High-Protein Chocolate Pancakes From Pancake Mix

With a few simple ingredients, you can transform any pancakes into fluffy chocolate pancakes.

In this case, we’re going to make a high-protein version, but the chocolate flavor is so incredible that you’d never know that was extra protein in this recipe.

Don’t worry, you can truly use any pancake mix you want for these chocolate pancakes and they will turn out great.

If you’re like me and two of your favorite things are fluffy homemade pancakes and delicious chocolate, then this is the perfect way to start your day.

 

What’s the best pancake mix to use for chocolate pancakes?

No matter what your taste preferences are, it’s important to use a “complete pancake mix” for this simple recipe.

A complete pancake mix is one that only requires adding water, so we don’t need to mess with any milk, eggs, or oil. For the purposes of this recipe, we want the pancake mix itself to be very easy to work with.

For a protein boost, I’m choosing to use PEScience Protein Waffle & Pancake mix, which is truly the best-tasting protein pancake mix out there.

Maybe I’m a bit biased because I formulated the pancake mix myself, but it makes such delicious, fluffy pancakes that you would never know it was high in protein. Give it a try for yourself and use the code “matt” to save 10% on your order- you won’t regret it.

And not to toot my own horn too much, but it also works extremely well as a complete waffle mix, too.

If you’re in a pinch, you can use your favorite pancake mix from your pantry like Bisquick, Hungry Jack, or even Kodiak Cakes.

 

How to transform pancake mix into easy chocolate pancakes

To instantly transform your regular pancake mix into a chocolate pancake mix, we only need three simple ingredients:

1. Cocoa powder
2. Sugar
3. Dash of Salt

That’s really it! I like to throw chocolate chips into the mix for a double chocolate pancake, but that part is optional. As far as this chocolate pancake recipe is concerned, we really only need cocoa powder and sugar (the dash of salt just rounds everything out).

Since the cocoa powder is bitter, we just need a small amount of sugar or sugar substitute to balance out the bitterness. The texture of the pancakes will still be light & fluffy, even with the extra cocoa powder in there.

Now, these chocolatey pancakes aren’t going to be as sweet as chocolate cake, but rather closer to dark chocolate. When these pancakes are topped with warm syrup or chocolate syrup, it ends up being the perfect sweetness, but you can add additional sugar to your mix if you prefer your pancakes on the sweeter side.

Slowly stir water or milk into the dry ingredients until you have a thick but pourable batter. It’s okay if the pancake batter isn’t perfectly smooth, but we don’t want any big lumps in the batter.

Allow the pancake batter to sit for 2-3 minutes while you heat your non-stick pan, griddle, or skillet over medium heat. If you are making a big batch of pancakes, medium-low heat will work best to prevent the pan from becoming too hot as you work through multiple batches.

Once properly heated, spoon your pancake batter onto the hot griddle or pan. I make three pancakes per batch, but the exact amount will depend on how large you like your pancakes.

Note: I don’t use cooking spray when I make pancakes, because my large non-stick skillet works very well and these pancakes don’t require it.

Allow the pancakes to cook for 1.5-2 minutes on the first side, then flip the pancakes and cook the other side for another 1.5-2 minutes.

Remove the pancakes from the pan and build your stack of pancakes on your plate.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt down some chocolate chips to pour directly over the top of the pancakes, or keep things classic and top with maple syrup and fresh fruit.

If you want to save leftover pancakes to enjoy later in the week, keep them sealed in an airtight container in the fridge and then reheat them in the microwave or toaster oven when you’re ready to enjoy them.

To save them for even longer, these pancakes can also be frozen! Just keep the leftover pancakes tightly sealed in a freezer bag or with plastic wrap, and they’ll reheat extremely well.

 

Other ways to make easy chocolate pancakes

The above recipe is just one of many ways you can make delicious chocolate pancakes, but it’s far from the only way.

​You can whip up a batch of my cake mix protein pancakes, which only require 3 ingredients.

Or, make these vegan chocolate pancakes that are secretly packed with protein. I promise you will never find a fluffier pancake that is also vegan.

If you want to find other creative ways to turn your pancake mix into chocolate pancakes, you can also go the hot cocoa route! Stir some hot cocoa mix directly into your pancake mix and then top with mini marshmallows to enjoy delicious hot chocolate pancakes.

Last but not least, you can add your favorite chocolate protein powder to your pancake mix for an instant protein-packed chocolatey treat. Add one scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mix, then stir in enough water or milk to create a pourable batter.

No matter which route you choose to go, you’ll never find a more delicious way to enjoy chocolate for breakfast.