You are currently viewing Perfecting Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Perfecting Chocolate Chip Pancakes

There’s a certain magic that happens when fluffy pancakes are filled with warm, melty chocolate chips. Homemade chocolate chip pancakes are an easy way to turn a classic breakfast into something a little more special, whether you’re serving them in the morning or having a breakfast for dinner.

Homemade Chocolate Chip Pancakes

This recipe starts with my traditional pancake base and uses a few simple ingredient swaps for extra flavor and moisture. I replace oil with applesauce and add mashed banana for natural sweetness, creating soft, fluffy banana chocolate chip pancakes that have become a staple in our home for both breakfast and dinner.

chocolate chip pancake ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why)

All-Purpose Flour: all-purpose flour works for this recipe. 

Sugar: granulated sugar to add a touch of sweetness.

Baking Powder: helps to make the pancakes rise.

Salt: adds flavor.

Applesauce: use applesauce to replace the canola or vegetable oil.

Milk: whole milk is best, but skim, 1% or 2% can be used.

Eggs: bring large eggs to room temperature.

Banana: mashed banana can be added, but is optional.

Chocolate Chips: milk chocolate or semi-sweet chips can be used, if desired.

Helpful Baking Tools

Mixing Bowls: use mixing bowls to combine the dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.

Measuring Cups & Spoons: you’ll need both dry measuring cups and those for measuring liquids, as well as measuring spoons. Or, weigh ingredients with a kitchen scale.

Whisk or Wooden Spoon: a whisk or large wooden spoon is needed to mix the dry ingredients together and then to combine the pancake batter until just mixed.

Griddle/Pan: use an electric pancake griddle or a non-stick griddle pan as either provides an even cooking surface and allows for more than once pancake to cook at a time. 

Pancake Batter Dispenser: using a pancake batter dispenser to pour batter onto the griddle helps control the size of each pancake.

Spatula/Pancake Flipper: use a flexible pancake turner with a thin edge to flip pancakes.

Tips for Creating Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Start with a well balanced pancake batter. A light, fluffy pancake is the key to great chocolate chip pancakes.

  1. Weigh or scoop your flour. For the most accurate measurement, weigh your flour. If you’re using measuring cups, spoon the flour into the cup instead of scooping directly from the container.
  2. Mix the batter just until combined. A few lumps are fine and help keep the pancakes tender.
  3. Cook pancakes low and slow. Lower heat allows the pancakes to cook through evenly without becoming dense or burned.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Pancakes

These chocolate chip pancakes come together quickly with simple ingredients and an easy mixing method.

wet into dry ingredients

1. Pour wet ingredients into the dry mix; stir until combined.

pancake bubbles

2. Pour pancake batter onto the heated griddle.

cooking pancakes

3. Cook until bubbles form; flip and cook until golden brown.

Customizable Pancake Toppings

The beauty of pancakes in general lies in their versatility and chocolate chip pancakes are no exception. Experiment with various toppings to customize your pancakes to fit your mood.

  • Pure Maple Syrup: The perfect pancake companion, maple syrup enhances the overall taste and sweetness of each bite.
  • Whipped Cream: A classic choice that adds a light and airy sweetness.
  • Fresh Fruit: Add some natural freshness by adding berries or sliced bananas.
  • Powdered Sugar: Add a sprinkling of powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

How to Store Leftover Pancakes

Allow the chocolate chip pancakes to cool completely before storing. To reheat pancakes, warm pancakes in the microwave until heated through or reheat them in a toaster or oven for a slightly crisp edge.

  • In the Fridge. Place leftover pancakes in an airtight container or zip top bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • In the Freezer. For longer storage, pancakes can be frozen by layering them between sheets of parchment paper and placing them in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Chocolatey Sweetness in Every Bite

Chocolate chip pancakes are an easy homemade breakfast that works just as well for busy mornings as it does for a cozy breakfast for dinner. With simple ingredients and plenty of chocolate chips, this pancake recipe turns a classic breakfast into a sweet, satisfying treat the whole family will love. Make a batch, serve them warm, and enjoy a comforting breakfast made from scratch.

For more easy breakfast recipes, try Easy Baked Oatmeal for a healthy, make-ahead breakfast, Quick and Easy Maple & Oat Cereal Bars for a grab-and-go option, or Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins for another chocolate-filled favorite. These simple breakfast ideas are perfect for meal prep, weekends, and everyday mornings.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time4 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Breakfast, Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Peanut-Free, Tree Nut-Free
Servings: 24 pancakes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp (12g) sugar
  • 4 tsp (16g) baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsweetened applesauce*
  • 2 cups (473g) milk
  • 2 eggs (105g) slightly beatened
  • 1 small (225g) banana, mashed (optional)
  • chocolate chips (as many as desired)

Instructions

  • Measure the all-flour, sugar, baking powder and salt and place in a large bowl; Whisk or stir to distribute ingredients evenly.
  • In a smaller bowl, combine the applesauce, milk and eggs. If adding a mashed banana, combine with the wet ingredients. Whisk lightly to beat the eggs.
  • Create a small well in the center of the dry ingredients.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the center of the large bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir. Do not overmix the batter - a few lumps are ok.
  • Let the batter rest while preparing the pancake griddle or pan.
  • If needed, spray the pan or griddle with cooking spray. If using an electric griddle, put the temperature to 250℉ degrees; or place your pan over medium heat.
  • Once the pan is heated, take your pancake batter dispenser and measure out about a quarter cup of batter onto the hot griddle, spreading it slightly into a circle.
  • Drop desired amount of chocolate chips onto each pancake.
  • Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then carefully flip the pancake over to cook the other side until golden brown.

Notes

*applesauce can be omitted – replace with 2 tbsp canola or vegetable oil

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