Hot Chocolate Pancakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of hot chocolate, then you’ll adore these pancakes. The International Delight Dark Hot Chocolate adds a deep, rich cocoa flavor to the pancakes, making every bite feel like a warm hug. Topped with a luscious chocolate sauce and melty marshmallows, these pancakes are both satisfying and indulgent. They’re easy to make, customizable, and will surely impress anyone at your breakfast table. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and pancakes at the same time!

Ingredients

For the pancakes:

• 1 1/2 cups International Delight Dark Hot Chocolate
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup dutch-process cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the topping:

• 3/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup light cream
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Pancakes:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the International Delight Dark Hot Chocolate, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
   • In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
   • Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with cooking spray or butter.
   • Pour 1/4 cup of the pancake batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancake. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Topping:
   • In a small saucepan, heat the light cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Do not bring it to a full boil.
   • Once the cream is simmering, add the chocolate chips and stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
3. Assemble the Pancakes:
   • Stack the pancakes on a serving plate and pour the warm chocolate sauce over the top.
   • If desired, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the pancakes and allow them to soften from the heat of the pancakes.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy the chocolaty goodness!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-4 (depending on how large you make the pancakes)
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the light cream with coconut cream or almond milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Vegan: To make the pancakes vegan, swap the egg for a flax egg or a non-dairy egg replacer, and use plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) and vegan chocolate chips.
• More Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a few tablespoons of instant coffee to the pancake batter for a mocha twist.
• Different Toppings: Instead of mini marshmallows, you can use whipped cream, crushed graham crackers, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for a different flair.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place the pancakes in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat them in a toaster oven until warmed through. The chocolate sauce can also be stored separately in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular hot chocolate instead of International Delight Dark Hot Chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute regular hot chocolate mix, but the flavor may be a little sweeter and less intense than using the dark hot chocolate.

2. Can I make the pancake batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pancake batter up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before using it.

3. Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour to make these pancakes gluten-free.

4. Can I make the chocolate sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chocolate sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving.

5. How do I prevent the pancakes from being too thick or too thin?

If the batter is too thick, add a little more hot chocolate or milk to loosen it up. If the batter is too thin, add a small amount of flour to thicken it.

6. Can I freeze the pancakes?

Yes, you can freeze the pancakes. After cooking, allow them to cool, then stack them with parchment paper between each pancake. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, pop them in the toaster or microwave.

7. Can I use milk instead of hot chocolate for the pancakes?

Hot chocolate adds extra flavor and sweetness to the pancakes, so it’s not recommended to substitute milk. If you don’t have hot chocolate, you can add some cocoa powder and a bit of sugar to regular milk to mimic the flavor.

8. How can I make the pancakes fluffier?

Make sure not to overmix the pancake batter. Stir gently, as overmixing can lead to dense pancakes. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh.

9. Can I add more chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, feel free to add more chocolate chips to the pancake batter if you love chocolate. Just keep in mind that too many chips might affect the texture of the pancakes.

10. Can I use a different type of cream for the sauce?

Yes, you can use heavy cream, half & half, or even coconut cream for the sauce, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

These Hot Chocolate Pancakes are the perfect indulgence for anyone who loves the combination of rich chocolate and warm, fluffy pancakes. The addition of a creamy chocolate sauce and melty marshmallows on top makes them feel like a special treat. Whether you’re making them for a cozy breakfast or a weekend brunch, these pancakes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and warm you up from the inside out.

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