Banana Cocoa Pancakes

Enjoy these quick, easy Banana Cocoa Pancakes for a very healthy, chocolatey twist on breakfast-delicious with syrup or yoghurt.

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Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Banana Cocoa Pancakes
• Variations and Substitutions
• Serving suggestions
• Top Tips
• FAQ's

If you know me, you'll know I absolutely love pancakes-and these Banana Cocoa Pancakes are a fun, chocolaty twist on my usual banana recipe. They're quick to whip up, fluffy, and packed with sweet banana flavour, plus a hint of rich cocoa. Whether you drizzle them with maple syrup, golden syrup, or opt for yoghurt to keep things on the healthier side, they're guaranteed to be a scrummy treat any time of day!

Ingredients

The ingredients in these Banana Cocoa Pancakes balance both flavour and nutrition. The plain flour and baking powder give them their fluffy texture, while the cocoa powder contributes a rich chocolate taste, along with antioxidants. Bananas provide natural sweetness, fibre, and key nutrients like potassium and vitamin B6. A small amount of caster sugar offers a touch of extra sweetness-feel free to reduce this if you prefer. Full-fat milk and an egg supply protein and help bind the pancakes, ensuring a satisfying bite. Finally, sunflower oil not only keeps the batter moist but also contains heart-healthy fats. Overall, these ingredients create a nutrient-dense breakfast or snack that's as indulgent as it is wholesome.

You will need:

• plain flour
• cocoa powder
• caster sugar
• baking powder
• salt
• eggs
• full-fat milk
• sunflower oil
• bananas

For exact quantities see the recipe card below.

Instructions

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Variations and Substitutions

1. Flour Swap

• Whole Wheat Flour: For a slightly nuttier taste and extra fibre, substitute some or all of the plain flour with whole wheat flour.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: If you're avoiding gluten, use a gluten-free flour mix. You may need to add an extra binding agent like xanthan gum to maintain a light, fluffy texture.

2. Different Milks

• Plant-Based Milks: Almond, soy, or oat milk can stand in for full-fat dairy if you're looking to go dairy-free.
• Low-Fat or Skimmed Milk: Reduce calories and fat content by using a lower-fat milk-just note the pancakes might be slightly less rich.

3. Egg Alternatives

• Flax or Chia 'Egg': Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it gels. This is a great vegan option.
• Applesauce: Use ¼ cup applesauce to help bind and add moisture, though the texture may be a bit denser.

4. Sweetener Choices

• Honey, Maple Syrup, or Agave: Replace caster sugar with a liquid sweetener. You might want to reduce the milk slightly to keep the batter from becoming too thin.
• Brown Sugar: This adds a deeper, caramel-like flavour compared to caster sugar.

5. Boost the Flavour

• Spices & Extracts: A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract can complement the banana and chocolate beautifully.
• Add-ins: Stir in chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), chocolate chips, or coconut flakes for extra texture and taste.

6. Healthier Fats

• Coconut Oil: Substitute the sunflower oil for coconut oil if you prefer the subtle coconut aroma.
• Butter: Melted butter will yield a richer flavour, though it increases saturated fat.

With these variations and substitutions, you can adapt the Banana Cocoa Pancakes to fit different diets, taste preferences, and nutritional goals-without sacrificing that scrumptious, fluffy texture.

Serving suggestions

1. Classic Syrup Drizzle:
Top your Banana Cocoa Pancakes with a generous drizzle of maple syrup or golden syrup. It's a sweet, tried-and-true pairing.

2. Yoghurt & Fresh Fruit:
For a lighter option, spoon some Greek yoghurt on top and add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or chopped strawberries.

3. Nut Butter Boost:
Spread peanut butter, almond butter, or hazelnut spread between pancake layers for extra richness and protein.

4. Honey & Nuts:
Drizzle honey over the pancakes, then sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans for a pleasing crunch.

5. Whipped Cream & Chocolate Shavings:
If you're feeling indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream and finish with a sprinkle of chocolate curls or cocoa powder.

6. Fruit Compote:
Warm up some mixed berries or sliced apples on the stove with a bit of sugar and lemon juice, then spoon the fruit compote over your pancakes for a sweet, tangy twist.

Experiment with any of these toppings or mix and match them for a breakfast that's as fun as it is delicious!

Top Tips

• Use Ripe Bananas: They're sweeter and easier to mash, giving your pancakes a natural sweetness and a lovely texture.
• Don't Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined; overmixing can make the pancakes dense.
• Let the Batter Rest: Allowing the batter to sit for a few minutes helps the flour hydrate and leads to fluffier pancakes.
• Proper Pan Heat: Cook over a medium heat. If the pan is too hot, the pancakes will burn on the outside before cooking through.
• Bubbles Mean Flip: Wait until the surface forms bubbles and the edges look set before flipping for perfectly golden pancakes.

FAQ's

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