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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Chocolate Banana Pancakes

    Published: May 5, 2022 · Updated: May 5, 2022 by Natalie · 79 Comments

    These Chocolate Banana Pancakes are such a wonderful treat, perfect for mornings. They are full of dark chocolate flavor, fluffy, and simply delicious. Also, made with wholesome ingredients and without added sugars. Satisfying and so good!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients used
    • How to make Chocolate Banana Pancakes
    • Substitutions
    • Tips for serving
    • Tips for storing
    • Recipe tips
    • Recipe
    • More recipes to try
    Chocolate Banana Pancakes PIN image

    I'm completely obsessed with banana pancakes. For the past week, I had a bunch of unused ripped bananas on the counter so I decided to use them for making pancakes. After I made Blueberry Banana Pancakes, I just kept going. And here's my brand-new obsession. Chocolate Banana Pancakes.

    Soft and fluffy. Cinnamony, deep dark, and full of dark chocolate flavor. I tell you, these chocolate and banana pancakes are incredible. Topped with the chocolate sauce they are just so.... so tempting.

    And if you think they are loaded with sugar and processed ingredients, think again. These deep dark beauties are totally healthy. Made with heart-healthy oats, antioxidant-rich cacao powder, and without any added sugar, they are delightful.

    Ingredients used

    This oatmeal chocolate pancake recipe is very simple. You will need only a few pantry ingredients:

    • Oats. Healthy, and filling, oats are a great substitute for regular flour. They are an excellent source of fiber, especially beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that keeps our hearts healthy. They also support healthy digestion and strong immunity. I used rolled oats in this recipe.
    • Milk of choice. I used oat milk, but you can use whatever milk you prefer. Note that coconut milk won't work well here.
    • Banana. Banana is a great fruit. Sweet and packed with nutrients, a great substitute for added sugars in pancakes, smoothies, or waffles. Bananas are high in fiber and many essential micronutrients, including potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and magnesium. (Source)
    • Cacao powder. It's bitter, deep-flavored, and incredibly healthy. Cacao is one of the richest sources of polyphenols – an antioxidant that has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced inflammation. (Source) Cacao gave a gorgeous chocolaty flavor and made these banana pancakes absolutely irresistible.
    • Sweetener (optional). I recommend honey or maple syrup.

    To give the pancakes extra flavor and boost, I tossed in some superfoods as well:

    • Ceylon cinnamon. It's loaded with flavor and powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. (Source)
    • Hemp seeds. They are an excellent source of healthy Omega-3s and a great source of proteins. (Source) A great addition to pancakes.

    Other pantry ingredients you’ll need:

    • Egg - I used free-range, pasture-raised. 
    • Baking powder.
    • Pinch of salt.
    • Extra virgin coconut oil or cooking spray - for greasing the pancake pan.
    chocolate banana pancakes served on a wooden plate

    How to make Chocolate Banana Pancakes

    Chocolate banana pancakes are really easy to make. It will take you 15 minutes TOPS! - and you need only basic equipment.

    Equipment used

    • Measuring cups.
    • High-speed blender. 
    • Pancake pan - or any pan with a non-stick surface.
    • Flexible silicone spatula - for flipping the pancakes. 

    Step by step instructions

    • Step 1: Prepare the ingredients.
      • Start with preparing and measuring all the ingredients. I like to use measuring cups.
    • Step 2: Mix the ingredients.
      • Place all the ingredients in a blender. Note: add wet ingredients first for easier blending.
      • Mix everything at high speed until you get a smooth texture.
      • This is a good time to taste the pancake batter and add additional sweetener if you think the mixture is not sweet enough.
      • Let the batter rest for a minute. Oats will soak some of the moisture, and pancake batter will thicken.
      • If pancake batter turns out too dense, add a bit more liquid - milk or water. Mix again. Pancake batter should be dense but runny.
    • Step 3: Bake the pancakes.
      • In the meantime, heat the pancake pan over medium heat and coat it with coconut oil cooking spray or coconut oil using the brush. 
      • For each pancake, drop ¼ cup of batter into the pan.
      • Cook for 1-2 minutes until pancake is lightly browned. 
      • Flip the pancake carefully with a flexible silicone spatula and cook for another minute. Transfer to a plate. 
      • Make sure to coat the pan before every pancake or batch of pancakes to prevent sticking.
      • Repeat the process with the remaining pancake batter.
    • Step 4: Add toppings and serve.
      • Top the pancakes with different toppings. You can be creative here and use ingredients you like.
      • Serve and enjoy!
    chocolate and banana pancakes topped with banana slices and chocolate syrup

    Substitutions

    • You can use rolled oats or quick oats.
    • You can use oat milk, almond milk, cashew milk, or organic soy milk. Cow’s milk works fine here too. Coconut milk won’t work well here. 
    • You can substitute coconut oil with avocado oil.
    • You can substitute cacao powder with cocoa powder.
    • Substitute hemp seeds with ground flax seeds or chia seeds.
    • Make it vegan: Swap egg with a flax or chia egg. Use non-dairy milk.
    • Make it gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
    oatmeal chocolate pancakes topped with banana slices and chocolate syrup

    Tips for serving

    • Top chocolate banana pancakes with fresh fruits: banana slices, strawberries, cherries, raspberries.
    • Drizzle them with chocolate syrup, maple syrup, or honey.
    • Top them with nut butter: hazelnut butter, peanut butter.
    • Sprinkle them with chopped nuts: hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, and dried fruits: raisins, sultanas, or goji berries.

    Tips for storing

    • Keep oatmeal pancakes in an air-tight food container refrigerated. They will last up to 4 days.
    • To freeze pancakes: Take the pancakes and place each pancake individually in a wax paper bag or stack between wax paper. Store wrapped pancakes in a large freezer zip-lock bag. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw on room temperature.
    • You can warm pancakes in the microwave. But don't overheat them. They will become soggy.
    chocolate banana oatmeal pancakes on a wooden plate

    Recipe tips

    • When adding ingredients to a blender, always add the liquids first. Doing this will help your blender run easily and this will prevent making lumps.
    • Use a high-power blender to ensure everything blends well and the batter is smooth. 
    • Make sure you let the batter rest for a minute. Oats will soak some of the moisture, and pancake batter will thicken. This is very important because you don't want runny pancake batter.
    • If you let the batter sit overnight, it will become dense so you may need to add a bit more liquid - milk or water.
    • Always taste the butter. If you feel that pancakes are not sweet enough for your taste, add more sweetener.
    • I recommend using honey or maple syrup. Make sure you use honey in runny form. Date syrup or molasses are great options too. You can also use stevia or any low-carb sweetener. Adding sweetener is totally based on your preference.
    • Make sure to use organic virgin coconut oil rather than refined versions.
    Sliced Chocolate Banana Pancakes

    You may like these recipes too:

    • Chocolate Banana Waffles
    • Chocolate Waffles
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    • 10 Easy Healthy Pancakes Recipes

    Recipe

    Chocolate Banana Pancakes featured image

    Chocolate Banana Pancakes

    By Natalie
    These Chocolate Banana Pancakes are such a wonderful treat, perfect for mornings. They are full of dark chocolate flavor, fluffy, and simply delicious. Also, made with wholesome ingredients and without added sugars. Satisfying and so good!
    5 from 89 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American, British, International
    Servings 6 pancakes
    Calories 162 kcal

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups
    • Blender
    • Pancake pan
    • Flexible silicone spatula

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ cup rolled oats
    • ¾ cup milk
    • 1 banana
    • 1 egg
    • ¼ cup cacao powder
    • 2 tablespoon hemp seeds
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • Pinch of salt
    • Sweetener (optional): Pure maple syrup or honey to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Place all the ingredients in a blender. Note: add wet ingredients first for easier blending.
    • Mix everything at high speed until you get a smooth texture.
    • Taste the pancake batter and add sweetener if you think the mixture is not sweet enough.
    • Let the batter rest for a minute. Oats will soak some of the moisture, and pancake batter will thicken.
    • If pancake batter turns out too dense, add a bit more liquid - milk or water. Mix again. Pancake batter should be dense but runny.
    • Heat the pancake pan over medium heat and coat it with cooking spray or coconut oil using the brush.
    • For each pancake, drop ¼ cup of batter into the pan.
    • Cook for 1-2 minutes until pancake is lightly browned.
    • Flip the pancake carefully with a flexible silicone spatula and cook for another minute. Transfer to a plate.
    • Make sure to coat the pan before every pancake or batch of pancakes to prevent sticking.
    • Repeat the process with the remaining pancake batter.
    • Add the toppings. You can be creative here and use ingredients you like.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    As a measure, I used a US cup (240ml). Makes 6 pancakes that serve 2-3 people. Recommended serving size is 2 pancakes.
    Substitutions
    • You can use rolled oats or quick oats.
    • You can use oat milk, almond milk, cashew milk, or organic soy milk. Cow’s milk works fine here too. Coconut milk won’t work well here. 
    • You can substitute coconut oil with avocado oil.
    • You can substitute cacao powder with cocoa powder.
    • Substitute hemp seeds with ground flax seeds or chia seeds.
    • Make it vegan: Swap the egg with a flax or chia egg. Use non-dairy milk.
    • Make it gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
    Tips for storing
    Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1pancake | Calories: 162kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 140IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg
    Keyword chocolate and banana pancakes, chocolate banana oatmeal pancakes, chocolate banana pancakes, dark chocolate pancakes, oatmeal chocolate pancakes
    Tried this recipe?Don’t forget to rate it and leave the comment. I would love to hear what you think.
    DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but I have endeavored to be as accurate as possible.

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    This post is originally published in March 2020. It's updated with new information and republished in May 2022. The recipe stayed the same.

    About Natalie

    Natalie is a writer, recipe developer, and creator of Natalie's Health. She combined knowledge of nutrition, diet and exercise and specialised in developing healthy recipes and writing about a healthy lifestyle. Her recipes and articles have been featured in many popular media outlets, like Shape, Greatist, Pure Wow, Mashed, The Huffington Post, ELLE Magazine, and many more.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cristina says

      January 24, 2023 at 3:10 pm

      4 stars
      The batter turn out a bit too heavy for my blender but I added more milk, less cocoa powder and managed to blend it well at the end. The pancakes turn out firm but fluffy, much better than my previous attemps with other recipes! Will make them again :)

      Reply
    2. Brandy says

      June 24, 2022 at 12:48 pm

      5 stars
      This is my new favorite pancake recipe. It was so incredibly delicious! What a way to start the day!

      Reply
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