Introduction to Chocolate Cherry Pancakes
Ah, pancakes! There’s something wonderfully comforting about them, isn’t there? As a busy mom, I often find myself juggling tasks from school runs to work meetings. But one thing that never fails to bring joy is Saturday morning pancake time. Now, let me introduce you to my favorite treat: Chocolate Cherry Pancakes. With a delightful mix of chocolate chips and juicy cherries, these pancakes are not only a sweet way to kick off your day but also a quick solution for busy mornings. Trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Pancakes
These Chocolate Cherry Pancakes are a breakfast dream come true! They’re quick to whip up, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Juicy cherries and rich chocolate chips make every bite feel like a special occasion. Plus, the recipe is so forgiving! Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, you’ll enjoy the ease of making this delightful dish. Let’s just say, breakfast will never be boring again!
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Pancakes
Before we dive into the deliciousness of my Chocolate Cherry Pancakes, let me share everything you’ll need to create these heavenly treats. The joy of cooking is truly in the ingredients, and I believe in using quality items that elevate each bite.
- Flour: This forms the base of our pancakes, giving them structure. All-purpose flour works perfectly.
- Sugar: Just a hint of sweetness brings out the flavors of the chocolate and cherries.
- Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances overall taste.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent makes the pancakes fluffy and light.
- Baking Powder: Together with baking soda, it ensures our pancakes rise beautifully.
- Eggs: They help bind everything together and add moisture.
- Buttermilk: This creamy ingredient adds richness and helps create a tender texture. You can use regular milk if buttermilk isn’t handy.
- Melted Butter: A touch of melted butter adds flavor and richness. Plus, we’ll need more for greasing the griddle.
- Maraschino Cherries: The stars of this recipe! Their sweetness and vibrant color give the pancakes a delightful twist. Remember to drain them well!
- Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These add decadent bursts of chocolate in each bite. Who can say no to chocolate?
- Canned Cherry Pie Filling: A delicious topping option that adds a generous cherry flavor.
- Chocolate Syrup: Drizzle this over the pancakes for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Whipped Cream: The final flourish to make your pancakes feel like a celebration!
Don’t worry; I’ve included specific measurements at the bottom of the article for your ease, so you can print them out and get started right away!
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Pancakes
Now, let’s dive into the magical process of creating these delightful Chocolate Cherry Pancakes. Follow along with these simple steps, and you’ll be serving up a stack of deliciousness in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Griddle
First things first, preheat your griddle to medium. If you’re using a skillet, that works just as well! Getting the temperature right is crucial for even cooking and achieving those perfectly golden edges.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. This will create the perfect base for your pancakes. Whisk them together until everything looks nicely blended and fluffy.
Step 3: Add in Chocolate Chips
Now comes the fun part! Stir in those mini chocolate chips to the dry mixture. This step will infuse that delightful sweetness into every bite. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, beat the eggs until they’re nice and frothy. Then, blend in the buttermilk and melted butter. This creamy mixture adds richness that elevates the pancakes to new heights.
Step 5: Incorporate the Cherries
Now it’s time to mix the chopped cherries into your wet ingredients. This adds a delicious fruity burst to each mouthful. The sight of those vibrant cherries makes my heart do a little happy dance!
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. This ensures your pancakes will remain tender and fluffy!
Step 7: Cook the Pancakes
Lightly coat your griddle with butter. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, pour the batter onto the hot surface. Give each pancake enough space to spread out a bit, so they don’t crowd each other.
Step 8: Flip and Finish Cooking
As you cook, keep an eye out for bubbles rising to the surface. When those little bubbles start to pop, it’s time to flip the pancakes. Cook on the other side for an additional 5-7 minutes until they’re beautifully golden.
Step 9: Add Toppings
Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: toppings! Pile on cherry pie filling, drizzle with chocolate syrup, and finish off with a generous dollop of whipped cream. You deserve it, my friend!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh Maraschino cherries for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the buttermilk—its acidity creates fluffier pancakes.
- Adjust sugar based on cherry sweetness; taste as you go!
- Keep pancakes warm in a low oven while cooking the rest.
- For an extra treat, try adding some chopped nuts to the batter!
Equipment Needed
- Griddle or Skillet: A non-stick griddle is ideal, but any skillet will work.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two bowls—one for dry ingredients and one for wet.
- Whisk: A whisk ensures a smooth batter. A fork works just as well.
- Measuring Cups: Use accurate measuring cups for perfect pancakes every time.
- Spatula: A metal spatula will help you flip those pancakes like a pro!
Variations for Chocolate Cherry Pancakes
- Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. It adds a nutty flavor!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead. Ensure your baking powder and soda are gluten-free as well!
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor. They pair beautifully with cherries and chocolate!
- Fruit Medley: Replace cherries with a mix of berries like blueberries or raspberries for a refreshing change.
- Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based milk and vegan butter for a delightful vegan treat.
- Banana Chocolate Chip: Mash a ripe banana into your batter for a unique flavor and added sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with slices of strawberries or bananas on the side for a colorful touch.
- Coffee or Tea: Pair your pancakes with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy breakfast experience.
- Presentation: Stack pancakes high and drizzle with chocolate syrup, then sprinkle with extra chocolate chips and cherries for an impressive display.
- Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creamy texture and balances the sweetness.
- Breakfast Sandwich: Consider serving with crispy bacon or sausage on the side for a hearty combo!
FAQs about Chocolate Cherry Pancakes
As with any beloved recipe, you might have a few questions about these delightful Chocolate Cherry Pancakes. Let me help clarify some common queries that pop up around this tasty treat!
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can whip up the Chocolate Cherry Pancakes batter a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just stir it well before cooking to ensure everything is combined.
How can I store leftovers?
If you have any pancakes left, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just pop them in the toaster or microwave to reheat!
Can I use frozen cherries instead?
Yes! Frozen cherries work just fine but make sure to thaw and drain them before mixing them into the batter. They’re a great alternative when fresh cherries aren’t available.
Is there a way to lessen the sweetness?
Definitely! You can reduce the sugar in the batter if you prefer less sweetness. The natural sweetness from the cherries and chocolate chips should still shine through beautifully.
What can I serve with Chocolate Cherry Pancakes?
These pancakes are perfect on their own, but I recommend pairing them with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a sprinkle of nuts for a complete breakfast experience!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about serving up a stack of Chocolate Cherry Pancakes that warms the heart and fills the belly. From the first bite of rich chocolate melting in your mouth to that delightful pop of cherries, these pancakes are sure to turn any ordinary morning into an occasion worth celebrating. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a slow Sunday, this recipe offers convenience and indulgence all in one. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do! Happy cooking and, more importantly, happy eating!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Pancakes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ah, pancakes! There’s something wonderfully comforting about them, isn’t there? As a busy mom, I often find myself juggling tasks from school runs to work meetings. But one thing that never fails to bring joy is Saturday morning pancake time. Now, let me introduce you to my favorite treat: Chocolate Cherry Pancakes. With a delightful mix of chocolate chips and juicy cherries, these pancakes are not only a sweet way to kick off your day but also a quick solution for busy mornings. Trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter plus additional butter for the grill or skillet
- 1 10-ounce jar Maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (set some aside for topping, if desired)
- ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Canned cherry pie filling
- Chocolate syrup
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat griddle to medium. You can also use a skillet over medium heat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Add chocolate chips and mix thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add buttermilk and melted butter. Mix to combine.
- Mix in cherries.
- Add wet ingredients all at once to dry mixture and mix until just combined.
- Place just enough butter on the surface of the griddle to coat it throughout.
- Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, pour batter onto griddle.
- Cook until bubbles appear on the tops of the pancakes and then pop, about 5-7 minutes. The edges should also be somewhat dry/cooked.
- With a metal spatula, carefully flip the pancake over to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Top with cherry pie filling, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and that extra cherry!
Notes
- Make sure to drain the cherries well before chopping.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste.
- You can substitute regular milk if buttermilk is not available.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Griddle/Skillet cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
