I fell in love with chocolate pancakes while on a family trip to the mountains. We rented a cozy cabin where the smell of chocolate filled the air every morning. The local cafe had the most delicious chocolate pancakes, inspiring me to try making them at home. With a bit of trial and error, I finally created a recipe that brings back those wonderful mountain mornings.
Pancakes are always a cozy choice, but once you throw in some chocolate, they become a decadent delight. Chocolate pancakes are my ultimate go-to for a laid-back Sunday morning, and I can’t wait to spill the beans on my recipe and the backstory.
Why Chocolate Pancakes?
Chocolate pancakes take the classic breakfast favorite to a whole new level. Their rich and sweet flavor makes them perfect for a special morning treat or a relaxing weekend breakfast. The combination of fluffy pancakes and decadent chocolate is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Recipe For Chocolate Pancake
Let’s now explore the core of the issue – the recipe itself. To make the ideal batch of chocolate pancakes, you will require some essential ingredients.
- 1 ⅓ cups (185g) all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the pancake batter, providing structure and texture.
- ¼ cup (25g) cocoa powder (I use Dutch-processed): Unsweetened cocoa powder infuses the pancakes with rich chocolate flavor, ensuring every bite is a delight.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Baking powder and baking soda work together to give the pancakes their fluffy rise.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the chocolate’s flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar: Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the cocoa without overpowering it.
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil (or 45g melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (85g) chocolate chips or chunks
- butter or oil, for cooking
Chocolate Ganache Sauce
- 140 g (5 oz.) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
To create the chocolate sauce, simply combine heavy cream with bittersweet or semisweet chocolate bars to make a basic ganache. Using the microwave makes the process easy – just use one bowl. Remember to heat the ingredients in short bursts of 20 to 30 seconds, stirring well each time to prevent burning. Once the sauce is smooth and pourable, you’re ready to whip up some delicious chocolate pancakes.
How To Make Chocolate Pancakes
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Mix the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a big bowl until everything is well combined.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and then mix in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Combine: Mix the liquid ingredients with the dry ones. Stir lightly until they are just mixed. Make sure not to overmix; a few clumps are okay.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips for an extra burst of chocolate in every bite.
- Cook Pancakes: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle on medium heat and lightly coat it with butter or oil. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Let it cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges are firm, which should take around 2-3 minutes. Flip it over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the pancakes are fully cooked.
- Serve:Stack the pancakes high, drizzle with maple syrup or chocolate sauce, and top with fresh berries or whipped cream if desired.
Get ready for the fun part: plating and showing off your chocolate pancakes. Once they’re done cooking, move them to a plate and stack them up so they look great. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle the chocolatehips you saved on top. You might also want to add some powdered sugar or drizzle on some chocolate sauce for a little extra pizzazz. Then, warm them up and serve with your favorite breakfast toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.
Success Tips
Even though this recipe is simple to follow, there are a couple of things to keep in mind to ensure perfect pancakes:
For the best chocolate flavor, opt for high-quality cocoa powder.
Avoid overmixing the pancake batter to prevent a tough texture. A few lumps are okay.
Adjust the sugar in the pancakes to suit your taste preferences.
Get creative with your toppings! Consider adding chopped nuts, peanut butter, or sliced bananas for extra flavor and crunch.
Don’t worry if you have leftover pancakes! They freeze nicely and can be reheated in the microwave or toaster for a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
Conclusion
Chocolate pancakes are a delightful indulgence that is perfect for any gathering. They are sure to satisfy your cravings and have you coming back for more, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself to a luxurious breakfast. So, why delay? Whip up a batch of homemade chocolate pancakes for yourself and your family today, and savor the delicious taste of chocolate in every bite. Your mornings will never be boring again!
