Chocolate Chip Chia Pancakes (a Healthier Chocolate Chip Pancake!)
If you’re looking for a delicious twist on your classic breakfast favorite, you’ve landed in the right place! These Chocolate Chip Chia Pancakes (a Healthier Chocolate Chip Pancake!) are light, fluffy, and packed with wholesome ingredients that will kickstart your day on a positive note. Imagine a stack of pancakes that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also incorporates the nutritional benefits of chia seeds. Yes, please! Whether you’re cooking them up for a family brunch or just treating yourself to a cozy breakfast, these pancakes are sure to impress.
Why Cooks Rave About It
Cooks rave about these pancakes because they strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. The whole wheat flour adds fiber, while the chia seeds are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and provide a delightful crunch. The mini chocolate chips melt beautifully within the pancakes, creating pockets of chocolatey goodness that make each bite irresistible. Plus, they are incredibly easy to whip up, making them a favorite for busy mornings or leisurely weekends.
Ingredient List
- 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (dairy or plant-based)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil (melted and cooled slightly)
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
- Butter, maple syrup, and/or fresh fruit (strawberries are excellent!) for topping
Before You Start: Equipment
- Mixing bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Griddle or non-stick skillet: For cooking the pancakes.
- Spatula: To flip those pancakes with ease.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key for the best results.
Chocolate Chip Chia Pancakes (a Healthier Chocolate Chip Pancake!): From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Prepare the Chia Seeds
Start by mixing the chia seeds with 9 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. This will create a gel-like consistency that acts as a fantastic egg substitute, adding moisture and nutrients to your pancakes.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that all your leavening agents are distributed evenly throughout the flour.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the chia gel, egg, milk, yogurt, melted butter or coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well mixed, and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; overmixing can lead to dense pancakes.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the mini chocolate chips. This is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Heat the Griddle
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. If desired, lightly grease it with a touch of butter or oil.
Step 7: Cook the Pancakes
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Stack your pancakes high and top them with additional chocolate chips, a pat of butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, or fresh fruit like strawberries for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredient Flex Options
- Whole Wheat Flour: Can be replaced with spelt flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- Milk: Use almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
- Plain Yogurt: Substitute with coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
- Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate chips or carob chips can be used for a different flavor profile.
Insider Tips
- For fluffier pancakes, let the batter rest for about 5 minutes before cooking. This allows the flour to hydrate fully and the chia seeds to absorb more liquid.
- Keep pancakes warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you finish cooking the rest of the batch.
- If your batter is too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with add-ins like nuts or berries for a personalized touch!
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
These pancakes can be made ahead of time, which makes breakfast even easier! Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the toaster or microwave for a quick and easy breakfast any day of the week.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I make these pancakes vegan?
Yes! To make these pancakes vegan, simply replace the egg with an additional tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. You can also use plant-based milk and yogurt.
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can omit chocolate chips entirely or use dried fruit like raisins or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Can I add protein powder to the batter?
Absolutely! You can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder. Just keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly, so you might need to adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.
How do I know when the pancakes are done cooking?
Pancakes are done when they are golden brown on both sides, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Bubbles will also form on the surface before you flip them.
Desserts to Finish
In Closing
Indulging in a stack of Chocolate Chip Chia Pancakes (a Healthier Chocolate Chip Pancake!) doesn’t have to come with a side of guilt. These pancakes are a delightful way to enjoy a classic breakfast while incorporating wholesome ingredients that nourish your body. With simple ingredients and easy steps, breakfast can be both delicious and nutritious. So grab your mixing bowls and get ready to whip up a batch that will surely become a family favorite! Enjoy the perfect blend of health and flavor in every fluffy bite.
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Chocolate Chip Chia Pancakes (a Healthier Chocolate Chip Pancake!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by mixing the chia seeds with 9 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes to create a gel-like consistency.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the chia gel, egg, milk, yogurt, melted butter or coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat, lightly greasing it if desired.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Stack your pancakes and top them with additional chocolate chips, butter, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.
Notes
- For fluffier pancakes, let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
- Keep pancakes warm in a low oven while cooking the rest of the batch.
- If the batter is too thick, add more milk to adjust consistency.
