Pancakes have long been cherished as a breakfast staple with their golden-brown perfection and endless topping possibilities. But what if we told you there's a way to elevate this beloved dish, adding a wholesome twist and a dash of decadence? Meet buckwheat mini chocolate chip pancakes, a delightful combination of nutty goodness and the alluring sweetness of chocolate chips. Perfect for kids and those who love chocolate chip pancakes.
Buckwheat, a nutritious and gluten-free pseudo-cereal, takes center stage in this pancake recipe, bringing along a host of health benefits and a distinctive earthy flavor. Whether you're looking to explore new breakfast options or cater to dietary restrictions, these mini delights are a perfect choice that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
In this blog post, we will share with you an adorable and nutritional buckwheat mini chocolate chip pancake recipe that you will want to make on repeat. From selecting the best ingredients to perfecting the cooking technique, we'll guide you on how to make fluffy homemade pancakes. Whether you're a pancake enthusiast or simply looking to explore new flavors, this recipe will impress your taste buds and those you choose to share it with.
Mini Chocolate Chip Buckwheat Pancakes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Rest Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Ingredients
Directions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the buckwheat pancake mix and mini chocolate chips, ensuring an even distribution of the chocolate chips throughout the mix.
2. In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk the egg, milk, and melted butter or oil until fully incorporated.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl containing the pancake mix and chocolate chips. Stir the mixture gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease the cooking surface with butter or oil.
5. Once the skillet is heated, spoon small dollops of batter onto the surface to form mini pancakes. Aim for approximately 2 tablespoons of batter for each pancake.
6. Cook the pancakes on one side for approximately 2-3 minutes or until bubbles start to form on the surface. Use a spatula to carefully flip them, and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes on the other side until they become golden brown.
7. Take out the cooked pancakes from the skillet and keep them warm. Proceed with the remaining batter, repeating the process and adding additional butter or oil to the skillet as required.
8. Top your favorite toppings onto the warm buckwheat mini chocolate chip pancakes as you serve them. I used figs, raspberry, bee pollen, maple syrup, strawberry, and chocolate chips in this recipe.
Tips & Notes
Don't overmix the batter: Blend the wet and dry ingredients together until they are barely combined, as overmixing can result in dense and tough pancakes. It's absolutely acceptable to have a few lumps in the batter.
Let the batter rest: Giving the batter a few minutes to rest prior to cooking allows the flavors to harmonize and permits a slight thickening of the batter. This results in light and fluffy pancakes.
Mini pancakes require less cooking time: Since we're making mini pancakes, they will cook faster compared to regular-sized ones. Monitor them carefully to prevent overcooking.
Add chocolate chips to individual pancakes: Instead of mixing all the chocolate chips into the batter, you can sprinkle them onto individual pancakes once they're on the skillet. Doing so ensures a uniform distribution of chocolate chips and prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the batter.
Nutritional Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Calories
296
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15.4g
20%
Saturated Fat 7.9g
39%
Cholesterol 86mg
29%
Sodium 232mg
10%
Total Carbohydrate 38.5g
14%
Dietary Fiber 8.6g
31%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 11.5g
Vitamin D 55mcg
276%
Calcium 142mg
11%
Iron 4mg
21%
Potassium 211mg
4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
What Ingredients You Will Need To Make This Recipe
Buckwheat Pancake Mix
Buckwheat pancake mix forms the base of this recipe. Buckwheat flour is highly nutritious and offers several health benefits. It is a good source of dietary fiber, high-quality protein, essential minerals like magnesium and manganese, and antioxidants. Additionally, it is naturally gluten-free, which means it is a suitable choice for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. This also makes buckwheat pancake mix a great alternative to whole wheat flour.
The pancake mix commonly contains leavening agents such as baking powder, which aids in the rising process and results in fluffy pancakes. If buckwheat pancake mix is unavailable, you can make your own by combining equal parts buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Mini Chocolate Chips
Miniature chocolate chips add bursts of chocolatey goodness to the pancakes. They melt slightly during cooking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate within the pancakes.
In the event that you don't have mini chocolate chips available, you can chop regular-sized chocolate chips into smaller pieces or utilize chopped chocolate as a suitable alternative. While you can use regular-sized chocolate chips in your pancakes, keep in mind that they may be larger and heavier, so they might sink to the bottom of the batter more easily. If you prefer a more even distribution of chocolate throughout the pancakes, consider chopping the regular-sized chocolate chips into smaller pieces.
You have the option to utilize semi-sweet, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate chips based on your preference.
Egg
The egg acts as a binding agent in the batter, helping to hold the ingredients together and create a cohesive texture. It also adds moisture and contributes to the richness of the pancakes.
In case you require an egg substitute, several options are available, including a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water), mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, or commercial egg replacers that can be found in stores.
Milk
Milk contributes moisture and enhances the pancakes' tenderness. You have the flexibility to use either dairy milk or any preferred plant-based milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. The milk can be substituted with water if necessary, but keep in mind that the pancakes may be slightly less rich and flavorful.
Melted Butter or Oil
The addition of melted butter or oil imparts richness and moisture to the pancakes. It also helps prevent sticking when cooking. You can use melted unsalted butter, vegetable oil, or melted coconut oil. For those seeking a lighter alternative, melted coconut oil, avocado oil, or applesauce can be substituted.
How To Elevate This Buckwheat Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe
Flavorful Additions
Enhance the flavor profile of the pancakes by adding a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to the batter. These subtle additions have the ability to enhance the overall taste and aroma of the pancakes.
Nutty Crunch
Incorporate some texture by adding chopped nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans to the batter along with the chocolate chips. The crunch of the nuts will provide a delightful contrast to the soft pancakes.
Citrus Zest
Grate some lemon or orange zest into the batter to infuse a citrusy twist. The zest adds a refreshing note that complements the nuttiness of the buckwheat and the sweetness of the chocolate.
Whipped Cream Cheese Topping
Instead of regular whipped cream, combine softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract for a delicious alternative. Whip it until light and fluffy, then spread a dollop over the pancakes. The cream cheese's delightful tanginess complements the chocolate chips' sweetness impeccably.
Gourmet Syrups
Upgrade your pancake toppings with gourmet syrups like salted caramel, raspberry, or lavender-infused syrup. These unique flavors will add a touch of sophistication and take your pancakes to a whole new level of indulgence.
Exotic Fruit Compote
Create a homemade fruit compote by simmering fresh or frozen berries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice until they break down into a thick sauce. Serve the buckwheat mini chocolate chip pancakes with a generous spoonful of compote for a burst of fruity goodness.
Whipped Coconut Cream
For a dairy-free and vegan-friendly cream option, refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight to achieve the desired chilled consistency. Scoop out the solid cream that separates on top and whip it with a little powdered sugar and vanilla extract to create a luscious coconut whipped cream. Utilize it as a topping for the pancakes to introduce a delightful tropical twist to the flavor profile.
Savory Twist
If you enjoy the sweet and savory combination, try serving the buckwheat mini chocolate chip pancakes with a dollop of creamy peanut butter or almond butter. The richness of the nut butter complements the chocolate and adds an interesting savory element to the dish.
How To Store Leftover Homemade Chocolate Chip Pancakes
After cooking, allow the leftover chocolate chip pancakes to cool on a wire rack or plate for approximately 15-20 minutes to prevent them from becoming soggy due to trapped steam.
Afterward, arrange the cooled pancakes in a stack on a plate or baking sheet, placing a small piece of parchment paper between each pancake to prevent them from sticking together. This will ensure easy separation when reheating or serving.
To store the leftover pancakes, place the stack in an airtight container of suitable size that won't squish them. If you don't have an airtight container at hand, an alternative is to use a large resealable plastic bag. Ensure to remove any excess air before sealing it.
If you plan to consume the pancakes within one or two days, refrigerate them for freshness. They should remain fresh for up to 2-3 days.
To store the pancakes for an extended period, freeze them by placing the airtight container or bag in the freezer. The pancakes can be preserved in the freezer for approximately 2-3 months with proper storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I prevent the chocolate chips from melting too much?
You can try a couple of techniques to prevent chocolate chips from melting excessively during cooking. Firstly, ensure the pancake batter is not too hot when adding the chocolate chips. Let the batter cool slightly if necessary. Secondly, you can sprinkle the chocolate chips onto the pancakes once you've poured the batter onto the skillet or griddle. This way, the chocolate chips will only come into direct contact with the heat for a short time.
Can I make these pancakes without eggs?
Certainly! It is possible to prepare these pancakes without eggs. While eggs typically act as a binding agent in the batter, alternative options are available. You can replace each egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) or mashed banana. Another option is to use unsweetened applesauce as an egg replacement. Utilizing these alternatives will effectively bind the ingredients together.
How do I get fluffy pancakes?
To attain fluffy pancakes, be cautious not to overmix the batter. Leaving a few lumps is acceptable. Overmixing can result in denser pancakes. Moreover, allowing the batter to rest for a few minutes before cooking permits the leavening agents to work their magic. Preheating the skillet or griddle properly and cooking the pancakes over medium heat will also help them rise evenly.
How do I know when the pancakes are ready to flip?
Observe the formation of bubbles on the surface of the pancakes. Once you see bubbles forming and the edges start to look set, it's a good indication that the pancakes are ready to be flipped. Utilize a spatula to gently lift the edge of a pancake and inspect if it has achieved a golden brown color. If it has, cautiously flip the pancake and continue cooking the other side until it also turns golden brown.
