Chocolate and orange ball pancakes

Chocolate Chip and Orange Pancake Cakes

Who can resist a delicious and fluffy breakfast that brings a touch of sunshine and joy to every morning? Today, I’m sharing a delightful recipe for chocolate chip and orange pancake cakes, perfect for starting your day with a smile. This recipe is not only simple and quick but also combines the inviting flavors of chocolate with the freshness of citrus, turning an ordinary meal into a culinary treat.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (4 cakes with 4 pancakes each)

Ingredients

- 3 eggs
- 200 g plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
- 15-17 tablespoons flour (approximately 200 g)
- 1 orange
- Duo chocolate spread for filling

A Bit of History

Pancakes have a rich history, originating from various cultures around the world. Over time, each culture has contributed its own variations and ingredients, transforming a simple batter into a beloved breakfast delight. The combination of chocolate and orange is a perfect choice, as these two flavors complement each other, providing a pleasant contrast between sweetness and acidity.

Making the Pancake Cakes

1. Melting the Butter: Start by melting the butter. Place it in a small bowl and heat it in the microwave for 20 seconds or over a double boiler if you don’t have a microwave. Be careful not to overheat it, so it doesn't turn into oil.

2. Mixing the Eggs and Sugar: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs together with the sugar until you achieve a frothy mixture. This step is essential for fluffy pancakes.

3. Incorporating the Yogurt and Butter: Add the plain yogurt to the egg and sugar mixture, mixing well. Then, fold in the melted butter. This ingredient will add a rich flavor and a creamy texture.

4. Adding the Sparkling Water and Vanilla: Pour in the sparkling water and vanilla extract. The sparkling water is the secret to fluffy pancakes, so don’t skip it! Mix well until everything is combined.

5. Preparing the Batter: Grate the orange zest and add it to your mixture. Then, sprinkle in the baking powder and gradually start incorporating the flour. The batter should be slightly thicker than traditional pancake batter—don’t worry, the right consistency will come from adjusting the flour amount.

6. Incorporating the Chocolate Chips: Finally, add the chocolate chips and gently mix with a ladle, being careful not to break them.

7. Cooking the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet with a little oil. Pour a portion of the pancake batter into the skillet, forming small circles. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and brown the other side. Repeat this process until you finish all the batter.

8. Assembling the Cakes: On a plate, place one pancake, spread it with chocolate cream, and sprinkle pieces of orange. Continue alternating layers of pancake, cream, and orange until you have four cakes.

9. Cooling and Serving: Allow the pancake cakes to cool slightly before serving. They can be garnished with orange slices and an extra drizzle of chocolate cream for an attractive and appetizing look.

Serving Suggestions

These pancake cakes are delicious served warm, alongside a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also serve them with a fruit tea or fresh lemonade to complete the culinary experience.

Helpful Tip

If you want to add a touch of originality, try using white chocolate or milk chocolate for the filling. You can also experiment with other fruits, such as strawberries or kiwi, to vary the flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

These pancake cakes are a good source of protein thanks to the eggs and yogurt, while the orange adds essential vitamin C for the immune system. Additionally, the chocolate chips provide antioxidants, but remember to enjoy them in moderation!

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use Greek yogurt? Yes, Greek yogurt will add a creamier texture and a more intense flavor.
- How can I make these pancakes less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a low-sugar chocolate spread.
- Can I substitute the eggs? Yes, you can use a chia or applesauce egg substitute, but the texture will be different.

Possible Variations

To add extra flavor, you can incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter, or experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or oat flour.

Now that you have all the necessary details, it's time to get cooking! These chocolate chip and orange pancake cakes are a true feast that will delight both kids and adults alike. Treat your family or yourself to this breakfast delight and turn every morning into a celebration!