Chocolate Pancakes (With A Secret Ingredient)

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Hi Bold Bakers!

IN THIS RECIPE: Let’s welcome back Dee, one of our Bold Baking Network experts and founder of One Sarcastic Baker!  — Dee has a lovely recently-released Baking Science cookbook (buy it here) and is here to make us breakfast. Not only are you going to get a Chocolate Pancakes recipe, but you get one that maintains being simple while being elevated by a secret ingredient — all thanks to science.

We all love chocolate and we all love pancakes, so bringing them together is a no-brainer. The only question is how to turn them into epic chocolate pancakes?

The Answer: Olive Oil

The traditional mixing method when making pancakes is pretty simple: mix the dry ingredients in one bowl, the wet ingredients in another bowl then pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients, mix and cook. 

This means our fat has to be in a liquid form, which leaves us with melted butter (saturated fat) or oil (unsaturated fat). You can learn more about the difference between the two in my book: Baking Science.

In this recipe I decided to go with Olive oil for a few reasons:

1. Olive oil, being unsaturated fat will coat the flour and cocoa powder more efficiently and as a result, will increase the moistness of the pancakes.
2. Olive oil’s flavor goes great with chocolate and even enhances it.
3. It is easier and faster than melting butter. 

How To Make Chocolate Pancakes

It does not get easier than making pancakes. The most important step that is often overlooked is that it is important to bring the ingredients to room temperature.

Please make sure to carefully read the below instructions for a successful bake!

• Measure and bring your ingredients to room temperature.
• Sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder and use a fork to evenly distribute, and aerate.
• In a large measuring cup, mix together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
• Pour the liquids over the flour mixture, and use a fork to hydrate the mixture. DO NOT over mix, lumps are ok and in fact, lumps are great, they are an indication that air is trapped in the batter and will give our pancakes the beautiful fluffy texture we all love.
• Melt ½ tsp of butter (oil and oil spray is also ok) over a flat pan. Once melted use a paper towel to soak any access fat. Do not skip on this part, too much fat will make it hard to flip the pancakes.
• Pour ¼, ⅓, or ½ cup of the batter into the pan and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes or just until the pancakes appear mat and you notice some air bubbles.
• Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1 minute. 
• Top with chocolate sauce and berries and enjoy!

What can go wrong?

Read the below carefully to avoid any frustrations.

• The pancakes are flat. You over-mixed it, or you did not cook the batter right away.
• The pancakes are chewy. You did not bring the ingredients to room temperature.
• The pancakes burned. You cooked them over high heat, I always cook a “test” pancake to make sure I have the heat just right. Remember we have different ovens and different stovetops.
• The pancakes will not flip. Told you to wipe the pan from the access fat… didn’t I?

Alternatives

Here are a few options for you to personalize your pancakes:

• Fluffier pancakes. Reduce baking powder to 1 tsp.
• Extra fluffy pancakes. Separate the egg, and mix only the egg yolk with the liquids. Then add an extra egg white and whip until a thick foam is formed, fold the meringue into the batter and cook.
• Add ons. Add ½ cup of chocolate chips or blueberries. (do not reduce the amount of baking powder).

Storing

The pancakes will stay fresh and moist thanks to the olive oil for up to 2 days at room temperature, covered.

FAQS

How can I make this recipe non-chocolate?

Replace the cocoa powder with all-purpose flour.

Do I need to allow the batter to rest?

No, cook the pancakes right away.

Can I use melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder?

No. Stick to cocoa powder.

Buy Dee’s Cookbook

If you’re into baking science, look no further than Dee’s brand new cookbook that’s all about the why’s and how’s of baking — it’s literally called Baking Science. You can buy it right here.

Connect With Dee Everywhere

You can find Dee in all kinds of places on the internet. Give her a visit, a follow, and some online love!

• OneSarcasticBaker.com
• Instagram: OneSarcasticBaker
• TikTok: @OneSarcasticBaker

The Bold Baking Network

Bigger Bolder Baking is thrilled to introduce you to the Bold Baking Network, a team of talented chefs, creators, and experts looking to teach, entertain and help you on your baking journey. Here are more articles from our amazing collaborators.

• Dirty Chai Brownies
• Cinnamon Roll Muffins
• Homemade Hamantaschen Cookies
• Baking Powder VS. Baking Soda When Baking Cookies
• Passover Cream Puffs
• Carrot Cake Muffins (With A Cream Cheese Filling)
• Enhancing The Taste Of Sugar

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