Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes

If you’re looking for a delightful way to start the day, look no further than these Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes. Fluffy, sweet, and filled with chocolatey goodness, they are perfect for breakfast or even a cozy brunch. The combination of ripe bananas and coconut milk creates a moist, tender pancake that pairs beautifully with the rich flavor of vegan chocolate chips. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, these pancakes are sure to impress!

Why This Recipe Works

These Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes are a fantastic blend of flavors and textures. The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the coconut milk adds a creamy richness without overpowering the banana flavor. Whole-wheat flour contributes to the pancakes’ hearty texture, ensuring they are filling and satisfying. Coconut sugar keeps the sweetness balanced and complements the other ingredients perfectly. The addition of vegan chocolate chips elevates these pancakes to a new level of yumminess, making them a treat everyone will love!

The Ingredient Lineup

• 1 large overly ripe banana: The riper, the better! It adds natural sweetness and moisture.
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar: A less refined sugar that adds a subtle caramel flavor.
• 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil: Provides healthy fats and a light coconut flavor.
• 1 cup coconut milk: Adds creaminess and a hint of coconut, enhancing the flavor.
• 1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour: A wholesome base that gives the pancakes structure and fiber.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the pancakes rise beautifully and become fluffy.
• ½ cup vegan chocolate chips: We used Enjoy Life Mini Chips for their delicious taste and texture.

Kitchen Gear Checklist

• Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
• Whisk: To blend the wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.
• Griddle or non-stick skillet: To cook the pancakes evenly.
• Spatula: For flipping the pancakes with ease.

How to Prepare Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes

Step 1: Mash the Banana

Start by placing the large, overly ripe banana in a mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash it until smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

To the mashed banana, add the coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, and coconut milk. Whisk the mixture until it’s well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the whole-wheat flour and baking soda. Stir the dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet banana mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixtures together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Heat the Griddle

Preheat your griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it with a small amount of coconut oil.

Step 7: Cook the Pancakes

Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the pancakes from the skillet and serve warm. Top with additional chocolate chips, sliced bananas, or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.

Season-by-Season Upgrades

• Spring: Add fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
• Summer: Serve the pancakes with a scoop of coconut whipped cream and tropical fruits like mango or pineapple.
• Fall: Spice it up with a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a seasonal flavor.
• Winter: Top with warm maple syrup and crushed nuts for added texture and warmth.

Pro Perspective

These Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you prefer a lighter pancake, you can substitute half of the whole-wheat flour with all-purpose flour. Additionally, if you’d like to add some protein, consider incorporating a scoop of your favorite protein powder into the dry ingredients. The key is to have fun with it and make it your own!

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

Leftover pancakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply place them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, these pancakes freeze beautifully! Just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or warm them up in the microwave for a quick breakfast treat.

Questions People Ask

Can I use a different type of milk in this recipe?

Absolutely! While coconut milk adds a lovely flavor and creaminess, you can substitute it with almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk you prefer.

What can I use instead of coconut sugar?

If you don’t have coconut sugar on hand, brown sugar or maple sugar can be used as alternatives. They will provide a similar sweetness and flavor profile.

How do I know when the pancakes are done cooking?

Pancakes are ready to flip when you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges appear set. After flipping, they should be golden brown and cooked through in about 2-3 minutes.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to cook the pancakes right after making the batter for the fluffiest results. However, you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just add the wet ingredients when you’re ready to cook!

Bring It Home

With these Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes, you’re not just making breakfast; you’re creating a moment of joy that you can share with family and friends. The combination of ripe bananas, creamy coconut milk, and rich chocolate chips makes for a heavenly experience that everyone will crave. So gather your ingredients, fire up that griddle, and enjoy a stack of pancakes that will brighten your day. Happy cooking!