Fluffy Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes: The Ultimate Homemade Breakfast Treat

Indulge in these incredibly light and fluffy chocolate chip banana pancakes, packed with sweet banana flavor and melted chocolate chips. They’re the perfect solution for those ripe bananas on your counter and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any breakfast or brunch!

There’s something uniquely comforting and celebratory about a stack of homemade pancakes on a weekend morning. While store-bought mixes offer convenience, nothing truly compares to the fresh taste, tender texture, and customizable nature of pancakes made from scratch. In our household, pancakes are a beloved breakfast staple, especially for my husband and son. My son, in particular, has a strong preference for chocolate chip pancakes or, seasonally, Pumpkin Pancakes. If he had his way, fluffy pancakes would grace our breakfast table every single day!

Beyond being a delightful morning meal, homemade pancakes offer a fantastic canvas for creativity. I love adapting them to suit everyone’s tastes: adding generous handfuls of chocolate chips for my son, topping them with vibrant fresh berries for myself, or drizzling them with rich, real maple syrup for my husband. Even when opting for healthier versions, like these delicious Protein Pancakes, you can always find ways to make them enjoyable for the whole family. These chocolate chip banana pancakes, however, have truly elevated our breakfast game. They bring together the natural sweetness and moistness of ripe bananas with the irresistible joy of melted chocolate, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that are simply divine.

Using up those ripening bananas on the counter has always been a pleasant kitchen challenge. For a long time, my go-to recipe was Blueberry Banana Bread, a classic for a reason. But I must confess, these delectable chocolate chip banana pancakes might just be taking over as my new favorite way to transform those brown-speckled fruits. They take the simple pleasure of homemade pancakes to an entirely new level, infusing them with a subtle, sweet banana flavor and a wonderfully moist crumb that’s unparalleled. And by generously adding chocolate chips, you’re not just creating a treat; you’re crafting a breakfast masterpiece that’s hard to resist and surprisingly easy to make. These are truly the best banana pancakes recipe for a comforting start to your day.

How to Perfectly Incorporate Chocolate Chips into Your Homemade Pancakes

One of the most common questions I hear when it comes to creating perfect chocolate chip pancakes is: how do you add chocolate chips to pancakes without them all sinking to the bottom of the batter? It’s a valid concern that many home cooks face. Thankfully, I have two reliable methods that I use regularly, depending on the outcome I’m aiming for. Both techniques work beautifully; it just comes down to your preference and whether you’re making a full batch of chocolate chip pancakes or just a few.

1. Method 1: Mixing Chips with Dry Ingredients for Even Distribution

   This is my preferred method when I’m making a full batch of chocolate chip banana pancakes and want the chips evenly distributed throughout every single bite. The ingenious trick here is to mix the chocolate chips directly into the flour and other dry ingredients (like baking powder, sugar, and salt) before you even think about combining them with the wet ingredients. Coating the chocolate chips in a fine layer of flour helps to create a barrier, which prevents them from sinking too quickly or completely to the bottom of your pancake batter. This ensures that each pancake, from the very first one off the griddle to the last, is delightfully dotted with melted chocolatey goodness, resulting in a consistent and satisfying experience for everyone.

2. Method 2: Sprinkling Chips onto the Batter for Targeted Placement

   This method is fantastic if you’re catering to different preferences at the breakfast table – maybe some family members crave plain banana pancakes, while others (like my son!) absolutely demand chocolate. After you pour a ladle of your banana pancake batter onto your hot griddle or skillet, immediately sprinkle a few chocolate chips directly onto the uncooked surface of each pancake. The gentle heat from the griddle will quickly set the bottom of the pancake, helping the chocolate chips stay precisely where you placed them. While they might still melt and create delicious puddles of chocolate on one side, this technique allows for precise control over the chocolate chip count in each individual pancake. It’s especially great if you only want a few pancakes with chocolate chips or if you appreciate the visual appeal of seeing those chocolate morsels right on top of your golden-brown flapjacks.

Crafting the Perfect Homemade Pancakes from Scratch

Despite their gourmet appeal, making pancakes from scratch is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. The process is straightforward, requiring just a few basic steps that yield far superior results compared to any box mix. Once you master these fundamental techniques, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with pre-made blends. Here’s a breakdown of the easy method to create perfect homemade pancakes:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients Thoroughly: In a large mixing bowl, you’ll start by whisking together all of your dry ingredients. This typically includes the all-purpose flour, baking powder (which is absolutely crucial for achieving that characteristic lift and airy texture!), both types of sugar for balanced sweetness, salt to enhance the flavors, and any warm spices like cinnamon. Whisking them thoroughly for about 30 seconds ensures that the leavening agents and flavorings are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture, preventing any unwelcome pockets of unmixed ingredients in your final batter. If you plan to incorporate chocolate chips using Method 1 (for even distribution), this is the ideal stage to gently fold them into this dry mixture as well.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients Separately Until Smooth: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, you’ll then combine all of your wet ingredients. For these delicious banana pancakes, this means the ripe mashed bananas, one large egg for structure and richness, the tangy buttermilk, melted and slightly cooled butter for flavor and moisture, and a touch of vanilla extract for aromatic depth. Whisk these wet ingredients together until they are well blended and smooth. It’s important to mash the bananas thoroughly at this stage to ensure a consistent, lump-free texture in your pancakes.
3. Gently Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: This is arguably the most crucial step for achieving tender, fluffy pancakes. Pour the wet banana mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a whisk or spatula, stir them together only until they are *just* combined. You’re looking for a batter that still has a few small lumps – that’s perfectly normal and, in fact, desirable! A slightly lumpy batter is a sign that you haven’t overmixed.

A key golden rule when making any pancake recipe is: do not overmix the batter. Overmixing aggressively develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to tough, chewy, and disappointingly dense pancakes, rather than the light, airy texture we all crave. Once you no longer see visible streaks of dry flour, stop stirring. The baking powder (and buttermilk, if used) begins to react with the liquid components of the batter almost immediately, producing tiny carbon dioxide bubbles that are essential for creating lift. Therefore, pancake batter is not something you want to prepare far in advance; for the absolute fluffiest results, you should always start cooking shortly after mixing your ingredients.

Unlocking the Secrets to Truly Fluffy Pancakes Every Time

Achieving those coveted light, airy, and fluffy pancakes is simpler than you might think. Over the years, through countless weekend breakfasts, I’ve gathered a few essential tricks that consistently deliver perfect results. These aren’t complicated culinary secrets; they’re straightforward techniques anyone can master to elevate their pancake game from good to absolutely phenomenal. Just follow these simple rules, and you’ll be enjoying cloud-like pancakes with ease:

• Do Not Overmix the Batter: The #1 Rule for Tenderness and Lift

  As emphasized previously, this point is paramount and cannot be overstated. When you overmix pancake batter, you aggressively activate and develop the gluten in the flour. This process leads to tough, rubbery, and dense pancakes, entirely counteracting the wonderfully tender and airy texture we all desire. Instead, stir only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. A few small lumps in the batter are not only acceptable but actually preferable, as they indicate you haven’t overmixed. The true magic of fluffy pancakes lies in preserving those delicate air pockets that form when gluten development is minimized, allowing the pancakes to rise beautifully.

• Embrace Buttermilk for Superior Lift and Flavor in Your Pancakes

  Buttermilk truly is a game-changer for homemade pancakes. Its inherent acidity reacts with the baking powder (a key leavening agent), creating a cascade of carbon dioxide bubbles within the batter. This abundance of bubbles directly translates to a higher, softer, and more tender rise in your pancakes. Beyond the impressive lift, buttermilk also contributes a delightful slight tanginess and actively helps tenderize the batter, resulting in incredibly moist and flavorful pancakes that are a cut above the rest. While you can certainly use regular milk if that’s all you have, making the effort to grab that small container of buttermilk is highly recommended for optimal results. And if you find yourself without buttermilk on hand, don’t fret! You can easily make a homemade substitute by adding 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling the rest of the cup with regular milk up to the 1-cup mark. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles, and you’ll have a perfectly usable, acidic buttermilk alternative ready for your recipe.

• Resist the Urge to Press Down on Pancakes While Cooking – Let Them Be!

  This is a remarkably common mistake that many people make, often out of habit or a misguided attempt to speed up cooking. Many instinctively press down on pancakes with their spatula after flipping them, thinking it will help them cook faster or make them flatter. Resist this urge at all costs! Pressing down on your pancakes during cooking is detrimental because it forcefully deflates all those precious air bubbles that are forming within the pancake, which are absolutely essential for its fluffy texture. Instead, let the pancake cook undisturbed. You’ll notice it will naturally puff up slightly as the leavening agents work their magic, creating a beautiful, light, and airy interior. Trust the process; those tiny air bubbles are your best friends in the quest for perfect fluffiness!

• Cook on the Right Heat: Medium-High for Golden Perfection

  Pancakes cook relatively quickly, so finding and maintaining the right heat level on your griddle or skillet is a crucial factor for success. You don’t want the heat too low, as this will result in pale, dry pancakes that take an unnecessarily long time to cook and might not develop that desirable crisp edge. Conversely, heat that’s too high will quickly burn the outside before the inside has a chance to cook through properly, leaving you with a raw center. Aim for a medium-high heat on your griddle or skillet, typically around 350-375°F (175-190°C). You’ll know it’s ready when a small drop of water sizzles vigorously and evaporates almost immediately. This ideal temperature ensures a beautiful golden-brown exterior, a slightly crisp edge, and a perfectly cooked, wonderfully fluffy interior.

While making homemade pancakes might involve a few extra minutes of effort compared to tearing open a pre-made mix, the superior taste and texture are undeniably worth every single moment. The difference is truly remarkable – consistently light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh flavor every single time. The next time you spot those perfectly ripe, speckled bananas on your counter, don’t reach for the bread pan just yet! These incredibly delicious chocolate chip banana pancakes are definitely the way to go for an unforgettable breakfast experience that will have everyone at your table asking for more. They’re not just food; they’re a delightful start to any day, a true culinary treat for the whole family.

Alternative Ingredients: What Can I Use Instead of Banana in Pancakes?

While these particular pancakes are meticulously designed to celebrate the rich flavor and moist texture that ripe mashed bananas provide, you might occasionally find yourself without bananas on hand, or simply wish to explore other delicious options. If you’re looking for a substitution that offers a similar moistness and natural sweetness, unsweetened applesauce is an excellent and readily available choice. You can typically substitute 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce for one mashed banana in most pancake recipes. However, it’s crucial to be cautious with the quantity; do not use more than 1 cup of applesauce in total for a batch this size, as excessive applesauce can significantly alter the pancake’s texture, potentially making them too dense, gummy, or preventing them from achieving that desirable fluffiness. For a slightly different flavor profile and added moisture, you could also consider finely grated zucchini (squeezed dry to remove excess water) or even pumpkin puree, though these would, of course, change the overall character and flavor profile of what started as a “banana” pancake.

Making Breakfast Easier: How to Freeze Homemade Pancakes for Quick Meals

One of the absolute best ways to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade pancakes even on the busiest weekdays is to make a larger batch and strategically freeze the leftovers. Freezing pancakes is an incredibly simple process and allows you to have a delicious, quick, and convenient breakfast ready in minutes, far superior in taste and quality to most store-bought frozen options. Here’s how to do it effectively to ensure your frozen pancakes retain their amazing flavor and texture:

1. Cool Completely Before Freezing: This first step is vital. After cooking, ensure your pancakes are entirely cool to the touch. Stacking warm pancakes before freezing will cause them to stick together in an inseparable clump and will also make them soggy due to condensation, compromising their texture.
2. Flash Freeze in a Single Layer: Lay the cooled pancakes out in a single layer on a baking sheet. For extra non-stick insurance and easy removal, you can line the baking sheet with parchment paper. This “flash freezing” step is crucial as it prevents the individual pancakes from clumping and sticking together when they are eventually stored in a bag or container.
3. Transfer to Freezer-Safe Storage: Once the pancakes are completely frozen solid (this usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on your freezer), carefully gather them from the baking sheet. Transfer them to a freezer-safe, airtight bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag to prevent dreaded freezer burn, which can affect flavor and texture. Stored properly, your homemade frozen pancakes can maintain their quality for up to 1-2 months.
4. Effortless Reheating for Quick Breakfasts: On a busy morning, simply take out a couple of frozen pancakes. You have several convenient reheating options: you can warm them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds (adjusting the time based on your microwave’s power and the number of pancakes), pop them into a toaster or toaster oven until they’re warmed through and slightly crisp, or even gently warm them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. This fantastic meal prep strategy means a warm, delicious, homemade breakfast is never more than a few minutes away, making your mornings smoother and more delightful!

Explore More Delicious Breakfast Recipes

If you loved these chocolate chip banana pancakes and are looking for even more inspiring ways to make your mornings brighter and your breakfast table more exciting, then you’ve come to the right place! Check out some of our other fantastic breakfast and brunch ideas. From wholesome baked oatmeal to delightful muffins and hearty savory sandwiches, there’s truly something here to satisfy every craving and occasion:

• Baked Oatmeal Cups – Perfect for meal prepping ahead of time, these wholesome cups are a convenient and healthy grab-and-go option for busy mornings.
• Pancake Muffins – Enjoy all the beloved flavors and fluffy texture of pancakes in a fun, portable, and easy-to-eat muffin form. Kids especially love these!
• Nutella Muffins – A rich and utterly decadent treat for all chocolate-hazelnut lovers, perfect with a cup of coffee.
• Sausage Breakfast Sandwich – A hearty and satisfying savory option that’s sure to keep you full and energized, a fantastic alternative to sweet breakfasts.
• Blueberry French Toast Bake – A show-stopping, make-ahead casserole that’s absolutely perfect for brunches, holidays, or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss on the day.
• Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake – A delightfully sweet and crumbly pairing for your morning coffee or tea, featuring pockets of melted chocolate.
• Nutella Donuts – Sweet, fried delights that are generously filled with creamy, luscious Nutella for an indulgent breakfast or dessert.
• S’mores Pancakes – A fun, camp-inspired twist on classic pancakes, complete with chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers – an adventurous breakfast for the young and young at heart!

4.58 from 61 votes

Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes

By

Erin Sellin

Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes – light and fluffy banana pancakes with lots of chocolate chips. Great to use up those bananas on your counter!  

Prep:

15 minutes
mins

Cook:

10 minutes
mins

Total:

25 minutes
mins

Servings:
4

Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe

Video

Equipment

• Whisks
• Mixing Bowls
• Pot and Pan Set / Griddle

Ingredients

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1 1/2
  cups
  
  all-purpose flour
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  Tablespoon
  
  granulated sugar
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  Tablespoon
  
  light brown sugar
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  teaspoons
  
  baking powder
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/2
  teaspoon
  
  salt
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/2
  teaspoon
  
  ground cinnamon
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  
  ripe bananas
  , mashed (preferably overripe, with brown spots, for maximum sweetness and moisture)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  
  large egg
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  cup
  
  buttermilk
  (or homemade buttermilk alternative: 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice, let sit 5 mins)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  Tablespoons
  
  unsalted butter
  , melted and slightly cooled

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  teaspoon
  
  pure vanilla extract
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/2
  cup
  mini chocolate chips (or regular sized, depending on preference; use Method 1 or 2 for incorporation)

Instructions

• 1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until thoroughly combined. If using the “mix-in” method for chocolate chips (Method 1), gently stir them into this dry mixture now, ensuring they are lightly coated in flour. Set this bowl aside.
• 2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth (a few small lumps are perfectly acceptable for texture!). Add the large egg, buttermilk (or your homemade alternative), melted and slightly cooled butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until they are well blended and homogenous.
• 3. Form the Batter (Do Not Overmix!): Pour the wet banana mixture into the bowl containing the dry flour mixture. Using a whisk or spatula, stir just until the ingredients are combined. It’s absolutely crucial not to overmix the batter; a few lumps of flour are perfectly fine and will lead to tender, delightfully fluffy pancakes. Overmixing will result in tough, rubbery pancakes.
• 4. Cook the Pancakes to Golden Perfection: Heat a large non-stick skillet or electric griddle over medium-high heat (aim for approximately 350-375°F or 175-190°C). Lightly grease the surface with non-stick cooking spray or a small pat of butter. Once hot, scoop about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the hot surface. If using the “sprinkle on” method for chocolate chips (Method 2), sprinkle a few chips onto the surface of each pancake immediately after pouring the batter. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until small bubbles begin to form and pop on the surface of the pancake and the edges look set. Carefully flip the pancakes using a thin spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remember the golden rule: do not press down on the pancakes!
• 5. Serve Immediately and Enjoy: Remove the cooked pancakes from the heat and serve them warm with your favorite toppings, such as a generous drizzle of real maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, fresh banana slices, or an extra sprinkle of chocolate chips. These are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle!

Nutrition

Calories:
433
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
69
g

|

Protein:
10
g

|

Fat:
15
g

|

Saturated Fat:
8
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
5
g

|

Cholesterol:
64
mg

|

Sodium:
719
mg

|

Fiber:
4
g

|

Sugar:
24
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

15 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

10 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

25 minutes
minutes

Course:
Breakfast Recipes, Brunch

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
4

Calories:
433

Keyword:
banana pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, homemade pancakes, fluffy pancakes, easy breakfast

Love this recipe? Share your thoughts below!

Join Our Culinary Community! I’ve created a fun and engaging group on Facebook, and I’d be absolutely thrilled for you to become a part of it! It’s a vibrant and supportive space where you can
share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, discover new culinary inspiration, troubleshoot cooking dilemmas, and stay up-to-date with all the latest delicious creations from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (ensuring you never miss out on a new recipe!). Come join us and share your passion for food!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and
tag your culinary creations with #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS
recipes YOU whip up! Your beautiful food photos and cooking triumphs truly inspire me and the entire community!

Stay connected and make sure you never miss a post from us! Follow me on my social media channels for daily inspiration, tips, and delicious recipes:

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram