It is also magical to wake up to a high pile of fluffy chocolate pancakes. Light and fluffy, with a strong flavor of cocoa, these pancakes are like you are trying a chocolate cake and a traditional breakfast comfort meal at the same time. You want to enjoy a nice weekend brunch, a delicate breakfast on August 14th, or just need something delicious and filling, fluffy chocolate pancakes will not fail you any time.
This is in contrast to the typical pancakes that have a few chocolate chips scattered on them, which are enough to make them a complete chocolate experience. The batter itself is spiced with cocoa powder, and each bite has the flavor of a luxurious deep taste. Put melted chocolate chips inside and drizzle the top with syrup and you have a dessert that tastes like breakfast but is actually rather simple to prepare.
Along the way, besides knowing how to prepare fluffy chocolate pancakes, you will also know how to master this dish, make it your own way and save it to be eaten later.
Why You’ll Love These Fluffy Chocolate Pancakes
These pancakes are:
- Thick and ultra-soft
- Rich in chocolate flavor
- Exquisitely sweet without being heavy handed.
- Can be made using the items in the pantry.
- Ideally breakfast, brunch or dessert.
They are really distinguished by the texture. When prepared properly, they are light, airy, inside, slightly crisp, around the edges, and – inside – full of molten chocolate bliss.
The Secret of Fluffy Chocolate Pancakes
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes pancakes fluffy.
The Right Leavening Agents
Air bubbles are formed in the batter by baking powder with a small quantity of baking soda. These bubbles rise as one cooks and the pancakes turn out to be magnificent in rise.
Don’t Overmix
Gluten is formed by overmixing and it is what makes pancakes thick and chew like. The mixture should only be stirred, and tiny lumps are not a problem.
Let the Batter Rest
Resting the batter takes about 5-10 minutes and this allows the flour to be hydrated, as well as the baking powder to be active. This is done to enhance texture.
Cook on Medium-Low Heat
Chocolate brown batter pancakes cook quicker than the normal batter. Medium low heat cooking will not burn the food whereas the inside will cook completely.
Fluffy Chocolate Pancakes Recipe
Servings: Makes 8-10 pancakes (Serves 3-4)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons oil (butter or vegetable) melted.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Add-Ins:
- ½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips.
Optional toppings:
- Chocolate syrup
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Combine flour cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. Ensure that the cocoa powder is spread all over without having any lumps.
Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients.
In another bowl mix fully together milk, an egg, melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and even.
Step 3: Create the Batter
Add the wet contents to the dry ones. Add mixture using a whisk or spatula until it is combined. Do not overmix. Batter must be thick yet pourable.
In case it turns too thick, then add 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Add in the chocolate chips carefully. Allow the batter to rest at 5-10 min.
Step 5: Preheat the Pan
Preparing a non-stick griddle, heat a skillet on medium-low heat. Prepare with a light greasing of butter or oil.
Step 6: Cook the Pancakes
Pour batter to the pan in 1/4 cups pancakes. Cook 2-3 minutes or till small bubbles appear on the surface and the sides appear solidified.
Turn over and cook1-2 minutes more.
Naturally, the batter is dark, and the center is pressed lightly. If it springs back, it’s done.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Pile the pancakes and your desired toppings.
How to Make Them Even Fluffier
These upgrades would make the pancakes look and taste bakery style and fluffy:
Separate the Egg
The egg white should be beaten separately until slightly frothy before it is then added to the batter at the final stage. This adds extra air.
Use Buttermilk
Substitute ordinary milk with buttermilk because it has an easier texture and slight tang which increases the taste of chocolate.
Add Espresso Powder
A pinch of espresso powder does not make the chocolate taste of coffee but enhances the chocolate flavor.
Delicious Topping Ideas
Fluffy chocolate pancakes are also versatile and they can be served with any toppings:
- Warm chocolate ganache.
- Peanut butter drizzle.
- Caramel sauce.
- Sliced bananas.
- Fresh strawberries.
- Vanilla ice cream.
- Crushed nuts.
- Shaved dark chocolate.
To present it in a cafe style, whipped cream should be added, and additional chocolate chips sprinkled on top.
Variations You Can Try
Double Chocolate Pancakes
Stir in an addition of 1/4 cup chocolate chips in the batter.
Dark Chocolate Version
Dark cocoa powder is used to bring out a darker taste.
Nutty Chocolate Pancakes
Add chopped nuts, walnuts or hazelnuts to the batter.
Stuffed Chocolate Pancakes
Put a small piece of chocolate in the middle of the batter and pour in a little more until it is almost full and then flip it.
Storage and Reheating
These pancakes are very freezable.
Refrigeration
Keep in an airtight container not more than 3 days.
Freezing
Lay parchment paper in between pancakes and freeze not longer than 2 months.
Reheating
Microwave for 20-30 seconds
Toast with a crispy edge.
Heat in a pan to the optimum texture.
Nutritional Notes
- Although these pancakes are luxurious, they can be modified:
- Lactose-free version is almond milk.
- Sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar.
- Less sweeten it with dark chocolate chips.
- Add banana mashed in it to sweeten it naturally.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Baking at high temperature (burns)
- Overmixing the batter.
- Skipping the resting step.
- Pancake smashing on top during cooking.
- Using old baking powder.
Why Fluffy Chocolate Pancakes are ideal for Special Events?
Chocolate pancakes immediately become festive. They’re perfect for:
- Birthday breakfasts
- Anniversaries
- Valentine’s Day
- Holiday brunch
- Weekend family mornings
They are luxurious and easy to cook, as they are very tasty and fluffy.
Final Thoughts
The best combination between comforting and indulgent is fluffy chocolate pancakes. They are smooth, rich, chocolate-y, and homemade. Pancakes made with such a small amount of ingredients and using a few tips can appear and even taste like it was made in a high end cafe.
Drizzled with syrup, or topped with mounds of whipped cream, or left plain as powdered sugar, one thing is sure, they will not be on the plate long.
This recipe can make you never come back to ordinary pancakes.
Happy Baking!
