Chocolate and nut pancakes

Delicious Chocolate and Nut Pancakes Recipe: A Quick and Easy Delight

Who doesn’t love a delicious breakfast or a quick dessert that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones? Pancakes are the perfect choice! These fluffy pancakes, with chocolate and nuts, are not only easy to prepare but also extremely versatile. You can customize them to your taste and serve them with your favorite toppings. Plus, they are a fantastic option to satisfy your sweet cravings without requiring complicated ingredients.

A Brief History of Pancakes

Pancakes have a long history, being consumed for centuries in various cultures around the world. From thin crepes to fluffiest varieties, each region has its unique version. Nowadays, pancakes are a symbol of American breakfast, but they can be enjoyed at any time, whether you want a relaxed brunch or a delicious dessert.

Preparation Time

- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings (depending on the size of the pancakes)

Ingredients

- 1 + 1/2 cups (190g) flour
- 1/2 cup (60g) ground nuts
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (50g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips
- 1 + 1/2 cups (360ml) milk
- 2 eggs
- 50g melted and cooled butter
- Green walnut jam (for serving)

Note: One cup is equivalent to 240ml.

Necessary Utensils

- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Spatula
- Non-stick frying pan
- Ladle

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by preparing your ingredients. Carefully measure the flour, sugar, nuts, and other ingredients. It’s important that all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve fluffy pancakes.

2. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, being careful not to burn it. Once melted, let it cool slightly.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a whisk. Add the sugar and salt, continuing to mix. Incorporate the melted butter and milk, ensuring the mixture is well combined.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This step is essential to ensure an even and fluffy texture of the pancakes.

5. Combine the Mixtures: Start incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet ones. Use a spatula to gently mix, avoiding overmixing. It’s normal for the batter to have a few lumps; this will contribute to the fluffy texture.

6. Add the Delights: Finally, fold in the chocolate chips and ground nuts, mixing gently to distribute them evenly in the batter.

7. Cook the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with a splash of oil. Use a ladle to pour the batter in the center of the pan. There’s no need to spread the batter; it will expand on its own.

8. Baking: Let the pancake cook for about 2 minutes until small bubbles appear on the surface. Use a spatula to flip the pancake and cook for another minute on the other side.

9. Serving: Arrange the pancakes on a platter, being careful not to stack them on top of each other to prevent sticking. You can serve them with green walnut jam or your favorite syrup. A delicious idea is to combine them with fresh fruits or yogurt for a healthy breakfast.

Practical Tips

- Oil in the Pan: Make sure the pan is well-heated before pouring the batter. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the pancakes will stick.
- Quality Test: You can check if the pancakes are ready by gently pressing with a spatula; if they spring back to their original shape, they’re done!
- Vegan Option: You can replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseed and water (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water) and the milk with a plant-based substitute, such as almond or soy milk.
- For More Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the batter for an extra taste!

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but you may get a denser texture. You can combine white flour with whole wheat flour for a compromise.
- How can I store pancakes for later? Pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on a frying pan.
- What can I use instead of chocolate chips? You can use dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or even white chocolate for a sweeter variant.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

Each pancake contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on size and ingredients used. These pancakes are a good source of carbohydrates and, thanks to the nuts, also provide healthy proteins, beneficial fats, fiber, and antioxidants. Adding dark chocolate can also provide additional antioxidant benefits.

Conclusion

Chocolate and nut pancakes are a perfect choice for any time of the day. Whether you make them for a quick breakfast, a brunch with friends, or a delicious dessert, these fluffy pancakes will surely delight you. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by the savory flavors! Enjoy!