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 ⅓ cups (185g) all-purpose flour: Provides the base and structure.; ¼ cup (25g) cocoa powder: Use Dutch-processed for a deep, rich flavor.; 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the pancakes rise and become fluffy.; ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.; 2 eggs: Adds richness and binds the ingredients together.; ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right.; 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk: Ensures a smooth, creamy texture.; 3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil (or 45g melted butter): Adds moisture and richness.; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.; ½ cup (85g) chocolate chips or chunks: Melts into gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the pancakes.; Butter or oil, for cooking: Helps to cook the pancakes evenly and prevents sticking.; 140g (5 oz.) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate: Provides a rich and intense chocolate flavor.; ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream: Adds smoothness and richness to the ganache.

Are you looking for a scrumptious breakfast treat or a delightful dessert that will satisfy your chocolate cravings? This Chocolate Pancakes Recipe is just what you need! With a fluffy texture and rich, chocolatey flavor, these pancakes are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast dish. Perfect for chocolate lovers, these pancakes are topped with a luscious chocolate ganache sauce that takes them to the next level. Easy to make and utterly indulgent, they are sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Pancakes

These Chocolate Pancakes are not your average breakfast fare! Here’s why you’ll absolutely love them:

Rich Chocolate Flavor: Made with cocoa powder and chocolate chips, these pancakes are a chocolate lover’s dream.
Soft and Fluffy Texture: The perfect combination of ingredients ensures a light and airy pancake with every bite.
Versatile and Easy: Great for a cozy breakfast or an indulgent dessert, and simple enough for any skill level.
Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with the little ones, especially when drizzled with warm chocolate sauce!

Ingredients for Perfect Chocolate Pancakes

To make these decadent pancakes, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Pancakes:

1 ⅓ cups (185g) all-purpose flour: Provides the base and structure.
¼ cup (25g) cocoa powder: Use Dutch-processed for a deep, rich flavor.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the pancakes rise and become fluffy.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
2 eggs: Adds richness and binds the ingredients together.
⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right.
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk: Ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil (or 45g melted butter): Adds moisture and richness.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
½ cup (85g) chocolate chips or chunks: Melts into gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the pancakes.
Butter or oil, for cooking: Helps to cook the pancakes evenly and prevents sticking.

For the Chocolate Ganache Sauce:

140g (5 oz.) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate: Provides a rich and intense chocolate flavor.
½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream: Adds smoothness and richness to the ganache.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make these delicious chocolate pancakes, you will need the following kitchen equipment:

Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Griddle or skillet
Fine mesh strainer or sifter
Microwave-safe bowl or stainless steel bowl (for double boiler)

How to Make Chocolate Pancakes: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt using a fine mesh strainer or a whisk to remove any lumps and ensure the ingredients are well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. Add the milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and fully blended.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a rubber spatula or whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache Sauce

While the pancake batter rests, prepare the chocolate sauce. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and heavy cream. Microwave in 20- to 30-second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate and cream in a stainless steel bowl set over simmering water, creating a double boiler effect. Keep the sauce warm while making the pancakes.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Lightly coat the surface with butter or oil. Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip the pancakes carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are cooked through and golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter or oil to the skillet as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pancakes immediately, drizzling them generously with the warm chocolate ganache sauce. You can also reheat the sauce in the microwave for a few seconds if needed.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Pancakes

Do Not Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in tough pancakes. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Keep the Pancakes Warm: If cooking in batches, keep the pancakes warm by covering them loosely with aluminum foil or placing them in a low-temperature oven (about 200°F).
Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the fluffiest pancakes.
Control the Heat: Maintain medium heat to prevent the pancakes from burning or cooking unevenly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter: This can make the pancakes dense and chewy.
Cooking at Too High a Temperature: This may cause the outside to burn while the inside remains uncooked.
Skipping the Sifting Step: Sifting the dry ingredients helps create a smooth batter and avoids lumps.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Garnish with Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and freshness with strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast.
Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar: Dust the pancakes with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Variations and Swaps for the Recipe

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-Free Version: Use almond milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Add a Twist: Mix in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder for a mocha flavor or some chopped nuts for extra crunch.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

To store leftover pancakes, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or a toaster for a few seconds until warmed through.

FAQ: Chocolate Pancakes

Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before cooking.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips? Absolutely! Use white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or your favorite chocolate variation.
Can I freeze these pancakes? Yes, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in the toaster or microwave.

Conclusion

Now that you have this delicious Chocolate Pancakes Recipe, it’s time to get cooking! Whether for breakfast or dessert, these pancakes are sure to impress. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more tasty treats!