Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes Recipe
If you have a soft spot for warm, fluffy pancakes with a delightful twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes Recipe. Imagine the natural sweetness of mashed ripe bananas mingling with pockets of melty mini chocolate chips, creating a breakfast that’s both comforting and playful. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for lazy weekend mornings or whenever you crave something sweet yet wholesome. This recipe blends familiar ingredients in a way that’s simple but absolutely irresistible, making every bite a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up these pancakes is straightforward and fun. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to balance flavor, texture, and moisture, bringing out the best in every bite.
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas: The star ingredient that gives natural sweetness and a soft, moist texture.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the perfect base for fluffy pancakes with a tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to complement the bananas.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: The secret weapon for light, airy pancakes that rise beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure nothing tastes flat.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps bind everything together for a smooth batter.
- 1 large egg: Supports structure and gives richness to the pancakes.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Takes the flavor to the next level with its sweet aromatic notes.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for the pan): Adds richness and ensures a golden, tender crust.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Little bursts of chocolate that melt perfectly without overwhelming the banana flavor.
- Optional sliced bananas and maple syrup for serving: Classic toppings that elevate presentation and add extra sweetness.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
Start by mashing your ripe bananas until smooth in a large bowl. Next, whisk in the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until everything is beautifully combined. This liquid mixture will be the luscious base that helps the pancakes stay moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. These dry ingredients deliver the structure, a touch of sweetness, lift, and that warm spice that makes the pancakes inviting and aromatic.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture and gently stir until just combined. The batter will look a bit lumpy, but that’s exactly what you want—overmixing can make pancakes tough, so be gentle here.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Now, fold in the mini chocolate chips carefully to distribute them evenly without breaking up the batter too much. These chocolate gems are what make this Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes Recipe delightfully decadent!
Step 5: Cook Your Pancakes
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter. Pour around 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges set, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the rest of your batter, keeping the finished pancakes warm.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
There’s something magical about topping these pancakes with extra sliced bananas and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. Not only do these garnishes enhance the taste with fresh fruit and sweet syrup, but they also make your plate look inviting and picture-perfect.
Side Dishes
Pair your pancakes with crispy bacon, fresh berries, or a dollop of yogurt for a well-rounded breakfast. These sides add balance by introducing savory or tangy flavors that complement the sweet and moist pancakes flawlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For extra fun, try stacking the pancakes in a tower and securing them with skewers threaded with banana slices or chocolate chips on top. You can also sprinkle with powdered sugar or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a brunch-worthy indulgence that will wow everyone around your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pancakes are a total win! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep their moisture and flavor fresh. Just separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
This Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes Recipe freezes wonderfully. Lay cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then stack them with parchment in between and transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months, perfect for quick breakfasts.
Reheating
Reheat pancakes gently in a toaster or microwave. If using a microwave, place a damp paper towel over the pancakes to retain moisture and avoid dryness. A quick pop in the toaster helps restore crispiness on the edges and melty chocolate chips.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for these pancakes?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect because they’re sweeter and softer, which makes your pancakes naturally flavorful and moist.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Mini chocolate chips are ideal here because they distribute evenly throughout the batter and melt nicely, giving you a consistent chocolate experience in every bite.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can! Substitute the milk with any plant-based milk and swap the butter for a vegan alternative. Use a flax egg or another egg replacement to maintain texture.
Are these pancakes suitable for kids?
Definitely. The mild sweetness from bananas and chocolate chips makes this recipe a favorite with kids, and you can easily sneak in some whole wheat flour for added fiber.
How do I prevent the pancakes from being too dense?
Be careful not to overmix the batter. Stir until ingredients are just combined to keep the pancakes light and fluffy. Also, using fresh baking powder helps with rise.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes Recipe is truly a standout breakfast that brings joy from the first bite to the last crumb. It’s simple, comforting, and effortlessly delicious—just the kind of recipe you love to share with friends and family. So grab your ripe bananas and get ready to enjoy pancakes that feel like a warm embrace on a plate!
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Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes are a delightful breakfast treat featuring ripe bananas and mini chocolate chips in a fluffy, cinnamon-spiced batter. Perfect for a cozy morning, they are quick to make and can be served warm with sliced bananas and maple syrup for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for the pan)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Add-ins and Serving
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Optional: sliced bananas and maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon evenly.
- Mix Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the pancakes light and fluffy.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to the batter for even distribution.
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter.
- Cook Pancakes: Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the pancakes carefully and cook for another 2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Repeat with the remaining batter. Serve the pancakes warm, topped with optional sliced bananas and maple syrup as desired.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for enhanced sweetness and flavor.
- For a heartier texture, substitute whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- To make this recipe vegan-friendly, use dairy-free milk and butter alternatives.
- Mini chocolate chips are recommended to ensure even chocolate distribution throughout the pancakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
