These Healthy Chocolate Pancakes are so fluffy and delicious that you’ll never guess they are also good for you. Served with a homemade chocolate sauce, these chocolate oatmeal pancakes taste like dessert for breakfast!

If you have always thought that pancakes are just for the weekend, it’s time to change things up. With this recipe, you can finally eat your favorite breakfast everyday. Made with oats, these chocolate pancakes are packed with nutrients, high in fibers and suitable for a gluten-free diet.

And the best part is…They are so quick and easy to make!

I’m the kind of person who likes simple recipes, even better if they require no cooking. That’s why my to-go breakfast is (thick and chocolatey) overnight oatmeal. But last morning I craved something different, something indulgent. And that’s how I turned my oats into these healthy chocolate pancakes. Believe me, it was worth it. It literally felt like eating dessert. So good that now I want to share my recipe with you.

The ingredients for chocolate pancakes

Here is what you need to make chocolate pancakes from scratch. Nothing more than a handful of simple healthy ingredients that you can find at the grocery store. And don’t worry if you are missing something. In the next part you will find all the substitute options.

• Oat flour: homemade or from the store, oat flour makes this recipe healthy and nutritious. If you have specific dietary requirements, be sure to utilize certified gluten-free oat flour.
• Cocoa powder: this recipe uses unsweetened cocoa powder, without added sugars. It has a great aroma and makes these pancakes incredibly chocolatey. What is more, it is also good for you. Rich of antioxidants and nutrients!
• Granulated sweetener of choice: for sugar-free chocolate pancakes, I used erythritol. You can use any other granular sweetener such as coconut sugar or brown sugars.
• Ripe banana: this makes sweet and soft oat pancakes. Ideally, the banana should have dark spots all over its skin.
• Egg: I used a large cage-free egg.
• Milk of choice: this recipe can be made with any milk you like, either dairy or nondairy. For mine, I use unsweetened almond milk, which is healthier and more natural.
• Baking powder: say goodbye to flat pancakes!
• Vanilla extract: this enhances the chocolate flavor.

Substitutions

• Oat flour: replace with any flour you have at home, such as wholewheat flour, all purpose flour or spelt flour. I do not recommend almond flour.
• Cocoa powder: swap it out for cacao or dutch-processed cocoa powder.
• Granular sweetener: you can use any sweetener you like, but it should be granular. Liquid sweeteners such as maple syrup or honey are not recommended.
• Ripe banana: replace with about 1/2 cup of applesauce.
• Egg: use a flaxseed egg or chia egg for vegan chocolate pancakes.
• Milk of choice: dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk. Any milk you like works.
• Baking powder: you can substitute with a hint of baking soda, a very little hint. Or skip the baking powder, but your chocolate oatmeal pancakes won’t be as fluffy.
• Vanilla extract: use a teaspoon of vanilla bourbon or omit.

Vegan chocolate pancakes

If you are vegan and want to make these healthy chocolate pancakes, I have good news. Making this recipe vegan is not just possible, but it is also very simple. All you should do is substituting the egg with one flaxseed egg, chia seed egg or any plant based alternative to eggs. Moreover, be sure to opt for nondairy milk alternatives, such as soy or almond milk (the one I used).

High protein pancakes

Whenever I come home from the gym, I like having a high protein breakfast. It satisfies me more and fuels my body after a good workout. As I mentioned before, protein overnight oats are my usual breakfast. But from time to time I treat myself and make pancakes. To be precise, I prepare these chocolate pancakes with protein powder.

If you are also like me, then you will love to hear that making a high protein chocolate pancake recipe is very simple. All you have to do is replacing about 30 grams (or 1/3 cup) of the oat flour with your favorite protein powder. As protein powders are not the same as flour, the consistency of your pancake batter may change a bit. But don’t worry, just adjust with more milk if it gets too thick or more oat flour if it gets too watery.

How to make chocolate pancakes?

As promised, this recipe is very quick and simple. These healthy chocolate pancakes come together in just two steps. Oh, and I almost forgot a third step. Disclaimer, it’s the hardest.

Step 1: Make the batter

First of all, gather all the ingredients you need and take two bowls. Combine the dry ingredients in one and mix the wet ingredients into the other large bowl. Once ready, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until you get a smooth batter.

Step 2: Cook the pancakes

Heat a nonstick skillet over low to medium heat and grease with cooking spray or little melted butter, if it is necessary. Once nicely hot, pour about 1/3 cup of your batter over the pan. Wait until seeing small bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and cook the chocolate pancakes on the other side. Repeat the process until you run out of batter. the same until the batter is finished.

Step 3: Serve and enjoy

If you’ve followed all the steps, now you should be left with a stack of fluffy chocolate pancakes. We’re almost done, but before don’t forget to drizzle some homemade chocolate sauce on top. Healthy, of course. Enjoy!

How to make homemade chocolate sauce?

The best part of these oat pancakes is that they come with a healthy chocolate sauce on top. Homemade, of course. And finally you won’t need to buy chocolate sauce anymore.

Making a healthy chocolate ganache from scratch is very simple. It requires 3 ingredients and less than 2 minutes of your day. First, you will need to sift the unsweetened cacao powder into a small bowl, to avoid lumps. Then, add the maple syrup or honey for some sweetness and pour in the milk. Mix to thin the chocolate sauce and drizzle over the pancakes. Enjoy!

Storage instructions

After making, you can serve the chocolate pancakes or save for later.

• To store: let cool at room temperature, then place leftovers in an airtight food container. Store in the fridge for a up to a week.
• To reheat: before serving, reheat the pancakes in the microwave or in a toaster for a couple of seconds. But make sure that you do not overheat, otherwise they’ll either get rubbery or burn. Enjoy with a drizzle of homemade chocolate sauce and chocolate chips on top!

Serving ideas

Want a breakfast feast like no other? These sides and toppings will make your oat pancakes even better. Irresistible!

• Fruit: strawberries, blueberries, fresh berries or slices of banana to name a few.
• Yogurt: from plant based to Greek yogurt, this side is perfect for making your breakfast more satisfying.
• Chocolate chips: semisweet, bittersweet or extra dark, there is no such thing like too much chocolate.
• Whipped cream: maybe with fresh strawberries as well. Why not?
• Crushed nuts: almonds, peanuts or walnuts on top for extra crunchiness.
• Maple syrup: a drizzle of maple syrup over pancakes…A great classic!
• Coffee: there is no breakfast without a good foamy coffee. At least for me.
• Tea: if you don’t like coffee, tea is the way to go.
• Milk: no coffee, no tea, no problem! Serve your pancakes with a glass of milk and enjoy!
• A mix of everything: serve with yogurt, fruit, chocolate chips and a foamy coffee on the side for all the flavors!

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

More healthy pancake recipes

• Churros pancakes
• Apple oatmeal pancakes
• Strawberry peanut butter pancakes