Fluffy, decadent chocolate pancakes are a sweet way for chocolate lovers to start their day. Rich chocolate in every bite and topped with a homemade gooey caramel sauce.

Chocolate Pancakes

These rich, indulgent chocolate pancakes are THE reason to get up in the morning. They are a chocolate-lovers dream with rich chocolate in every bite. Top with the homemade caramel sauce, and you're in decadence heaven.

Despite their rich flavor, they're made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. I have also added espresso powder, which enhances the deep, rich flavor of the chocolate (a great thing to add to brownies too, if you've never tried it).

Chocolate pancakes are easy to make and can be frozen and reheated for busy mornings.

What Cocoa Powder to Use?

I typically use whatever I have on hand, which is usually just plain unsweetened cocoa powder.

Make sure it is unsweetened, as sweetener or other additives can give it a different flavor.

You can also use Dutch process cocoa power, which is an alkalized version that has a smoother, less acidic taste than your average cocoa powder. It's usually a bit harder to find at some supermarkets, in my experience, which is why I usually stick with the classic.

Add Ins for Chocolate Pancakes

What else can you add into these chocolate pancakes? Well, while they're decadently delicious already, here are some ideas for a little variety.

Chocolate chips - any kind! Milk, dark, semi-sweet, or white. Add about 1 cup to the batter or sprinkle some on top after scooping the batter onto a griddle or skillet.
Nuts - try some chopped walnuts or pecans, especially if you're a nutty brownie lover
Fruit - dried or fresh work here. I would mainly stick to berries or even pitted and chopped cherries, as a fruit like bananas would alter the wetness of the batter significantly. You can also used dried fruit such as cranberries, blueberries, or cherries.
Your Favorite Candy - chop up your favorite candy bar such as Reese's, Twix, Kit Kat, Snickers, or M&M's and add some to the batter for a super fun variation (or maybe just a way to use up holiday candy 🙈)
Marshmallows - For a fun hot-cocoa twist! Marshmallows will get gooey and delicious while cooking the pancakes.
Peppermint - add some crushed peppermint candy canes to the batter for a fun holiday flair.

Close up side view of a stack of chocolate pancakes topped with a sliced strawberry and a dusting of powdered sugar

Chocolate Pancake Toppings

Toppings are a fun way to make these chocolate pancakes your own!

Caramel sauce - there is a homemade caramel sauce recipe with the chocolate pancakes below because chocolate and caramel make the most decadent combination.
Chocolate sauce for the chocolate lovers out there!
Peanut butter
Nutella
Fresh fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, chopped strawberries, or bananas. You can also use frozen fruit, but thaw it first.
Fruit compote - cooking fruit in water (like in this recipe) with a little bit of sugar turns it into almost a syrup.
Mascarpone if you're feeling fancy. It's just a little sweet and will up the decadence factor with its delicate flavor.
Marshmallow Fluff will add that hot cocoa feel, perfect for a cold winter morning.
Whipped Cream
Powdered sugar

More Pancake Breakfast Recipes You'll Love

Homemade Funfetti Pancakes - fluffy vanilla pancakes with pretty rainbow sprinkles are the perfect reason to celebrate.
Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze - decadent red velvet pancakes and a sweet cream cheese glaze for the finishing touch.
Cinnamon French Toast - classic, simple French toast with a dash of cinnamon for that warm, comforting flavor.
Buttermilk Blueberry Pancakes - perhaps my all time favorite pancakes with rich, fluffy vanilla pancakes and juicy, tart blueberries in every bite.
Chive Ham and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich - this creative breakfast sandwich takes pancakes to the savory side with chives, ham, and cheese.