I have a slight obsession with chocolate, okay, maybe slight is an understatement. How can you not, chocolate is so yummy. I also love a good pancake. Combine the two and you wind up with some amazing chocolate pancakes that are perfect for any breakfast.
A perfect way to make the kids happy in the morning is to make them some chocolate pancakes. They are light, fluffy, from scratch, and incredibly easy to make. Top them off with strawberries or raspberries and powdered sugar and you will have one awesome plate of food. If I can do it, you can do it, let’s get started!
Step 1: Gather the ingredients and tools
In order to make chocolate pancakes you need just a handful of ingredients:
- Egg – The egg will act as a binder for the other ingredients and add a bit of moisture to the pancake, as well as add a slight bit of leavening.
- Milk – I normally use whole milk for these but any milk will do including almond milk if you are lactose intolerant. The milk will add moisture and help make a softer crumb for the pancakes.
- Butter – I like to use unsalted real butter, which will add flavor, but oil can be used as well.
- Flour – Use either all-purpose flour or cake flour.
- Granulated Sugar – The sugar will add sweetness and balance out the bitterness from the cocoa powder.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – The cocoa powder is the star of this dish. You can’t have chocolate pancakes without the chocolate taste.
- Baking soda – Baking soda is the main leavening agent, it will help to make the pancakes light and fluffy.
- Salt – The salt will add flavor and balance and enhance the other ingredients.
Tools
Step 2: How to make chocolate pancakes
Begin by preheating the pancake griddle to 350 F/176 C or place your skillet on the stovetop and set it to medium heat. Next, mix together the milk, egg, butter, and sugar in a large bowl. Use a stand mixer or whisk to blend them together.
Step 3: Add those dry ingredients
Now take a sifter or sieve and add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Then sift them into the batter. You definitely want to use a sifter or sieve because cocoa powder has a tendency to be lumpy. Either mix in the dry ingredients with a whisk or use a mixer, until the chocolate pancake batter comes out smooth. The batter should be fairly thick, but if it ever gets too thick, you can add a bit more milk to it.
Step 4: Cook up those yummy chocolate pancakes
Give the griddle or skillet a spray with some cooking spray or you can drop in a bit of butter if you like. Once the griddle is hot, use a 1/2 cup measuring cup and pour some batter onto the griddle or skillet. It will spread out into a pancake shape. Allow the pancake to cook for 2 to 3 minutes. The edges will become dull and little bubbles will form on the top.
Step 5: Flip those pancakes
After the first side has cooked long enough use a spatula and flip it over to the other side. This side will take a little less time to cook, about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. At any point if the pancakes start to stick to the pan, use some butter or kitchen spray again.
Step 6: Use your favorite toppings
Once your chocolate pancakes are finished cooking you can top them off with whatever toppings that you like. Some of my favorites are fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Sprinkle it with a bit of powdered sugar and you are good to go.
I normally don’t put maple syrup on my chocolate pancakes but you certainly could if you like. Enjoy!
Chocolate Pancakes
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Sifter
- Whisk
- skillet or griddle
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup of milk whole, 1%, 2%, skim, Almond, etc.(237mL) (can use 1 or 2 Tbsp. more for thinner batter)
- 2 Tbsp of unsalted butter melted (oil can be used as well) (30g)
- 1 cup of all-purpose or plain flour 120g
- 1/4 cup of white granulated sugar 50g
- 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder 35g
- 1 tsp. baking soda 5g
- 1/2 tsp. salt if using salted butter reduce to 1/4 tsp. (3g)
Toppings
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Powdered sugar
- Blueberries
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix together the egg, milk, softened butter, and granulated sugar. Use a whisk or mixer.
- Using a sieve or sifter, sift the flour, salt, baking soda, and cocoa powder into the large bowl with the batter. Mix those together with a spatula or mixer. Don't overmix with the mixer it could cause the pancakes to be less fluffy.
- Heat a skillet or griddle to 350 F/176 C. Normally medium heat on a stovetop. Wait until the pan or griddle heats up completely. Test it with a drop of water, if it sizzles that means it is hot enough and ready to go.
- Spray the pan or griddle with cooking spray. Then scoop out some batter with a measuring cup or ladle onto the hot pan. I typically will use my half-cup measuring cup.
- Allow this side of the chocolate pancake to cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. Once the edges start to get dull and some tiny bubbles form on the top of the pancake you can flip it over. This side will take a little less time, only about 1 to 1.5 minutes.
- Once the chocolate pancakes are done, you can serve them with fruit like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and powdered sugar, whipped cream, etc. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Do you like the recipe? Please give it a rating and comment down below, I really appreciate it. If you make it tag me on Instagram @inthekitchenwithmatt. Also, sign up for the newsletter so you won’t miss out on any of my new posts and recipes.
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Made these for breakfast today and they’re delicious, fluffy and perfectly chocolatey! Great for warming up a Saturday morning
So happy to hear that you made them and liked them. 🙂 🙂 🙂
I tried this today since I was craving chocolate pancakes, they turned out well but I recommend more sugar. Thanks.
Glad you tried it, Sarah, sure you can always add more sugar. But normally people will add things on top that are sugary, like powdered sugar, syrup, sweetened whipped cream, etc. So these weren’t designed to be super sugary by themselves. With that said it is super easy to just add a few more tablespoons to the batter if you like. 🙂
My favorite breakfast dish. Only I love them with chocolate cream or plain sugar. And I also make small ones in a small frying pan to make it easier to eat. Brilliant recipe, thank you for adding it.
Glad you like it, Anna!! 🙂
They look to die for! I must add this to our weekend breakfast this week.
Thank you so much, Danielle! 🙂 You will have to let me know how they turn out. 🙂
Made this for breakfast today. It was easy to make and was yummy but i found it dry. Did i do something wrong?
You may have added too much flour if they were dry, or you overcooked them.
These pancakes look really delicious. So fluffy and sweet. I must make this for my boys.
Definitely, Natalie! Make them for your boys and let me know how they like them. 🙂 🙂
Who doesn’t love Chocolate Pancakes? I love putting strawberries or any berries on top. I also like to put heaps of butter! So yummy!
Yes! Berries with chocolate are amazing!
Ok this is making me question my breakfast choices. How come I never had chocolate pancakes before?
hahaha, I know right?? They are so awesome!
That looks like an easy recipe to make. I’m sure my kids would love this chocolate pancake, it looks delicious!
I bet they would! 🙂
Wish I had known about these for pancake day, these look amazing and very tasty
Thanks man! 🙂
hi from another chocoholic. I once made coffee pancakes with pears on top and that was lovely, I have never thought of making chocolate pancakes, what a great idea.
Thank you, Ivana! 🙂 Definitely try it sometime. 🙂
Chocolate pancakes are the best! Always fun to spice up pancake recipes like this. Thank you for sharing ??
You are very welcome, Sara! 🙂 🙂
Chocolate pancakes? My oldest (who is super picky) would probably eat pancakes if I made them like this!
Awesome, let me know if your kids like them!
Ohhhhh, I know what I am making for breakfast this weekend! These Chocolate Pancakes are mouth-watering and delicious. As always great recipe Matt!
Hehe, awesome! And thank you so much!
You had me at chocolate! #YUM I’ve never heard of chocolate pancakes before. I am definitely going to try your recipe as I love chocolate and I love pancakes – a winning combination. Thank you.
You are welcome!! A winning combination indeed! 🙂
I’ve never had “Chocolate” pancakes. I need to give these a try with the raspberries YUM! Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe. Would make a great item for our Sunday brunch at home.
You are so very welcome! You have definitely got to try it sometime. 🙂
Oh these look so delicious! Chocolate pancakes would make for a yummy breakfast. Thanks for the idea and the recipe too. This is going to be our breakfast tomorrow.
Thank you! They definitely are yummy for breakfast! 🙂 Let me know how they turn out if you wind up making them. 🙂
These pancakes look amazing. There is something about chocolate and raspberries that is so decadent and delicious. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful recipe. I am definitely going to try it. I usually never make chocolate pancakes, so this will be a treat for me. I think I am going to try your recipe without eggs and see how it goes.
Thank you, Sarah! 🙂 You are very welcome! Let me know how they turn out.
It’s like having dessert for breakfast and I’m all for that! Perfect way to start the day!!
Agreed! lol 🙂
Dessert for breakfast! My dream come true. These are actually not too sweet and perfect to kick off the weekend!
So glad you like it! 🙂