Chef Mitchell preparing Chocolate Chip Pancake Bake
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered Chocolate Chip Pancake Bake during a family brunch, and it quickly became a favorite. It combines all the comforting flavors of pancakes in a fun and easy-to-serve way. Over the years, I've perfected this recipe, ensuring every bite is fluffy and filled with gooey chocolate goodness. It's a must-try for any pancake lover!"

I have over a decade of experience in culinary arts, specializing in American cuisine and breakfast recipes. My passion lies in creating simple yet delicious meals that bring families together. I love experimenting with classic recipes to add a unique twist while keeping them approachable.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Chocolate Chip Pancake Bake served on a plate

Why This Chocolate Chip Pancake Bake Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it's a delicious twist on traditional pancakes. Baking the batter allows for a fluffy texture and a golden-brown top, making it visually appealing and easy to serve. Chocolate chips melted throughout create a sweet surprise in every bite.

The technique of mixing wet and dry ingredients separately ensures a perfect batter consistency without overmixing, which can lead to dense pancakes. The combination of baking powder and soda provides just the right lift, making this bake a crowd-pleaser.

💡 Professional Tip

For an even fluffier pancake bake, let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes before pouring it into the baking dish. This allows the flour to hydrate fully and results in a lighter texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply pour the batter into the greased baking dish and bake as directed. This saves you time in the morning and allows you to enjoy a warm breakfast with minimal effort.

If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens and curdles slightly. This will provide the same tangy flavor and acidity needed for the recipe.

The pancake bake is done when it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, it needs a few more minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent overcooking.

Yes, you can freeze the Chocolate Chip Pancake Bake! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven before serving.

Serve Chocolate Chip Pancake Bake with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a classic touch. Fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries adds a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it with whipped cream or a dollop of yogurt for a creamy element.

When stored in an airtight container, Chocolate Chip Pancake Bake can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating to maintain its texture. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for a quick breakfast.

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it fresh the next morning. Alternatively, you can bake it ahead and reheat it for serving. Just be sure to adjust the reheating time if it's been stored in the refrigerator.

The best way to reheat Chocolate Chip Pancake Bake is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but be cautious not to overheat.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your pancake bake turns out dry, it may be due to overmixing the batter or baking it for too long.

Solution: To prevent dryness, be careful not to overmix when combining the dry and wet ingredients, and check for doneness a few minutes earlier than the suggested baking time.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: A pancake bake that isn't crispy may not have been baked at a high enough temperature or for long enough.

Solution: Try increasing the oven temperature slightly or extending the baking time. A quick broil at the end can also help achieve a crispy top if necessary.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If your pancake bake turns out overcooked, it may be dry and tough.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, make sure to check on the pancake bake a few minutes before the recommended time. Always use a toothpick to test for doneness.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center can result in a gooey texture that is unappetizing.

Recovery: If this happens, cover the pancake bake with foil to prevent browning and return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until cooked through.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the exterior of your pancake bake is burnt, but the inside is not cooked, it may have been baked at too high a temperature.

Prevention: To avoid burning, ensure your oven temperature is accurately calibrated and consider lowering the temperature for a more even bake.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the pancake bake is too sweet, balance it out by serving with a side of plain yogurt or sour cream.

Too Salty: To counteract excessive saltiness, serving with sweet toppings can help mask the salt flavor.

Bland: If the pancake bake is bland, consider adding more vanilla extract or chocolate chips next time for enhanced flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Chocolate Chip Pancake Bake

Essential Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Pancake Bake

The key ingredients for this pancake bake include all-purpose flour, which provides structure, and buttermilk, adding a delightful tang. The chocolate chips are what make this dish extra special, offering bursts of sweetness in every bite.

Using high-quality chocolate chips enhances the flavor significantly, so opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a richer taste. Fresh eggs and good-quality vanilla extract will also elevate the overall taste of this dish.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour serves as the foundation for this pancake bake. For a lighter texture, consider using a mix of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour.
  • Chocolate Chips: Choose high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. Semi-sweet chips are classic, but feel free to experiment with dark chocolate or even white chocolate for variety.
  • Buttermilk: Buttermilk not only adds flavor but also reacts with baking soda, helping the pancake bake rise. If you don't have buttermilk, substitute it with milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice for similar results.
Cooking process for Chocolate Chip Pancake Bake

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Chocolate Chip Pancake Bake is simple and straightforward. It starts with mixing dry ingredients separately from wet ingredients to ensure the perfect batter consistency. This method helps avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense bake.

Once mixed, the batter is poured into a greased baking dish and baked until golden brown. The result is a fluffy, cake-like pancake that's easy to slice and serve, making it an ideal choice for brunch gatherings or family breakfasts.

Key Technique for Perfect Chocolate Chip Pancake Bake

The key to a perfect Chocolate Chip Pancake Bake is to mix the batter gently and let it rest before baking. This helps the flour to hydrate fully and ensures a light and fluffy texture in the final bake.

Chocolate Chip Pancake Bake

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup maple syrup
    For serving

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    For the batter
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    Leavening agent
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    Leavening agent
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    To taste
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
    For sweetness
  • 2 large eggs
    For binding
  • 2 cups buttermilk
    For moisture
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
    For richness
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
    For sweetness
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts
    Optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well combined.

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients

    In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

  4. Combine Mixtures

    Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

  5. Add Chocolate Chips

    Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts if using.

  6. Pour into Baking Dish

    Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

  7. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  8. Cool and Serve

    Allow the pancake bake to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Chocolate Chip Pancake Bake, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Chocolate Chip Pancake Bake warm, drizzled with maple syrup and topped with fresh fruit or whipped cream for a delightful touch. It's perfect for a cozy family breakfast or brunch gathering.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding different mix-ins such as blueberries, peanut butter chips, or even banana slices. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.