If you’re craving a breakfast treat that feels like a hug on a plate, this Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes Recipe is your new best friend. Soft, fluffy pancakes bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the indulgent melt of mini chocolate chips come together effortlessly in this recipe. Perfect for weekend mornings or whenever you need a little joy at the table, these pancakes strike an irresistible balance between fruity comfort and chocolaty bliss that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to create that perfect pancake experience. Each element plays a role in making sure your pancakes are tender, flavorful, and beautifully golden on the griddle.
- One cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and base for fluffy pancakes that hold their shape.
- One tablespoon sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the bananas and chocolate chips.
- One teaspoon baking powder: Helps the pancakes rise and become light and airy.
- One half teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for that perfect lift and tenderness.
- One quarter teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
- One cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and slight tanginess that enriches the batter.
- One large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to fluffiness.
- One tablespoon melted butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden crust when cooking.
- One ripe banana mashed: Brings natural sweetness and moisture with a lovely fruity flavor.
- One half cup mini chocolate chips: Bursting pockets of chocolate that melt into every bite.
- Additional butter or oil for the griddle: Prevents sticking and helps achieve that perfect golden color.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures that your rising agents and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the batter, leading to consistently fluffy pancakes every time.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and mashed banana until smooth and well blended. The mashed banana adds amazing moisture and sweetness, while the buttermilk keeps the pancakes tender and tenderly tangy.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Take care not to overmix because a few lumps are okay and will help maintain the fluffiness. Then fold in the mini chocolate chips so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Cook Your Pancakes
Heat a lightly greased griddle or skillet over medium heat. Pour about a quarter cup of batter for each pancake onto the griddle. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. Flip carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until each pancake is golden brown and cooked through.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
Top your pancakes with a pat of butter that slowly melts over the warm stack, followed by a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. For an extra touch of freshness, consider adding sliced bananas, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even some chopped nuts for crunch.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded breakfast, serve your chocolate chip banana pancakes alongside crispy bacon, savory sausage links, or a vibrant fruit salad. A dollop of Greek yogurt also pairs beautifully, bringing a tangy counterpoint to the sweet richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by stacking your pancakes with layers of whipped cream or layering chocolate chips between each pancake for an extra surprise. You can even shape the pancakes into fun forms or serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent brunch twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Lay a paper towel between pancakes to prevent sticking and keep them fresh.
Freezing
Freeze leftover pancakes by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then stack and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to two months, making them a perfect quick breakfast option.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pancakes in a toaster, oven, or microwave. The toaster is great for crisping up the edges, while the microwave works if you’re in a rush. Adding a little butter or syrup after reheating brings them back to freshly made deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, simply add one teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to one cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This creates a similar tang that helps react with the baking soda, ensuring your pancakes stay fluffy.
How ripe should the banana be for this recipe?
Use a ripe banana with plenty of brown spots on the peel. The sweeter and softer the banana, the more flavor and moisture it will add to your pancakes. Avoid underripe bananas as they won’t offer the same natural sweetness.
Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain the structure of the pancakes.
Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?
Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which leads to dense, tough pancakes. Gently stirring until just combined keeps the texture light and fluffy, which is exactly what you want in your pancakes.
Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?
Definitely! Walnuts, blueberries, or even shredded coconut can be lovely additions. Just fold them in gently along with or instead of the chocolate chips for a personalized twist on this favorite breakfast.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the warm, comforting flavors of the Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes Recipe. It’s simple enough for any morning but special enough to feel like a celebration. I hope you’ll enjoy making these pancakes as much as eating them. Trust me, your family and friends are going to ask for this recipe over and over again!
Print
Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and fluffy chocolate chip banana pancakes made with ripe bananas, buttermilk, and mini chocolate chips. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch, these pancakes combine the natural sweetness of bananas with melty chocolate chips for a tasty treat everyone will love.
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
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Additional butter or oil for the griddle
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and mashed banana until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the pancakes tender. Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly.
- Heat the Cooking Surface: Preheat a lightly greased griddle or skillet over medium heat to ensure it’s hot enough for cooking the pancakes evenly.
- Cook the Pancakes: Pour about a quarter cup of batter per pancake onto the griddle. Cook until bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set, around 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve Warm: Serve the chocolate chip banana pancakes warm with butter and maple syrup for a comforting and delicious breakfast experience.
Notes
- For fluffier pancakes, let the batter rest for about 5 minutes before cooking to allow bubbles to develop.
- If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute regular milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
