If you’re anything like me, pancakes are the breakfast of champions. And if you toss in some bananas and chocolate chips? Well, now we’re talking! Banana chocolate chip pancakes are the perfect blend of sweet, fluffy, and just the right amount of indulgence. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy Saturday morning or cooking up something special for brunch, these pancakes are the ultimate comfort food.
But before I get into the recipe (because I know you’re probably itching to start), let me tell you: this combo—banana and chocolate chip—works like magic. Seriously, if you haven’t had this flavor explosion yet, you’re in for a treat.
Why These Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes are So Special
Okay, let’s take a second to talk about why these pancakes are next-level. Sure, regular pancakes are awesome—fluffy, golden, and a classic. But when you add in the natural sweetness of bananas and the gooey deliciousness of chocolate chips, it’s like a whole new world opens up. The bananas give the pancakes a soft, almost cake-like texture, while the chocolate chips melt in the batter, giving you little pockets of sweet joy in every bite. Honestly, what’s not to love?
Plus, these pancakes are flexible. You can make them as decadent as you want, or go a little lighter if you’re feeling like you need to balance out all that sweetness with something a tad healthier. There’s something so cozy about having a stack of these in front of you. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making a few for yourself, they never disappoint.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, I know some of you might be wondering about the ingredients—don’t worry, they’re all easy to find, and most of them you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s the list:
- 1 ripe banana – This is the secret to that sweet, moist texture. The riper, the better! Overripe bananas work great here because they’re extra sweet and mashed up easily.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Basic, but essential. I know, it’s not fancy, but it gives these pancakes that fluffy structure we all crave.
- 2 tablespoons sugar – Just a bit of sugar to balance everything out. Feel free to add more if you have a serious sweet tooth!
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – This helps your pancakes puff up nice and light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – A little extra lift, especially when paired with the acidic bananas.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors (yes, even the banana and chocolate!)
- 1 egg – To help bind everything together.
- 1/2 cup milk – You can use any kind—whole, almond, oat, whatever floats your boat.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter – This adds richness to the batter.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that warm, comforting flavor.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips – The stars of the show. Go wild with the chocolate—dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate. Heck, toss in a handful of mini chocolate chips, too.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – Optional, but totally recommended for a cozy, fall-like vibe.
A Few Optional Add-ins (For Extra Yum)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans – If you like a little crunch with your pancakes.
- A drizzle of maple syrup – Honestly, pancakes without syrup just feel wrong. A good maple syrup is the key to making this breakfast perfect.
Alright, with your ingredients ready, we can get started!
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Now, don’t be intimidated. Making these pancakes is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be flipping them like a pro in no time. So, let’s get to it!
Step 1: Prep Your Bananas
First things first, grab that ripe banana. You want it to be mushy enough that you can easily mash it with a fork. The more brown spots it has, the better—those extra-sweet spots are the key to flavor.
Peel the banana and place it in a bowl. Now, grab your fork and mash it up until it’s smooth but still has some small chunks. This gives your pancakes a bit of texture, which I love. But if you want them super smooth, feel free to go all-in with the mashing. Set the banana aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine your flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Use a whisk to give everything a good mix, making sure there are no lumps. This will help the pancakes rise evenly and give them that perfect fluffiness.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and melted butter. Add in the vanilla extract and your mashed banana, and stir it all together. You’ll notice the batter starts to get that smooth, creamy texture that makes these pancakes so irresistible.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—just a few stirs should be enough. The batter should be a little lumpy, and that’s totally fine. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes, and we’re not about that life.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips
Here’s where the magic happens. Fold in the chocolate chips (or chocolate chunks if you’re feeling fancy). Be gentle so you don’t break up the batter, but make sure the chocolate is evenly distributed. Now you’re ready to start cooking!
Step 6: Heat the Griddle
Preheat your griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, lightly grease it with a little butter or cooking spray. This will help the pancakes get that golden-brown crust we all love.
Step 7: Cook the Pancakes
Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, pour the batter onto the griddle. I like to make them big and fluffy, but if you want smaller ones, just pour less. Let the pancakes cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until you start seeing bubbles forming on the surface.
When the edges look set and the bottom is golden brown, it’s time to flip. Flip those babies over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until both sides are perfectly browned.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Stack those pancakes high on your plate and top with even more chocolate chips, a drizzle of maple syrup, and if you’re feeling extra, a dollop of whipped cream. Maybe add a few banana slices on top to really show off the banana goodness. Now, take a bite. You’ll probably smile. I know I do every time.
Tips for the Perfect Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes
- Banana Texture: If you like your pancakes extra banana-flavored, add a bit more mashed banana to the batter. You can also mix in some banana chunks instead of pureeing it all.
- Chocolate Chips: You can choose whatever kind of chocolate chips you like—milk chocolate, dark chocolate, even white chocolate! Or, if you’re feeling bold, throw in some peanut butter chips. Go wild with it!
- Don’t Overmix: As I said earlier, keep that batter lumpy. Overmixing can make pancakes tough, and nobody wants that.
- Heat Control: Medium heat is key. Too high, and you risk burning the outside while the inside stays raw. Too low, and the pancakes won’t rise as they should.
- Make Ahead: If you’re in a hurry, you can make the pancake batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before using it.
Why You’ll Love These Pancakes
There’s just something about waking up to a plate of these banana chocolate chip pancakes. Maybe it’s the smell of warm bananas cooking in butter or the sight of gooey chocolate melting in between the fluffy pancakes. It’s comfort in every bite. Honestly, these pancakes aren’t just for breakfast—they’re a whole vibe. They’re perfect for brunch, too, or even as a fun dinner (pancakes for dinner, anyone?).
And if you’re looking for a way to switch it up, you can easily add other fruits or mix-ins like berries, nuts, or even coconut flakes. The possibilities are endless, but no matter what you add, the banana and chocolate combo is a winner every time.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a banana, get those chocolate chips, and let’s get cooking. These pancakes will have you coming back for more, guaranteed!
If you’re a fan of pancakes, you might also enjoy Banana Protein Pancakes for a healthier twist, packed with protein to keep you fueled throughout the day. Or, if you’re in the mood for something cozy, check out this Bone Broth Hot Chocolate—a deliciously rich and soothing drink that’s perfect for chilly evenings. And for those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Cookie Milk: A Sweet Treat Loved by Kids and Adults, a fun and indulgent treat that’ll bring a smile to everyone’s face. All of these recipes are perfect for adding some variety to your meal planning!
FAQs About Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Are banana pancakes healthier than regular pancakes?
Banana pancakes can be a bit healthier than traditional pancakes, but it really depends on how you make them. Bananas add natural sweetness, so you can reduce the amount of sugar you use in your batter. Plus, bananas are a great source of potassium, fiber, and vitamins, which gives your pancakes a slight nutritional boost. However, don’t forget that adding chocolate chips and syrup can quickly turn them into a sweet treat! If you’re looking to make them even healthier, you can swap in whole wheat flour, use less sugar, or add in some protein powder to give them an extra punch.
How to make Kylie Jenner pancakes?
If you’re trying to make the famous Kylie Jenner pancakes, you’re in for a treat. Kylie has shared her pancake recipe on Instagram, and it’s a bit different than the classic banana pancakes. Her pancakes are fluffy and light, thanks to the use of buttermilk and sour cream in the batter. She also adds a touch of vanilla extract and sugar for sweetness. To make them similar to Kylie’s, try mixing 2 cups of flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Then, add in 1 cup of buttermilk, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Top with maple syrup, fresh berries, and maybe even some whipped cream for that Instagram-worthy look.
Why are my banana pancakes mushy?
If your banana pancakes are coming out mushy, there are a few things to check. First, make sure you’re not adding too much banana. While bananas are great for adding moisture and sweetness, too many can make your pancakes too soggy. Also, if your griddle or pan isn’t hot enough, the pancakes won’t cook properly on the outside, leaving them mushy inside. Ensure you’re cooking them on medium heat and flipping only when the edges look set and golden brown. Lastly, avoid overmixing the batter—mixing it too much can make the pancakes dense and mushy. Keep it light and fluffy!
How does Joe Wicks make banana pancakes?
Joe Wicks, also known as The Body Coach, has a simple and healthy take on banana pancakes. His recipe typically uses only two ingredients: bananas and eggs. To make them, simply mash 1 ripe banana and whisk it with 2 eggs to form a batter. Then, cook them in a non-stick pan over medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side. Joe keeps it minimal, so the pancakes are naturally gluten-free and packed with protein from the eggs. For a bit more flavor, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even a handful of berries. He usually serves them with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey for a light, nutritious breakfast.
PrintBanana Chocolate Chip Pancakes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Mash the banana in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk together egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and mashed banana.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed (don’t overmix).
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Heat a griddle over medium heat and grease lightly.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Serve with maple syrup and extra banana slices.
Notes
- For extra fluffiness, don’t overmix the batter.
- Add more banana for a richer flavor or different chocolate chips for variety.
- Make ahead: Batter can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes