The Best Chocolate Pancakes

Chocolate Pancakes. Okay, so I messed this up three times before getting it right. Chocolate pancakes should be fluffy and chocolatey and cute enough for your “chocolate pancakes aesthetic instagram” moment… but my first batch? Flat. Sad. Tasted like I’d dusted a regular pancake with regret.

Now, here’s the thing: the easiest way to get that deep chocolate flavor is cocoa powder + a tiny bit of sugar + not overmixing. And yes, I’ve said “don’t overmix” a million times in my life, and I still overmix when I’m hungry. So. We’re learning together.

Chocolate Pancakes Recipe :

I think I stole the base idea from my aunt… or maybe it was Pinterest? Honestly can’t remember. But after a few “Version 1.0 was basically cardboard” moments, this is the one I keep coming back to. It’s a chocolate pancakes recipe that’s easy, feels cozy, and doesn’t require fancy stuff.

And because people keep asking: yes, you can make chocolate pancakes without eggs. I’ve done it when I realized—too late—that I was out of eggs, and the store was already closed, and I was wearing my lucky apron (the one with the coffee stain). We’ll cover that swap below.

What you’ll get :

• Soft, fluffy middle, slightly crisp edges.
• Real cocoa taste (not “kinda chocolate-ish”).
• Stackable. Photogenic. Very “chocolate pancakes aesthetic” if you add berries.

Ingredients :

Shopping-list style, with commentary because that’s how my brain works:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (I’ve used half whole wheat before… it was fine, just a bit heavier)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (this is the whole point, don’t use hot chocolate mix)
• 2 tbsp sugar (some people add more; I don’t… well, sometimes I do)
• 2 tsp baking powder (for fluff)
• 1/4 tsp salt (tiny but mighty)
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 large egg (see eggless notes below)
• 2 tbsp melted butter or neutral oil (butter tastes better, let’s be honest)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but it makes it smell like dessert)
• Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, banana slices, chopped strawberries (aka the stuff kids pick off and eat first)

Instructions :

1. In a big bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Try to break up cocoa lumps now, because later they’ll turn into bitter little surprise pockets.
2. In another bowl (or a measuring jug because fewer dishes), whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. If your butter is too hot and cooks the egg a little… congrats, you made tiny egg ribbons. It still works, but it’s annoying.
3. Pour wet into dry. Stir gently until just combined. The batter should look a little lumpy and not “perfect.” That’s normal. If you mix until smooth, you’ll get chewy pancakes. Learned this the hard way.
4. Heat a nonstick pan or griddle on medium. Add a little butter. Not a swimming pool—just enough.
5. Scoop batter (about 1/4 cup per pancake). Cook until bubbles form and the edges look set, about 2 minutes. Flip. Cook another 1–2 minutes. If you flip too early, it smears everywhere. Disaster. Complete disaster.
6. Repeat. Stack them. Pretend you didn’t eat the first “test pancake” standing at the stove.

Eggless & “Healthy-ish” Options :

Chocolate pancakes without eggs / chocolate pancakes recipe eggless

If you need chocolate pancakes eggless, swap the egg for one of these:

• 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water (mix and let sit 5 minutes)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 mashed ripe banana (adds sweetness, also banana flavor… obviously)

Chocolate pancakes healthy

Look, “healthy” is relative. But here are swaps I’ve actually done:

• Use 1/2 whole wheat flour for more fiber (they’ll be slightly denser)
• Reduce sugar to 1 tbsp if toppings are sweet
• Add Greek yogurt on top instead of whipped cream (still feels fancy)

Tips & Chaos Notes :

• Do NOT crank the heat. Cocoa pancakes brown fast and trick you into thinking they’re done. Inside will be raw.
• If the batter seems thick, add a splash of milk. If it seems too thin, add a spoon of flour. Pancake batter is forgiving like that.
• Kids will ask for sprinkles. Just… pick your battles.
• Want that “chocolate pancakes snap” look? Dust with a little cocoa, add strawberries, drizzle syrup, take the photo near a window. Then eat them before they get cold.

Serving Ideas :

• Strawberries + powdered sugar + a little chocolate drizzle (very “chocolate pancakes aesthetic instagram”).
• Peanut butter + banana (messy, elite).
• Greek yogurt + berries for the “I’m being responsible” vibe.

Anyway… if you make these, tell me if you go classic syrup or full chocolate-on-chocolate chaos. I’m genuinely curious. Happy cooking 🥞✨ (and may your first pancake not be the sacrificial one today).