Valentine Breakfast Chocolate Banana Pancakes

Name: Valentine Breakfast Chocolate Banana Pancakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 1 ripe banana, mashed; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional); Fresh strawberries, sliced; Maple syrup; Whipped cream (optional)

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes

I absolutely love starting the day with something special, especially on Valentine's Day. These chocolate banana pancakes are not only a delightful surprise but also incredibly easy to whip up. The combination of ripe bananas and rich cocoa creates a luscious batter that fills the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. Topped with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of maple syrup, these pancakes are a sweet way to show love to yourself or someone else. Let’s make breakfast a celebration with this indulgent recipe!

Created by

Amelia Roberts

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:25:34.967Z

When I first tried making chocolate banana pancakes, I was skeptical whether the flavors would blend well. To my surprise, they turned out to be not just delicious but also a joy to eat. The trick is to mash the bananas well so they mix seamlessly into the batter, enhancing the flavor without leaving chunks.

Additionally, using quality cocoa powder makes a huge difference. I opt for unsweetened cocoa, allowing the natural sweetness of the bananas to shine through. Adding a sprinkle of chocolate chips before flipping the pancakes elevates them to a whole new level of decadence!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate taste intertwined with sweet banana flavor
Perfectly fluffy pancakes that melt in your mouth
Great for a romantic breakfast or cozy family brunch

      

Mastering the Pancake Batter

To create the best chocolate banana pancakes, the key is in how you mix the batter. Start by ensuring your dry ingredients are well-combined, which allows for an even distribution of cocoa powder and baking agents. When introducing the wet ingredients, mix just until combined to prevent overmixing, which can lead to dense pancakes. Aim for a batter that's slightly lumpy; this texture ensures fluffy pancakes that rise beautifully on the skillet.

The bananas play a crucial role in both flavor and texture. Use bananas that are very ripe, as their natural sweetness will enhance the pancake's taste significantly. If you find yourself with extra ripe bananas, feel free to mash and freeze them; they thaw wonderfully for pancake batters. Always measure your bananas after mashing for consistency; about one medium banana yields roughly a half-cup when mashed.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Pancakes

When cooking the pancakes, maintaining the right skillet temperature is essential. A medium heat allows for even cooking; if your skillet is too hot, the pancakes may brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. You can test the heat by sprinkling a few drops of water on the skillet; they should sizzle and evaporate instantly. If they dance around, you’ve got the right temperature.

Use a non-stick skillet or griddle for easy flipping. If desired, a light coating of butter ensures added flavor and prevents sticking. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake and resist the urge to flatten them down; let them rise naturally. Look for bubbles forming on the surface as a signal to flip; this typically takes about 2-3 minutes, and a golden-brown color indicates they are ready to turn.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your pancakes:

For the Pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 ripe banana, mashed
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

For Topping

Fresh strawberries, sliced
Maple syrup
Whipped cream (optional)

Once you have all your ingredients ready, let's get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect pancakes:

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the milk, mashed banana, egg, and melted butter until smooth. Then, slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Cook the Pancakes

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Optionally, sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.

Serve Warm

Stack the pancakes on a plate and top with sliced strawberries, a drizzle of maple syrup, and whipped cream if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Valentine Breakfast Chocolate Banana Pancakes!

Pro Tips

Ensure your bananas are really ripe for the best flavor. You can also mix in some chopped nuts for added crunch.

Serving Suggestions

These chocolate banana pancakes are exceptionally versatile when it comes to toppings. Fresh strawberries add a vibrant, fruity contrast that brightens the rich chocolate flavor. You can also experiment with other fruits such as blueberries or raspberries for a pop of color and taste. Feel free to serve the pancakes with a dollop of whipped cream, which enhances the overall indulgence.

For an extra special touch, drizzle some chocolate syrup over the pancakes for chocolate lovers, or sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch and added nutrition. I love adding a light dusting of powdered sugar for a finishing touch—it looks charming and adds a hint of sweetness without being overpowering.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These pancakes can certainly be made ahead of time! Once cooked, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy due to steam. You can then stack them between sheets of parchment paper and place them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or microwave for a quick breakfast.

If you're batch cooking, consider doubling or tripling the recipe. Stored pancakes are perfect for busy mornings! Paired with a quick scramble of eggs or yogurt on the side, you’ll have a balanced meal ready in mere minutes. To add variety to your mornings, try varying your toppings or serving with different fruits each day.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it. Just give it a good stir before cooking.

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Whole wheat flour works well, but the pancakes may be denser. Consider adding a bit more liquid.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water or banana puree as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet.