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; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 1 ripe banana, mashed; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Special Planning

I absolutely love starting my Valentine's Day with these delightful chocolate banana pancakes. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet, ripe bananas creates a breakfast that feels like a treat rather than a meal. Not only are they easy to whip up in the morning, but they are also guaranteed to impress anyone you share them with. Plus, they are so fluffy and decadent that they make for the perfect romantic breakfast in bed!

Created by

Jemima Fox

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:09:34.799Z

When I first tried making these chocolate banana pancakes, I was amazed by how easy and quick they were to put together. The secret is blending ripe bananas into the batter, which adds natural sweetness and moisture without any extra sugar. This ensures a delightful texture, with every pancake being perfectly fluffy.

To enhance the chocolate flavor, I like to add mini chocolate chips in the batter, which melt beautifully during cooking. Serving them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup takes them to the next level. Trust me, this breakfast will make your loved one feel extra special!

        Why You'll Love These Pancakes
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with ripe bananas
Fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for a romantic breakfast or brunch

      

Understanding Ingredient Roles

Each ingredient in these chocolate banana pancakes performs a key role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure, while the baking powder ensures that your pancakes rise beautifully and become fluffy. The unsweetened cocoa powder adds that rich chocolate taste which is vital for this recipe's indulgent feel. Using ripe bananas is essential as they bring natural sweetness and moisture to the batter, creating a tender pancake that is rich in flavor.

The choice of milk impacts the final texture of the pancakes. Whole milk will yield a richer pancake, but you can substitute it with almond milk or oat milk if you're looking for a dairy-free version. If you want to enhance the chocolate flavor even further, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. The melted butter not only adds flavor but also contributes to a moist and tender crumb, making these pancakes irresistible.

Techniques for Perfect Pancakes

When cooking your pancakes, keep an eye on the heat. A medium temperature is ideal; too high and the pancakes will burn before cooking through, too low and they'll dry out. Look for small bubbles forming on the surface of the pancakes as a sign that it’s time to flip them. The opposite side should be golden brown and firm to the touch, ensuring a fluffy interior that melts in your mouth. If you notice your pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to allow for even cooking.

If you find your first pancake to be a bit uneven, don't worry! The first pancake often acts as a test batch to gauge the temperature of your skillet. You can also slightly adjust your batter consistency by adding a touch more milk if it seems too thick, aiming for a smooth, pourable mix. Remember, the batter should be gently mixed to avoid overworking the gluten, as this could lead to tough pancakes—ideally, you want a few lumps remaining in the batter.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a delicious pancake experience:

Pancake Ingredients

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

Make sure to have some maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your masterpiece:

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the milk, mashed banana, egg, sugar, and melted butter until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.

Cook Pancakes

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until bubbles form on top and they look set.

Serve

Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Enjoy your delightful breakfast with someone special!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients or top the pancakes with sliced strawberries or whipped cream.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Valentine breakfast experience, consider serving these pancakes with fresh sliced strawberries or raspberries. Their vibrant flavors and colors not only enhance the plate visually but also provide a lovely contrast to the rich chocolate. You might also want to drizzle some homemade whipped cream over the top for an extra touch of decadence that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and banana flavors.

For a little crunch, try adding chopped nuts—walnuts or pecans--as a topping. The nuts add a delightful texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the bananas. If you're feeling adventurous, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top makes for a luscious dessert-style pancake experience that’s sure to impress!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning to serve these pancakes for a special occasion, you can mix the dry ingredients the night before and store them in an airtight container. In the morning, simply combine them with the wet ingredients for a quick breakfast. This method saves time and keeps the pancakes as fresh as possible. You can also prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, but ensure you stir gently right before cooking to avoid deflating the batter.

Leftover pancakes can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. To freeze, layer the pancakes with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then store them in a zip-top bag. Reheat them on a skillet, toaster, or microwave; for the best results, warm them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. This keeps them fluffy and enjoyable, just as they were when freshly made.

Questions About Recipes

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

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour. However, the texture may be denser.

→ How can I make these pancakes dairy-free?

You can use almond milk or any other plant-based milk and substitute melted coconut oil for the butter.

→ Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

It's best to make the batter fresh, but you can prepare it and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking.

→ How do I store leftover pancakes?

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