Chef Mitchell preparing Creamy Chocolate Pancake Stack
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I first discovered my love for chocolate pancakes during a family brunch. After years of tweaking the recipe, I finally perfected a fluffy, rich pancake that pairs beautifully with a creamy chocolate sauce. This stack has become a family favorite, and I hope it brings you as much joy as it has brought me."

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, Chef Mitchell specializes in breakfast recipes that bring a comfort-food element to every meal. His passion for creating delicious, approachable dishes shines through in every recipe.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Creamy Chocolate Pancake Stack served on a plate

Why This Creamy Chocolate Pancake Stack Recipe Works

This recipe stands out with its perfect balance of cocoa and sweetness, creating a deliciously decadent pancake stack that chocolate lovers crave. The use of buttermilk adds wonderful moisture and fluffiness, making each bite melt in your mouth.

The technique of folding in the chocolate chips ensures they remain intact, providing bursts of chocolate in every bite. The rich chocolate sauce is simple yet elevates the dish, making it a showstopper for breakfast or brunch.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, make sure your skillet is preheated before adding the pancake batter. A hot skillet will help create a nice golden-brown crust while keeping the inside fluffy. Also, avoid overmixing the batter to ensure light and airy pancakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld. However, it’s best to cook the pancakes fresh for optimal texture. You can also make the pancakes ahead of time and reheat them before serving.

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a substitute by adding one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles slightly. This will mimic the acidity and give you the same results in your pancakes.

Pancakes are done when they have bubbles forming on the surface and the edges appear set. Flip them and continue cooking until both sides are golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Absolutely! Allow pancakes to cool completely before stacking them with parchment paper in between each one. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Reheat them in the toaster or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.

These pancakes are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas for added flavor. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream also makes for a delightful pairing.

In the refrigerator, these pancakes will last for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet to enjoy them again.

Yes, the batter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture and flavor, it is recommended to cook the pancakes fresh right before serving.

The best way to reheat pancakes is to use a toaster or a skillet. For the toaster, simply pop them in until heated through. On the skillet, warm them over medium-low heat with a little butter to keep them moist and delicious.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your pancakes turn out too dry, it may be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour.

Solution: To prevent dry pancakes, make sure to gently fold the ingredients and measure flour accurately. Consider adding a splash more buttermilk for extra moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If your pancakes aren't crispy, they might not have been cooked at a high enough temperature.

Solution: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before pouring the batter. A hot pan helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked pancakes can become tough and dry.

Prevention: Monitor the cooking time closely. Once bubbles form on top and the edges look set, flip the pancakes. Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If you find the center of your pancakes is undercooked, it might be because the heat was too high.

Recovery: Lower the heat and allow the pancakes to cook longer on each side, ensuring the center is fully cooked without burning the outside.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior usually indicates that the pan is too hot.

Prevention: Reduce the heat and allow the pancakes to cook more slowly for an even golden color throughout.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the pancakes are too sweet, you can balance the flavor by serving them with a little sour cream or yogurt.

Too Salty: If your pancakes taste too salty, try pairing them with a sweet syrup or fruit to counterbalance the flavor.

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Fresh ingredients for Creamy Chocolate Pancake Stack

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Chocolate Pancake Stack

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect pancake. The combination of all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and buttermilk creates a rich texture and flavor. Chocolate chips are essential for that indulgent chocolate experience.

Using high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate will elevate the taste of your pancakes. Fresh ingredients ensure the best results, making your pancakes fluffy and delicious.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • All-Purpose Flour: Always sift your flour before measuring to avoid clumping and ensure accurate measurement. This will help achieve light and fluffy pancakes.
  • Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor. Make sure it’s fresh to get the full chocolatey taste in your pancakes.
  • Chocolate Chips: Use good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich flavor. You can also experiment with dark or white chocolate chips for a different twist.
Cooking process for Creamy Chocolate Pancake Stack

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for these pancakes is straightforward, making it easy for anyone to whip up a delicious breakfast. Start by prepping the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them without overmixing.

Cooking the pancakes at the right temperature is key. Ensure a nice golden-brown color while keeping them fluffy inside. The rich chocolate sauce adds the final touch, making for a beautifully presented dish.

Key Technique for Perfect Creamy Chocolate Pancake Stack

The key to achieving the perfect pancake lies in the mixing technique. Be gentle when combining wet and dry ingredients to avoid developing gluten, which can lead to tough pancakes. The goal is to have a slightly lumpy batter for the best texture.

Creamy Chocolate Pancake Stack

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    For melting
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For the sauce

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    For the pancake base
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
    For a chocolate flavor
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    For leavening
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    For extra lift
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    To enhance flavor
  • 1 cup buttermilk
    For moisture
  • 1 large egg
    For structure
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
    To enrich flavor
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For aroma
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    For chocolate flavor

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

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

  2. Mix Wet Ingredients

    In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

  3. Combine Mixtures

    Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

  4. Add Chocolate Chips

    Fold in the chocolate chips into the batter.

  5. Cook Pancakes

    Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet, cooking until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook until golden brown.

  6. Make the Chocolate Sauce

    In a saucepan, heat heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well.

  7. Stack the Pancakes

    On a plate, layer pancakes with chocolate sauce in between each layer.

  8. Drizzle and Serve

    Drizzle additional chocolate sauce over the top and serve warm.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pancakes with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. A drizzle of maple syrup enhances the flavors beautifully.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate chips. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist on this classic recipe.