Banana and cocoa pancakes

Banana and cocoa pancakes - a sweet indulgence for energetic mornings

Who doesn't love pancakes? These fluffy delights have been part of our meals for generations, offering a taste of familiarity and comfort. Today, I invite you to discover a recipe for banana and cocoa pancakes that are not only quick and simple but will turn any breakfast or snack into a celebration.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 (approximately 8 pancakes)

Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 300 ml milk
- 200 g yogurt (preferably Greek for a creamier texture)
- 100 g sugar (or less, to taste)
- 4 tablespoons oil (sunflower or olive)
- Flour as needed (~400 g)
- 2 ripe bananas (the riper they are, the sweeter the batter will be)
- 50 g dark chocolate (high cocoa content for an intense flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- Vanilla sugar (optional, for an extra hint of flavor)

Benefits of this recipe:
These banana and cocoa pancakes are not only delicious but also nutritious. Bananas add a boost of potassium, and dark cocoa is rich in antioxidants. Plus, by using yogurt, you'll add beneficial proteins and probiotics for digestion.

The passion for pancakes:
Banana and cocoa pancakes have become popular due to their versatility. You can experiment with various ingredients and flavors, making them ideal for any occasion, from brunches with friends to family meals. They bring a touch of novelty and flavor, perfect for starting the day with a smile.

Step by step for perfect pancakes:

1. Preparing the batter:
In a large bowl, crack the two eggs and add a pinch of salt. Mix them with an electric mixer on medium speed until the volume doubles and the mixture becomes frothy. This is a crucial step for fluffy pancakes.

2. Adding wet ingredients:
Add the sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes creamy. Then, gradually incorporate the melted chocolate (make sure it's cooled slightly before adding), milk, oil, and yogurt. Mix well until you achieve a uniform batter.

3. Bananas:
Mash the two ripe bananas with a fork until they become puree. Add them to the egg mixture and mix until well combined. This will provide natural sweetness and wonderful flavor to the pancakes.

4. Dry ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the flour with cocoa powder. Start adding the flour mixture to the wet batter, one tablespoon at a time, mixing constantly. Continue adding flour until you achieve a thicker batter than for regular pancakes, but one that flows easily.

5. Cooking the pancakes:
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Do not add oil, as the batter already contains enough fats. Use a ladle to pour a layer of batter into the pan. Let the pancake cook until bubbles appear on the surface (about 2-3 minutes), then flip it and cook on the other side for another 1-2 minutes. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.

6. Serving:
These delicious pancakes can be served plain or, for an extra treat, with dulce de leche or a drizzle of honey. Another tasty idea is to add banana slices and a sprinkle of grated chocolate on top for an appealing look and exquisite taste.

Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better blending.
- If you prefer less sweet pancakes, reduce the amount of sugar.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate (e.g., milk chocolate or white chocolate) to customize the recipe to your liking.
- If you like thinner pancakes, you can thin the batter with a little extra milk.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture of the pancakes will be slightly different, and they will be denser.
- How can I store pancakes?
You can store pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze them for later use.
- What drinks pair best?
A fresh fruit smoothie or green tea would be excellent combinations to complement this breakfast.

Nutrition:
One serving of pancakes (2 pancakes) contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They are a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, providing energy throughout the day.

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or hazelnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Substitute bananas with applesauce for a dairy-free version.
- Experiment with spices like cinnamon or ginger to add an interesting flavor.

These banana and cocoa pancakes are not only a delicious choice but also an opportunity to express your creativity in the kitchen. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or as a sweet snack, I'm sure they will bring a smile to your face and your loved ones. So, let's get cooking!