Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe
Introduction
There is nothing quite like waking up to the smell of warm pancakes on a weekend morning. Even better when those pancakes are filled with sweet ripe bananas and melty chocolate chips. Banana chocolate chip pancakes are the perfect way to start your day with a little comfort and joy. They are fluffy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. You can whip them up in under 30 minutes with just a few basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
This recipe is a great solution when you have overripe bananas sitting on the counter and you do not want them to go to waste. Instead of throwing them out or making the usual banana bread, why not turn them into something fun and delicious for breakfast? Kids love them, adults crave them, and they can even be made ahead and frozen for busy mornings.
These pancakes are also quite versatile. You can make them dairy free or gluten free with simple substitutions. Whether you want something indulgent or are trying to keep it relatively healthy, there is plenty of room to customize this recipe to suit your needs. The combination of sweet bananas and rich chocolate chips creates a pancake that is naturally sweet and incredibly satisfying without needing a ton of extra sugar.
In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know to make the best banana chocolate chip pancakes at home. From a full ingredients list with calorie breakdown to easy step-by-step instructions, helpful customization tips, and serving suggestions, we have got you covered. Let’s get started on your new favorite breakfast recipe.
Ingredients Needed
Before you begin, gather all your ingredients so everything is ready to go. Most of these items are pantry staples, and you can easily find them at any grocery store. This recipe makes about 8 medium-sized pancakes, which is enough for 3 to 4 servings depending on portion size.
Below is a table with each ingredient and its approximate calorie count to help you stay informed about what you are eating.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | 455 kcal |
| Ripe bananas (mashed) | 2 medium | 210 kcal |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons | 5 kcal |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon | 0 kcal |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | 0 kcal |
| Milk (any variety) | 3/4 cup | 90 kcal |
| Egg | 1 large | 70 kcal |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | 12 kcal |
| Vegetable oil or butter | 2 tablespoons | 240 kcal |
| Chocolate chips | 1/3 cup | 320 kcal |
Total Calories for the Batch: Around 1400 kcal
Calories Per Pancake (approx): 175 kcal
These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making banana chocolate chip pancakes is simple and requires no fancy equipment. Just follow these steps and you will have a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes ready in no time.
Peel and mash two ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the pancakes will be.
To the mashed bananas, add the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter or oil. Whisk everything together until it is smooth and well combined.
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps ensure even distribution.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until everything is combined. Do not overmix or your pancakes could turn out dense. Once combined, gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with a bit of oil or butter. Once hot, it is ready for the batter.
Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Let them cook until bubbles begin to form on the surface and the edges look set. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes or until golden brown.
Stack them up on a plate and serve warm. Add your favorite toppings or enjoy them as is.
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Tips for Customizing the Recipe
This recipe is easy to adapt to suit different diets and preferences. Here are some ways you can make it your own.
If you need a gluten-free version, you can use a 1 to 1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for best texture.
For a dairy-free version, use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk in place of regular milk. You can also swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine.
To make the recipe vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2 and a half tablespoons of water and let it sit for five minutes before adding it to your wet ingredients.
Want to add more texture or nutrients? Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg also adds extra warmth and depth to the flavor.
If you prefer less sugar, go for dark chocolate chips or reduce the amount of chocolate altogether. You can also skip syrup and top with fresh fruit or plain yogurt instead.
Nutritional Information
Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information per pancake, based on a batch of 8 pancakes.
| Nutrient | Per Pancake (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 175 kcal |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Fat | 7.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
This is an estimate and may change depending on the ingredients you use. For example, using almond milk and dark chocolate can slightly reduce sugar and calorie content.
Serving Suggestions
Banana chocolate chip pancakes are delicious on their own but even better with the right toppings and pairings. Here are some ways to serve them.
Drizzle with warm maple syrup or honey for a classic breakfast treat. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of vanilla yogurt for a dessert-like twist. Fresh berries or banana slices on top can make the dish feel more refreshing and add a pop of color.
For a more indulgent option, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate. If you want something more filling, pair your pancakes with eggs or breakfast sausage for a balanced meal.
These pancakes also make great leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months. Reheat in the toaster, oven, or microwave when you need a quick breakfast.
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Conclusion
Banana chocolate chip pancakes are one of those recipes that bring comfort, convenience, and joy all in one bite. They are simple enough for a weekday breakfast but feel special enough for a weekend brunch. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a dish that pleases both kids and adults.
Whether you enjoy them plain, topped with fruit, or drizzled with syrup, these pancakes are a fun and tasty way to use ripe bananas and satisfy your morning cravings. Plus, they are easy to adapt to different diets and preferences, making them a go-to recipe for all kinds of households.
So the next time you have some ripe bananas on hand, skip the banana bread and give these pancakes a try. You might just find your new favorite breakfast recipe.