• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Family Food on the Table
  • Recipe Index
  • Main Dishes
  • Baby Food
  • Subscribe
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Main Dishes
  • Baby Food
  • Subscribe
  • About
×
Home » Recipes » Breakfast & Brunch

Healthy Chocolate Pancakes

By: Kathryn Doherty | Last Updated: Mar 3, 2025 | Published: Jan 23, 2016
This post may contain affiliate links. See my 
disclosure policy.

Jump to Recipe
Pin

These healthy chocolate pancakes are whole wheat, naturally sweetened and made without butter or oil. They're great for a fun breakfast!

A stack of chocolate pancakes on a white plate with diced strawberries and mini chocolate chips on top.


 

Sometimes you just need chocolate for breakfast.

Some of my favorites are healthy chocolate chip muffins (I'll eat them ANY time of day!) and chocolate overnight oats, as well as chocolate baked donuts.

If you are wondering, yes, I work as a health and nutrition editor and I certainly have absorbed quite a bit of knowledge and know-how over the years about proper nutrition and good health.

And I still like chocolate for breakfast.

Plus, when it’s as clean as today's healthy chocolate pancakes recipe, it doesn’t even make me pause.

Overhead of a stack of double chocolate pancakes on a white plate with diced strawberries and mini chocolate chips on top.

We've got chocolate goodness and it's also whole wheat and naturally sweetened. Such a lovely way to start the day!

These come together pretty quickly so you can certainly have them any day of the week, but I usually save pancakes for the weekends when we’re not in such a rush to get the kids fed, dressed and out the door for preschool (all while I’m already on deadline for work).

They save, reheat and freeze great though, so make a big batch to have on hand later in the week!

M, who is 4 years old, had 4 of these big chocolate pancakes last Sunday.

She of course prefers the ones with the mini chocolate chips folded in. That version is sweet enough that it definitely doesn’t need any maple syrup on top, though you certainly could serve them that way too.

A big stack of double chocolate pancakes on a white plate with diced strawberries and mini chocolate chips on top and strawberries and syrup in the background.
A fork cutting into a stack of chocolate pancakes on a white plate with diced strawberries and mini chocolate chips on top.

If you make these without chocolate chips, you may want to use a little drizzle of maple syrup to go with them to add a touch of sweetness.

You can also add any fruit you want - I happen to think strawberries go very well with chocolate, but bananas or blueberries would be delicious, too.

And of course, feel free to sprinkle these pancakes with some powdered sugar for some extra fun.

Maple syrup being drizzled over a stack of chocolate pancakes on a white plate with diced strawberries and mini chocolate chips on top.

I think you should also definitely plan to make these chocolate pancakes for Valentine’s Day. Or just when you're feeling chocolate for breakfast like me.

They are festive, fun and will make for a beautiful start to the day. ❤️

Enjoy!

XO,

Kathryn

A stack of chocolate pancakes on a white plate with chocolate chips and diced strawberries on top.
PRINT PIN SaveSaved!
4.30 from 64 votes

Healthy Chocolate Pancakes

These healthy chocolate pancakes are whole wheat, naturally sweetened and made without butter or oil. They’re great for a fun breakfast!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Yield: 12 -14 pancakes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour, I use white whole wheat flour, sifted
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa, sifted (see notes)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¼ cups milk, whole, skim, soy - all are fine
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • ¾ cup mini chocolate chips, optional
  • Serving options: chopped fresh strawberries, additional mini chocolate chips, maple syrup, sprinkle of powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Mix together the sifted flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
  • In a separate large bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, eggs and vanilla.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Don’t overmix.
  • Add the mini chocolate chips, if using, and stir gently to incorporate them.
  • Heat a griddle or large saute pan over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray and pour about ¼ cup of the batter at a time. You’ll be able to get 4-5 on a two-burner griddle and 3 in a large skillet at a time.
  • Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, until the edges are cooked through and the middle of each pancake is bubbling. (If your stove cooks unevenly, you may want to turn your pan during the cooking time.)
  • Carefully flip each pancake (it will release from the pan easily if it’s ready to flip) and cook an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side, until cooked through.
  • Remove cooked pancakes to a plate or place in the oven to keep warm while you repeat. Note: I spray the pan/griddle with cooking spray in between each batch. I also find I need to reduce the heat a little as I continue to cook the pancakes so as not to burn them.
  • Serve with strawberries, mini chocolate chips, maple syrup or powdered sugar, as desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Yes, you can skip sifting the flour and cocoa. I usually do because I’m lazy. However, it will cause the pancake batter to be a bit more lumpy.
If you use the mini chocolate chips, you don’t really need any maple syrup on top of these pancakes - they are sweet enough on their own. If you make these without chocolate chips, you may want to use a little drizzle of maple syrup to add a bit of sweetness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pancake | Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 183mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 67IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below or follow me on Instagram @familyfoodonthetable and tag me in your photo!
Pin

More Breakfast & Brunch

  • Close up of wedges of breakfast quesadillas served on a dark plate with guacamole and sour cream on top and chipped fresh chives sprinkled around.
    Breakfast Quesadillas
  • Close up of a small spatula lifting out a piece of sausage grits casserole from a baking dish.
    Grits and Sausage Casserole
  • Close up of a stack of cornbread waffles served with a pat of butter on top.
    Cornbread Waffles
  • Close up of powdered sugar being sprinkled onto French toast sticks arranged and stacked on a plate with fresh fruit scattered around.
    Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. karrie@TastyEverAfter

    January 23, 2016 at 3:24 pm

    Chocolate should be eaten every day for breakfast!! I love having chocolate for breakfast because it make me very happy and that's a great way to start the day. To heck with my no flour diet, I'm eating these pancakes for breakfast tomorrow! (1 cup of wheat flour isn't so bad, right?) Also, love the fresh strawberries on top. Perfect combo 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      January 23, 2016 at 5:11 pm

      Love that we agree on this 🙂 It really is a happy way to start the day - everything else seems more manageable after a little chocolate at breakfast! And it's whole wheat flour, so it's totally OK! XO

      Reply
  2. Lisa @ Chocolate Meets Strawberry

    January 23, 2016 at 5:21 pm

    Love your no-regrets attitude to chocolate for breakfast, Kathryn! I can see why, too, considering how healthy these are! They look so yummy! 🙂 I've been a big fan of chocolate-themed breakfasts lately too, and have been making oatmeal with grated zucchini and stevia-sweetened dark chocolate chips for the last week or so. Strange, but delicious! I've pinned these for Valentine's Day or a lazy Sunday breakfast 😀

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      January 23, 2016 at 5:35 pm

      Thanks Lisa, I'm so glad you're with me on this 😉 I love your chocolate-zucchini oatmeal idea, too! We eat oatmeal ALL the time here, and I have a chocolate oatmeal that I love but adding zucchini is great!

      Reply
  3. simonacallas

    January 23, 2016 at 6:12 pm

    I love pancakes and chocolate, I just didn't have them together yet but they look wonderful and I am sure they are divine, so I definitely will try them 🙂 Thank you for this lovely recipe - and for the great breakfast ideas <3

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      January 25, 2016 at 6:02 am

      You are in for a treat - chocolate pancakes are definitely a lovely way to get going for the day 😉 Hope you enjoy these!

      Reply
  4. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary

    January 24, 2016 at 5:05 pm

    I wish I wasn't allergic to chocolate, because I KNOW I would love these pancakes! But maybe it's a good thing I am allergic, because I would want to eat these every day, for every meal... and I'm not sure how much I would get done if I was constantly in the kitchen flipping pancakes and stuffing my face. 🙂 I definitely need to make these for Boy!! He is going to be super stoked I am letting him have chocolate for breakfast, and I will be super stoked secretly knowing its HEALTHY chocolate for breakfast! Win Win! Pinned! Cheers, doll! <3

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      January 25, 2016 at 6:07 am

      So sorry that you can't have these but glad not to be to blame for you being a permanent pancake flipper, chained to the stove. I suppose there are worse fates though... 😉 Hope Boy likes them and hope you have a great week! XO

      Reply
  5. Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg

    January 24, 2016 at 9:06 pm

    These look super yum and healthy, too. I'm always looking for breakfast options on the weekends. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      January 25, 2016 at 6:03 am

      Thanks Erin! I hope you give them a try!

      Reply
  6. Kate @ Framed Cooks

    January 25, 2016 at 7:22 am

    Talk about dreams coming true - chocolate for breakfast, and it's healthy! Going on my absolutely have to try this list. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      January 25, 2016 at 2:08 pm

      Thanks Kate! I hope you LOVE them 🙂

      Reply
  7. Adina

    January 25, 2016 at 12:18 pm

    I have never had chocolate pancakes, definitely a very interesting recipe that I know for sure that my kids and my chocoholic husband would love. And I am also astound how much energy the kids have in the morning while I just drag my feet around with a long face.

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      January 25, 2016 at 2:09 pm

      Glad I'm not the only one who feels a little behind in the mornings 😉 And yes, you've got to give these a try - I'm sure your family will love these pancakes!

      Reply
  8. Kelly - Life Made Sweeter

    January 27, 2016 at 2:38 pm

    Chocolate for breakfast? Sign me up especially in pancake form! These look amazing!

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      January 27, 2016 at 8:52 pm

      Thanks Kelly! The day can't go too wrong after starting off with these 😉

      Reply
  9. Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life

    January 28, 2016 at 9:41 pm

    Chocolate for breakfast...yes please! These look wonderful!

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      January 29, 2016 at 10:21 am

      Thanks Michelle! They are such a fun way to start the day 🙂

      Reply
  10. Jhuls

    January 29, 2016 at 1:04 am

    Hi, Kathryn! I love the sound of these pancakes. These look fantastic! Yum! 😀

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      January 29, 2016 at 10:22 am

      Thank you! They're pretty fantastic 😉

      Reply
  11. Anita

    January 29, 2016 at 5:20 am

    This recipe looks so delicious! Hi, I'm Anita visiting from Foodie FriDIY.

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      January 29, 2016 at 10:23 am

      Thanks Anita!

      Reply
  12. Cathy

    January 30, 2016 at 12:08 am

    I always want (need) chocolate for breakfast. These look like the perfect guilt-free way to have chocolate for breakfast. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 01, 2016 at 6:22 am

      Haha, me too 🙂 And they are!!

      Reply
  13. Linda

    January 30, 2016 at 9:49 am

    Sounds good!! I've been thinking of making chocolate pancakes for a while now...thanks for sharing on Throwback Thursday! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      January 30, 2016 at 2:03 pm

      Definitely do it! Such a fun weekend treat - we love these 🙂

      Reply
  14. Winnie

    January 30, 2016 at 5:18 pm

    Healthy or not - these look soooooooooo GOOD !!
    Can hardly believe they have no butter.
    My husband would looooooooove them (he loves pancakes)

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 01, 2016 at 6:24 am

      Thanks Winnie! I hope you give them a try 🙂

      Reply
  15. Alysia

    August 13, 2016 at 1:46 pm

    Perfect recipe. They cook up great (even though the batter's so thin) and are easy to handle, good consistency, and I inhaled them. I used regular flour, soy milk, and normal-sized chocolate chips, 1/4 c. white and 1/2 c. semisweet, cuz that's what I had. Would highly recommend throwing in the white chocolate! My batch made nine 1/4 c. pancakes, I could have lived off 2 but of course ate 3 and it was a good, normal-sized breakfast and totally worth it. I would say that both the chocolate chips and the syrup on top (but just a drizzle) are totally necessary, esp. without the chocolate chips they would have been not sweet enough at all. Of course with all that and some light butter, I'm not sure I'd call them healthy- 700 calorie breakfast right there.

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      August 13, 2016 at 7:20 pm

      I'm so glad you enjoyed these Alysia! Love the idea of adding some white chocolate chips - yum!

      Reply
  16. Corinne

    March 18, 2017 at 10:59 am

    \no recipe on this blog. Also searched your website under recipes and it comes back to the same page - no recipe just a blog

    Reply
  17. Elizabeth

    January 01, 2018 at 10:05 am

    These were delicious, very easy to make and turned out well. I used dark chocolate chips (not as sweet) and used half whole wheat and half A/P flour. The pancakes had just the right amount of sweetness for our taste: my daughter didn't put any syrup on hers; I put a little on mine 🙂 Served with some blueberries... perfection!
    Thanks for the great recipe - I will definitely be trying out some of your other ones!!

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      January 01, 2018 at 11:17 am

      I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed these Elizabeth! Thanks so much for sharing! 😊

      Reply
4.30 from 64 votes (64 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Meet Kathryn

Hi there! I’m Kathryn Doherty, a cookbook author, mom of two, and devoted food and home cooking nut. I’ve got lots of easy recipes to help you get delicious food on the table for your family!

More about me →

Popular Recipes

  • A cream cheese chicken and mushroom mixture in a large pan with a wooden spoon resting in it.
    Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
  • Close up of honey garlic chicken served in a blue and white bowl with sliced green onions on top.
    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
  • Close up of a whole roasted chicken on a large white serving platter with veggies and fresh parsley to the side.
    Easy Whole Roasted Chicken
  • Close up of a fork resting in a bowl of rice and curried ground turkey with peas.
    Curry Ground Turkey with Rice and Peas
  • Close up of a wooden spoon drizzling pan gravy over seared pork chops.
    Easy Skillet Pork Chops with Gravy
  • Close up of cooked cubes of chicken breasts in a honey garlic sauce with red pepper flakes.
    15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken

Footer

↑back to top

About

  • Contact
  • Work With Me

Newsletter

  • Sign up for emails!

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright
  • Accessibility

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Family Food on the Table

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.