I’ve whipped up a stack of rich and fluffy Chocolate Pancakes that are deeply chocolatey, tender, and perfect for a cozy breakfast or dessert-style brunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love these pancakes because each bite tastes like a decadent chocolate treat—without the fuss of baking. They’re easy to make, customizable with add-ins like chocolate chips or berries, and versatile enough to feel like a Sunday indulgence or a weekday pick-me-up.
ingredients
(Had to include it here – here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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all-purpose flour
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unsweetened cocoa powder
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granulated sugar
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baking powder
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baking soda
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salt
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large eggs
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milk (dairy or plant-based)
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buttermilk or yogurt (optional, for extra tenderness)
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melted butter or oil
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vanilla extract
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optional: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, fresh berries
directions
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Mix dry ingredients – I whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
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Combine wet ingredients – In another bowl, I beat the eggs, then whisk in milk, buttermilk or yogurt (if using), melted butter (or oil), and vanilla until smooth.
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Combine batters – I pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined—some lumps are okay to avoid overmixing.
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Add extras – I fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or berries if I want extra flavor and texture.
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Heat the griddle – I preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
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Cook pancakes – I pour ⅓-cup batter onto the surface for each pancake, cooking for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form and edges look set. Then I flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until springy and cooked through.
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Keep warm – I transfer cooked pancakes to a warm oven (200 °F) or plate tented with foil while finishing the batch.
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Serve – I stack them up and serve warm with toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, sliced bananas, or extra chocolate chips.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 8 pancakes (serves 2–3)
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 12 minutes
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Total time: ~22 minutes
Variations
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Mocha touch: I add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter to accentuate the chocolate.
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Double chocolate: I fold in both semisweet and white chocolate chips for richness and contrast.
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Berry boost: I press raspberries or blueberries onto the batter right after pouring on the griddle.
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Healthier version: I swap half the flour for oat flour and use Greek yogurt instead of butter for protein and fiber.
storage/reheating
I store cooled pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze in a single layer. To reheat, I warm them in a toaster or oven at 300 °F for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for 20–30 seconds. They soften beautifully and are ready to enjoy.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
I can mix dry and wet ingredients separately and combine just before cooking, or mix the whole batter and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 1 day—letting it rest helps tenderize the pancakes.
Are these gluten-free?
I substitute a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and the pancakes turn out just as fluffy and chocolatey.
How can I make them dairy-free?
I use plant-based milk, skip the buttermilk or yogurt, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter—flavor and texture stay rich.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely—I cool them, layer wax paper between pancakes, and freeze in a sealed bag. I reheat straight from frozen in the toaster or oven.
What toppings pair best?
I serve mine with whipped cream, sliced strawberries or bananas, drizzled maple syrup, peanut butter, nutella, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Conclusion
I hope these Chocolate Pancakes bring a touch of indulgence and warmth to my mornings or dessert table. They’re rich, comforting, and oh-so-easy to make—perfect for chocolate lovers anytime. Enjoy each bite!
PrintChocolate Pancakes
Fluffy, decadent Chocolate Pancakes made with cocoa powder and optional chocolate chips—perfect for a sweet breakfast or dessert-style brunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes (serves 2–3)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt (optional)
- 3 tbsp melted butter or oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/3 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fresh berries
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, then whisk in milk, buttermilk or yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or berries if desired.
- Heat a greased nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- Pour 1/3 cup batter per pancake onto skillet. Cook 2–3 minutes until bubbles form; flip and cook 1–2 more minutes until set.
- Transfer to a warm oven or plate tented with foil to keep warm.
- Serve stacked with toppings like syrup, whipped cream, fruit, or extra chocolate chips.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep pancakes tender.
- Let the batter rest 5–10 minutes for fluffier texture.
- Freeze leftovers between wax paper layers and reheat in toaster or oven.
- Add a teaspoon of instant espresso for mocha flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg