Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes! These fluffy pancakes are packed with the natural sweetness of ripe banana and dotted with melty chocolate chips in every bite. They’re the perfect blend of comforting and fun, making them ideal for slow weekend mornings or whenever you need a cozy pick-me-up. Whether you’re making breakfast for the family or treating yourself to something special, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stack of irresistible pancakes that will disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a handful of pantry staples plus a ripe banana come together to create such memorable flavor. Each ingredient brings something important to the table, ensuring your Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes have just the right balance of fluffiness, moisture, and delightful sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Lays the foundation for fluffy pancakes that hold together beautifully.
- Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way toward highlighting the banana and chocolate chips.
- Baking powder: Gives the pancakes their irresistible lift and airy texture.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the buttermilk and banana for extra tenderness.
- Salt: Brings out flavors and makes the sweetness pop without overpowering anything.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and keeps pancakes ultra-moist; don’t skip it if you can help it!
- Ripe banana: The riper, the better—think spotty bananas for maximum flavor and sweetness.
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness to the batter.
- Melted butter: For that soft interior and golden deliciousness on the outside.
- Vanilla extract: Subtle floral notes that round out the banana-chocolate flavors.
- Mini chocolate chips: They melt perfectly into the pancakes for gooey chocolate in every forkful.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This simple step ensures your leaveners and salt are evenly distributed, so you get fluffy, well-flavored pancakes every time. Trust me, even though it’s basic, it makes a world of difference!
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mash your ripe banana until mostly smooth, then add the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Give it all a good stir until everything is well mixed and the banana looks fully incorporated. The buttermilk and banana combo will give these pancakes their signature tenderness and subtle tang.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be just combined, with a few streaks of flour left. This is key for getting that classic pancake fluffiness! Last but not least, fold in the mini chocolate chips for pops of chocolate throughout.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush it lightly with melted butter. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until you spot little bubbles forming on the surface. Flip and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, until beautifully golden and cooked through. The combination of melted chocolate and sweet banana smells absolutely irresistible as they cook!
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Transfer the finished Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes onto a plate and keep them warm under a clean towel if you’re making a big batch. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings—don’t be surprised if everyone grabs seconds before you’ve even sat down!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes
Garnishes
Dress your pancakes up with slices of extra banana, a handful of fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup for pure breakfast bliss. You can even sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips on top just before serving for extra indulgence—because who can ever have too much chocolate?
Side Dishes
Pair your Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes with crispy bacon or sausage links for a sweet-savory combination, or serve alongside a creamy Greek yogurt parfait for a lighter touch. A glass of fresh orange juice or a hot cup of coffee rounds out this dreamy breakfast and makes the meal feel truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-fun twist, stack mini pancakes and skewer them with toothpicks for kid-friendly dippers, or make pancake “sandwiches” by smearing peanut butter or Nutella between two pancakes. You can also cut pancakes into strips and serve them with a side of fruit for a brunch-worthy breakfast board!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pancakes (which is rare!), let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Layering parchment paper between pancakes helps prevent sticking and makes reheating easy.
Freezing
Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes freeze like a dream! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then move to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months, making it easy to have a homemade breakfast on hand any day of the week.
Reheating
Warm your pancakes in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, or pop them in the toaster for a crispier edge. For larger batches, a 300°F oven works beautifully—just place pancakes on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk if needed. For the tangy effect of buttermilk, add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar to 3/4 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Do I have to use mini chocolate chips?
Mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly and melt beautifully into the pancakes, but if you only have regular-sized chips, feel free to use them! You can also chop up a chocolate bar for larger, gooier pockets of chocolate.
Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The pancakes will be just as light and scrumptious—no one will even know the difference.
How ripe should my banana be?
The riper, the better! Look for a banana with brown spots all over the skin. Overripe bananas bring more sweetness and stronger flavor to your Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes.
What can I add for even more flavor?
Try a pinch of cinnamon or some chopped toasted walnuts stirred into the batter before cooking. Both add extra depth and make the pancakes even more unforgettable!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for that perfect breakfast treat to brighten your day, look no further than Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes. They’re easy to prepare, always a crowd-pleaser, and full of cozy, homemade flavor. Invite your loved ones to the table, pour a little extra syrup, and savor every bite of this happy, chocolatey creation!
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Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these fluffy and decadent Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes, a delightful twist on classic pancakes. Perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special treat any day of the week!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large ripe banana (mashed)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the mashed banana, buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake and cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface.
- Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with syrup or extra banana slices if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or chopped walnuts to the batter.
- These pancakes freeze well—store in a zip-top bag and reheat in the toaster or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 pancakes
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
