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Chocolate Pancakes

Start your morning with these soft, fluffy Chocolate Pancakes that taste like dessert but are easy enough for any day of the week! Made with rich cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla, these pancakes come together in minutes — perfect for quick breakfast ideas or a cozy weekend brunch. Serve them as a tall stack with syrup and fruit, or make mini pancakes for the kids. Either way, this is a sweet recipe you’ll want on repeat!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients:
  • ¾ cup milk dairy or plant-based
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp melted butter or vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional Add-ins:
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 mashed banana for extra sweetness and moisture
  • For Serving:
  • Maple syrup or chocolate syrup
  • Fresh berries strawberries, raspberries, or bananas
  • Whipped cream or powdered sugar

Method
 

  1. Step 1 – Mix Dry Ingredients:
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Step 2 – Combine Wet Ingredients:
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Step 3 – Make the Batter:
  6. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined — a few small lumps are okay. (Overmixing will make the pancakes dense instead of fluffy.)
  7. Step 4 – Add Extras (Optional):
  8. Fold in mini chocolate chips or mashed banana if desired for extra flavor.
  9. Step 5 – Cook the Pancakes:
  10. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
  11. Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake (or 1 tablespoon for mini pancakes).
  12. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until bubbles form on top. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until both sides are set and slightly crisp on the edges.
  13. Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy:
  14. Stack the pancakes high and top with syrup, whipped cream, or berries. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Chocolate Pancakes!

Notes

✅ Don’t Overmix: Stir just until ingredients are combined — this keeps your fluffy pancakes soft and airy.
✅ Medium Heat is Key: Cooking on too high heat can burn the outside before the inside sets.
✅ Use Fresh Baking Powder: Ensures maximum fluffiness.
✅ Add Espresso Powder: A pinch of instant coffee deepens the chocolate flavor beautifully.
✅ Keep Warm: Place cooked pancakes on a tray in a 200°F (95°C) oven while finishing the batch.