Craving fluffy, soft banana chocolate chip pancakes that are ready in just 20 minutes? This easy, one-bowl recipe is perfect for busy mornings or a weekend treat. The combination of ripe bananas, melty chocolate chips, and a hint of vanilla makes every bite irresistibly delicious.
These pancakes are not only quick and easy but also naturally sweetened with bananas, making them a healthier breakfast choice. Plus, they’re kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps. Let’s get flipping!
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (or coconut oil)
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
1: Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add the egg, milk, vanilla, and melted butter, whisking until well combined.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gently mix until just combined (don’t overmix; small lumps are okay!).
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
2: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
3: Serve & Enjoy
- Stack the pancakes and top with extra banana slices, chocolate chips, and maple syrup.
- Serve warm and enjoy your soft, fluffy banana chocolate chip pancakes!
Tips for the Best Pancakes
Want to make perfectly soft, fluffy banana chocolate chip pancakes every time? Follow these expert tips to get the best texture, flavor, and consistency!
1. Use Ripe Bananas for Natural Sweetness
✔ The riper the banana, the sweeter and softer your pancakes will be.
Ripe bananas not only add natural sweetness but also make the pancakes extra soft and moist. If your bananas have brown spots or are almost black, they’re perfect for this recipe!
What if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?
- Microwave them for 20-30 seconds to soften.
- Bake them at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes until the peel turns black.
- Store bananas in a brown paper bag overnight to speed up ripening.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
✔ A few lumps in the batter are completely fine!
Overmixing causes the gluten in the flour to develop too much, leading to dense and chewy pancakes instead of light and fluffy ones.
How to mix correctly:
- Gently stir the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.
- Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour (some lumps are okay).
- Avoid using an electric mixer—whisking by hand prevents overmixing.
3. Cook on Medium Heat for Even Browning
✔ Too high, and they’ll burn; too low, and they won’t cook through.
Cooking pancakes at the right temperature ensures they are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked on the inside.
How to get the perfect heat:
- Preheat your pan or griddle over medium heat for at least 2 minutes.
- If using butter or oil, wipe off any excess to prevent burning.
- Do a test pancake: Drop a small amount of batter in the pan. If it browns too quickly, lower the heat slightly.
- If using an electric griddle, set it to 350°F (175°C).
4. Let the Batter Rest for 5 Minutes
✔ This helps the pancakes rise and become extra fluffy.
Letting the batter rest allows the baking powder to activate, creating tiny air bubbles that make the pancakes light and airy.
Why it works:
- The flour absorbs the liquid, leading to a smoother texture.
- The baking powder has time to create air pockets, making the pancakes rise.
- The batter thickens slightly, making it easier to scoop and shape pancakes.
Bonus Tip: If your batter thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
5. Flip at the Right Time
✔ Wait until bubbles form and the edges look set before flipping.
Flipping too early can result in undercooked pancakes, while flipping too late can lead to overbrowning.
How to know when to flip:
- Look for bubbles forming across the surface.
- Check if the edges appear slightly dry and set.
- Use a thin spatula to gently lift and peek under the pancake—if golden brown, it’s ready to flip!
- Flip only once for the fluffiest texture.
6. Keep Pancakes Warm Without Drying Them Out
✔ Use a 200°F (95°C) oven to keep pancakes warm while cooking in batches.
To prevent pancakes from getting cold and soggy, place them on a baking sheet in a low-temperature oven until you’re ready to serve.
Pro Tips:
- Don’t stack them—this traps steam and makes them soggy.
- Cover lightly with foil to prevent drying out.
7. Customize Your Pancakes with Add-Ins
✔ Mix in nuts, coconut, or even peanut butter for extra flavor!
Want to switch things up? Try these fun add-ins:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans – Adds crunch and nuttiness.
- Coconut flakes – Enhances sweetness and texture.
- Peanut butter or almond butter – Swirl it into the batter for extra creaminess.
- Cinnamon or nutmeg – Boosts warmth and depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
By following these simple tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make soft, fluffy banana chocolate chip pancakes every single time. The key is using ripe bananas, mixing gently, cooking at the right heat, and letting the batter rest.
Now you’re ready to whip up the best banana chocolate chip pancakes in just 20 minutes! Enjoy!
What to Serve with Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Banana chocolate chip pancakes are already delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right toppings and sides can take them to the next level. Whether you want to add extra sweetness, balance with fresh flavors, or introduce a savory contrast, here are the best ways to serve your pancakes for a complete and satisfying meal.
1. Drizzle with Honey or Maple Syrup for Extra Sweetness
Enhances the natural banana flavor
Creates a glossy, decadent finish
Balances the slight bitterness of dark chocolate chips
A drizzle of pure maple syrup or raw honey complements the soft, fluffy texture of the pancakes while bringing out their natural sweetness.
Best options:
- Pure maple syrup – Classic and rich, without artificial additives.
- Raw honey – A natural sweetener with floral notes.
- Coconut syrup or agave nectar – Great vegan alternatives.
- Chocolate syrup or caramel drizzle – For an extra indulgent touch!
Pro Tip: Warm the syrup slightly before drizzling for the best texture and flavor.
2. Top with Greek Yogurt and Fresh Berries for a Balanced Breakfast
Adds protein and probiotics for a healthier meal
Provides a cool, creamy contrast to warm pancakes
The slight tanginess balances the sweetness of bananas and chocolate
A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess while fresh berries bring a juicy, refreshing contrast. This pairing makes the pancakes feel light and fresh, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Best berries to use:
- Strawberries – Juicy and slightly tart
- Blueberries – Bursting with antioxidants
- Raspberries – Slightly tangy, balancing the sweetness
- Blackberries – Earthy and rich
Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of granola for an extra crunchy texture!
3. Add a Dollop of Peanut Butter or Nutella for Indulgence
Elevates pancakes with a creamy, nutty, or chocolatey twist
Makes the meal more filling with healthy fats and protein
Perfect for dessert-style pancakes
If you love rich, indulgent flavors, spreading a bit of peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella on your warm pancakes takes them to the next level. The heat from the pancakes melts the spread, creating a deliciously creamy layer.
Best spreads to try:
- Peanut butter – Classic nutty goodness, pairs beautifully with bananas.
- Nutella – A chocolate-hazelnut dream, extra indulgent.
- Almond butter – A healthier, slightly milder alternative.
- Cookie butter – For a cinnamon-spiced twist!
Pro Tip: Slightly melt the spread for easy drizzling or mix it with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
4. Serve with Crispy Bacon or Scrambled Eggs for a Savory Contrast
Balances the sweetness with a salty, savory touch
Adds protein, making the meal more filling
Creates a sweet-and-savory flavor combo loved by many
If you prefer a balanced breakfast, adding something savory can cut through the richness of the chocolate chips and bananas. Crispy bacon or fluffy scrambled eggs are perfect pairings for a classic diner-style meal.
Savory pairings to try:
- Crispy bacon – The salty crunch complements the soft pancakes.
- Scrambled eggs – Light and fluffy, adding protein.
- Breakfast sausage – Smoky and rich, pairs well with maple syrup.
- Fried eggs – Runny yolk creates a rich sauce when paired with pancakes.
Pro Tip: For a restaurant-style plate, serve the pancakes with bacon and a fried egg on top, then drizzle everything with maple syrup.
Bonus Topping Ideas
Want to get even more creative? Try these fun additions:
Toasted coconut flakes – Adds a tropical twist
Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) – Provides crunch
Whipped cream – Makes the pancakes extra light and airy
Dark chocolate shavings – A fancy finishing touch
Final Thoughts
Pairing banana chocolate chip pancakes with the right toppings and sides can elevate your meal, whether you want extra sweetness, freshness, indulgence, or balance.
- For a classic sweet breakfast: Go with maple syrup and fresh berries.
- For a protein boost: Add Greek yogurt, peanut butter, or eggs.
- For a sweet-savory combo: Pair with crispy bacon or sausage.
- For ultimate indulgence: Try Nutella, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle.
With these serving ideas, you can customize your pancakes to fit your cravings and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal every time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 20-Minute Soft Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes
1. Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with oat flour or a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
2. How do I store and reheat pancakes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a pan or microwave.
3. Can I make these pancakes dairy-free?
Yes! Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk and replace butter with coconut oil.
4. What can I use instead of eggs?
Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) or applesauce (¼ cup) as a substitute.
5. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or shredded coconut make great add-ins.
Conclusion
These 20-Minute Soft Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes are the perfect quick and easy breakfast treat. They’re fluffy, naturally sweetened with bananas, and packed with melty chocolate chips—perfect for kids and adults alike!
Looking for a sweet treat after breakfast? Check out this delicious Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting for the perfect dessert pairing.
Try this 20-Minute Soft Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes today and enjoy a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes in no time!