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    Home » Breakfast

    Healthy Chocolate Banana Pancakes

    Published: Jul 17, 2020 | Modified: Jan 30, 2021 by Bree Sheree

    515 shares

    This post contains affiliate links for which I may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) should you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclaimer for more information.

    Jump to Recipe
    Pin image of vegan chocolate banana pancakes

    These vegan chocolate banana pancakes are healthy and delicious! They are plant-based, gluten-free, and make a great breakfast!

    Overhead view of stack of chocolate pancakes with chocolate syrup and cacao powder sprinkled on top.

    Pancakes are one of the most loved breakfast foods ever!

    I remember when I was growing up, every time we had pancakes it was a treat. We wouldn’t have them on just any regular morning. They were reserved for when we had friends over for sleepovers, or special occasions like birthdays and holidays.

    Looking back, I suppose this was because the pancakes we were eating, although delicious, were not that healthy. That’s why they had to be a special treat.

    But wouldn’t it be great if you could have delicious, tasty, pancakes on a regular basis without feeling guilty and like you’re constantly indulging in something unhealthy?

    If you said yes, you’ll love this recipe!

    These healthy chocolate banana pancakes are made with simple, wholesome, healthy ingredients!

    If you would rather have plain banana pancakes (without the chocolate) check out these 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes.

    Stack of chocolate pancakes with chocolate syrup and cacao powder on top.

    You will love these pancakes! They are:

    • Chocolatey
    • Super healthy
    • Thick
    • Vegan
    • Whole food plant-based
    • Gluten free
    • Easy to make!
    • Comforting

    Ingredients for these healthy chocolate banana pancakes

    • Bananas
    • Almond milk (unsweetened)
    • Oat flour (gluten-free if necessary)
    • Cacao powder or cocoa powder
    • Baking powder
    • Maple syrup
    • Vanilla extract
    Stack of chocolate pancakes with chocolate syrup on top and banana slices on the plate.

    How to make oat flour

    The only flour you need to make these healthy chocolate banana pancakes is oat flour. It is extremely easy to make on your own, which will be cheaper.

    All you need to do is buy some rolled oats (make sure they are gluten free if necessary), and blend them!

    Then you simply put some oats into a blender or food processor. They should quickly become ground into a flour-like texture. Continue blending until the flour is smooth with no leftover pieces of oats.

    *This may be more difficult depending on what kitchen appliance you use. For example, I have a great food processor, but it doesn’t work well to create oat flour. When I use my old blender I get much better results while making oat flour. So try both if you have both and see what works better!

    Close up of a piece of chocolate banana pancakes on a fork with a stack of pancakes in the background.

    Tips for making this recipe

    • Make sure you use ripe bananas. They should be a bit spotty, but don’t worry, they will be perfect on the inside! If you make sure the bananas are ripe, they will be easy to blend and they will be sweeter.
    • Make sure you use baking powder for fluffiness. Some people mix up baking powder and baking soda, so make sure you use the powder! It will help give these pancakes a fluffy texture. If you want your chocolate banana pancakes even fluffier, you could add an extra ½ teaspoon of baking powder.
    • Make sure that you use a non-stick pan. This is absolutely essential if you want to make your pancakes oil free. The first time I tried making these pancakes, I used an old non-stick pan that had some scratches on it and my pancakes stuck to it pretty badly. It was a mess! So, it’s really important that you use a non-stick pan that is in great condition. It doesn’t have to be expensive though. I bought a new one for about eight dollars and it works perfectly.
    • Check your pancakes frequently so they don’t burn. Every stove is different so you will need to keep an eye on the pancakes and flip them once you can lift them without having them fall apart. I put guidelines for timing in the recipe card, but low heat on my stove top may not be the same as on yours.
    Four chocolate pancakes on a plate, with a banana next to it and cacao powder sprinkled on top.

    Topping Ideas

    • Coconut flakes
    • Peanut butter
    • Maple syrup
    • Fruit - banana slices, blueberries, strawberries - anything!
    • More cacao powder!
    • Peanut butter drizzle: 1 tablespoon of peanut butter with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup (mix and microwave for 30 seconds)
    • Coconut drizzle: 1 tablespoon of coconut butter and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup (mix and microwave for 30 seconds)

    Check out these other healthy chocolate recipes:

    • 3-Ingredient Avocado Chocolate Mousse
    • Chocolate Peanut Butter Spread
    • Healthy Chocolate Fruit Dip
    • Banana Chocolate Strawberry Nice Cream

    If you are committed to eating a healthy plant-based diet, check out this plant-based grocery list to help you get started! The items on this list are essential for several whole food plant-based recipes.

    Pin image of vegan chocolate banana pancakes
    Overhead view of chocolate pancakes with chocolate syrup on top and banana slices on the plate.
    Print Recipe

    Healthy Chocolate Banana Pancakes

    These vegan chocolate banana pancakes are healthy and delicious! They are plant-based, gluten-free, and great for breakfast!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6 pancakes
    Calories: 140kcal
    Author: Bree Sheree

    Equipment

    • Food processor
    • Non-stick pan

    Ingredients

    • 2 ripe bananas
    • ½ cup almond milk (unsweetened)
    • 1 cup oat flour (lightly packed, 125 grams)
    • 5 tablespoons cacao powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

    Instructions

    • Peel the bananas and place them in a food processor or blender.
    • Add all other ingredients and blend thoroughly.
    • Heat a non-stick pan on low heat.
    • *Pour ¼ cup batter onto the pan and cook until you can flip it over (approximately 1½ minutes)
    • Flip and cook the second side for approximately 1 - 1½ minutes

    Notes

    *Use low heat. Make sure you check each side of your pancakes after around 1 minute. Every stove is different, so times may vary slightly.
    Makes approximately 6-7  pancakes, using ¼ cup batter per pancake.
    Total cook time of 15 minutes is for two pancakes on the pan at a time.
    Nutrition Information is for one pancake. 
    Because only 1 tablespoon of maple syrup is used in this recipe, these pancakes aren't particularly sweet. I recommend topping with maple syrup before serving!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 353mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 25IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 2mg

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      Hummus Toast (4 Ways)
    • A piece of avocado toast topped with chopped green onion.
      My Go-To Avocado Toast (Vegan)
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      3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes (Vegan and Gluten-Free)
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    515 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. MARA

      March 19, 2021 at 4:25 am

      Hi, If I am using unsweetened (bakers)cocoa, how much do I need?

      Reply
      • Bree Sheree

        March 20, 2021 at 4:03 am

        I find that cocoa powder and cacao powder can usually be used interchangeably, so I would stick to the same amount as the cacao powder listed in the recipe.

        Reply
    2. Natalie

      November 11, 2019 at 1:49 am

      Hi Bree I can't wait to make both of your pancakes but I only have frozen bananas. If I defrost them can I successfully use them? Thanking you kindly.Natalie

      Reply
      • Bree Sheree

        November 11, 2019 at 6:24 pm

        Hi Natalie,
        I haven't tried my banana pancake recipes with defrosted bananas, but I think it should work!

        Reply

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    Hey, I'm Bree! I'm a Certified Nutritionist and a vegan. I love creating recipes and sharing information related to a vegan lifestyle!

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    515 shares