Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes Recipe
If you’re looking to brighten up your mornings with a playful twist on a breakfast classic, these Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes are pure happiness on a plate! Imagine the sweet scent of ripe bananas and melty chocolate chips filling your kitchen, each bite perfectly fluffy and warmly spiced, making it impossible not to smile. They’re crowd-pleasers for kids and adults alike, and there’s something magical about the way the bananas and chocolate meld together into the pancake batter. Whether it’s a lazy weekend treat or a special weekday surprise, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your breakfast rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how basic pantry staples can come together to make something irresistibly special! Each ingredient in this recipe plays its role in creating the signature taste, tender texture, and golden color that make Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes so delightful.
- All-purpose flour: Lays the foundation for perfectly fluffy pancakes and gives the batter structure.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness to balance the banana and chocolate.
- Baking powder: The secret to those beautifully risen, airy pancakes everyone loves.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps your pancakes from tasting flat.
- Ripe banana: Mash it up for natural sweetness, moisture, and subtle banana flavor (the riper, the better)!
- Milk: Makes the batter smooth and pourable; you can use any milk you like.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients so your pancakes are sturdy yet tender.
- Melted butter: A touch of richness that keeps the pancakes moist and adds beautiful flavor—plus more for greasing the pan.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with a gorgeous, fragrant note.
- Mini chocolate chips: The star swirl of melty chocolate in every bite—mini chips make sure there’s a bit in every forkful!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by taking a large mixing bowl and whisking together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This simple prep step ensures that every bite of pancake is evenly fluffy and never clumpy. It’s a breeze and gives your pancakes that delightful tender crumb.
Step 2: Prep the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mash your ripe banana until smooth—some small lumps are absolutely fine and add nice texture. Add in the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well combined. The aroma alone at this stage will have you licking the spoon!
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients, then gently fold together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until you don’t see any streaks of flour left—the batter will be thick and a little lumpy, exactly as it should be. Overmixing is the enemy of fluffy pancakes, so keep it gentle!
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, being careful not to deflate the batter. Each pancake will have a cheerful burst of gooey chocolate thanks to these tiny morsels. If you want extra chocolate puddles, you can sprinkle more chips onto each pancake while they cook!
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with a bit of butter. Pour about a 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until tiny bubbles appear on the surface and the edges begin to set, about 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the pancakes are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes warm from the skillet. They’re incredibly inviting just as they are, but don’t be shy—dress them up with extra chocolate chips, banana slices, or a dreamy drizzle of maple syrup for the ultimate treat!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes

Garnishes
A little extra fun goes a long way with Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes. Try topping yours with a handful of fresh banana slices, an extra sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, or a light shower of powdered sugar. For total breakfast decadence, add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of your favorite nut butter. These finishing touches make the pancakes impossible to resist!
Side Dishes
If you want a heartier breakfast, serve the pancakes with crisp bacon strips, sausage links, or scrambled eggs alongside. For a lighter touch, a simple fruit salad with juicy berries and citrus balances the pancakes’ sweetness and keeps things bright and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes high on a cake stand for a pancake “layer cake” effect at brunch, or cut them into fun shapes with cookie cutters for kids. For a breakfast charcuterie board, arrange mini pancakes with toppings and dips in little bowls—perfect for sharing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any extra pancakes to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days and are perfect for quick, on-the-go breakfasts.
Freezing
To freeze, lay the Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. This way, you can easily grab a few at a time—great for meal prep!
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat pancakes straight from the fridge or freezer. Pop them in the toaster, heat briefly in a skillet, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through. If you like your chocolate extra melty, the microwave is your best bet!
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes, adding both natural sweetness and flavor intensity. The riper the banana, the more moist and fragrant your pancakes will be.
What’s the best way to keep pancakes warm for a crowd?
If you’re cooking for a group, keep finished pancakes warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven (about 200 degrees F). This way, everyone gets to enjoy their pancakes hot off the stack!
How can I make these pancakes dairy-free?
Just swap out the regular milk for any plant-based milk, like almond, soy, or oat, and use dairy-free chocolate chips along with a vegan butter or oil. The pancakes will still be just as fluffy and flavorful!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Go for it! Finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut can be stirred in with the chocolate chips to add a little crunch or extra flavor to your Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes.
What type Breakfast
A nonstick skillet or electric griddle ensures that your pancakes cook evenly and flip easily. If you’re using a traditional pan, make sure it’s well-greased and preheated so the pancakes release without sticking.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a stack of Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes, whether it’s Sunday brunch or a random weekday treat. Their warm, gooey chocolate centers and sweet banana notes are pure comfort—so why not treat yourself or someone you love? Enjoy every last bite, and let breakfast be your favorite meal of the day!
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Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes for a special breakfast treat. These fluffy pancakes are studded with mini chocolate chips and infused with the sweet flavor of ripe bananas, making them a family favorite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 large ripe banana (mashed)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cooking: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Serve warm with extra chocolate chips, banana slices, or maple syrup if desired.
Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the mashed banana, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; do not overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Notes
- For fluffier pancakes, let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before cooking.
- You can use dairy-free milk and vegan chocolate chips to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg