Chocolate pancake with cardamom yoghurt

30 min
Chocolate pancake with cardamom yoghurt

Transform your breakfast or dessert with our luxurious chocolate pancake recipe, where the deep flavours of cocoa blend with the aromatic warmth of cardamom. Topped with a luxurious cardamom-infused yoghurt, fresh fruits, coconut chips, and a drizzle of condensed coconut milk, these pancakes are a feast for the senses. Both simple to prepare and beautifully presented, this recipe transforms everyday dining into a moment of indulgence, perfect for celebrating life’s little joys.

Ingredients

Butter
25 g
Milk
250 ml
Eggs
2
Flour
105 g
Cocoa powder
2 tbsp
Icing sugar
1 tbsp
Baking powder
4 tsp
Salt
½

Cardamom yoghurt

Greek yoghurt
200 ml
Ground cardamom
1 tsp
Honey
1 tbsp

To serve

Sliced bananas
Coconut chips
Maple syrup
Mixed fruit (Berries)

Instructions

  • Melt the butter and set it aside to cool slightly.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter until fully combined.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold in the egg mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  • Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter. Fry a few pancakes at a time, cooking each for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  • Prepare the cardamom yoghurt by stirring the ingredients until smooth.
  • Serve the pancakes topped with the cardamom yoghurt, sliced banana, coconut chips, condensed coconut milk, and fresh berries.
Enjoy!

Folding techniques for extra fluffy chocolate pancakes

Mastering folding techniques is key to achieving this chocolate pancake recipe’s signature fluffiness. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, use a gentle folding motion rather than vigorous stirring. This helps retain air in the batter, which is essential for fluffiness. Use a spatula to scoop from the bottom of the bowl and fold the batter over itself, rotating the bowl slightly with each fold. Avoid overmixing, as this can deflate the batter and result in denser pancakes.

Cool the butter before adding it to the batter

Before adding the melted butter, ensure it cools to room temperature. This step is vital as it prevents the butter from solidifying when it meets colder ingredients like milk and eggs. Solidified butter can cause uneven texture in your pancakes, affecting their appearance and feel.

Elevate the chocolate flavour

To bring out the rich, deep flavour of chocolate in your pancakes, start by using a high-quality cocoa powder with a high cocoa content (at least 70%). Adding a pinch of instant coffee or espresso powder to the dry ingredients works wonders in enhancing the chocolate's intensity without altering the recipe's flavour profile. Incorporating a small amount of vanilla extract can also round out and amplify the chocolate notes, adding depth and warmth. For an added boost, warm the milk slightly before mixing it into the batter; the heat can help activate the cocoa, intensifying its richness. Finally, a pinch of sea salt in the batter can balance the sweetness and accentuate the cocoa's complexity, making your pancakes taste even more chocolatey and satisfying.

Questions about our chocolate pancake recipe

Enjoy the richness of our chocolate pancake recipe and perfect your skills with answers to the most common questions. Learn how to select the best cocoa powder and get tips on storing leftovers to enhance your cooking experience.

Can I make the cardamom yoghurt in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cardamom yoghurt ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. In fact, making it in advance allows the flavours to meld together, enhancing the warm, aromatic notes of the cardamom. The yoghurt will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a convenient option for quick and easy topping. Before serving, give it a good stir to restore its smooth consistency.

What can I use instead of Greek yoghurt?

If you don’t have Greek yoghurt on hand, skyr is an excellent substitute. It has a similar creamy texture and mild tang, making it a perfect alternative for the cardamom yoghurt in this recipe. It’s naturally high in protein and pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate pancakes. For the best results, use plain skyr and mix in the cardamom as directed, creating a smooth, spiced topping that enhances the overall flavour of the dish.

What is the best cocoa powder to use for this chocolate pancake recipe?

For the richest chocolate pancakes, opt for a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder with a deep, bold flavour. Dutch-processed cocoa powder is an excellent choice for this recipe, as it has a smoother, less acidic taste that complements the cardamom and sweet toppings beautifully. Natural cocoa powder works too but will offer a slightly more robust, tangy chocolate flavour. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s fresh for maximum richness in your pancakes. Feeling inspired by chocolate? Don’t miss our chocolate chip pancake recipe, a fluffy stack infused with chocolate and served with juicy blueberries. Or explore this sweet pancake recipe where a citrusy syrup meets creamy chocolate ice cream.

What can I use instead of cardamom?

If you don’t have cardamom or prefer a different flavour, there are several spices that work beautifully as substitutes in this chocolate pancake recipe. Cinnamon is a warm, aromatic option that pairs wonderfully with chocolate, adding a comforting, familiar note. Nutmeg, used sparingly, can also provide a subtle sweetness and depth of flavour. For a more unique twist, try ground ginger, which introduces a gentle spiciness that complements the rich cocoa.

Perfect pairings for this chocolate pancake recipe

Take this recipe to the next level by pairing them with complementary dishes that balance and elevate their rich cocoa flavour. For a delightful contrast, try our pancake rolls with cream cheese and honey. The creamy filling and subtle sweetness of honey provide a light, tangy complement to the deep chocolate flavour of these pancakes, offering a sophisticated blend of tastes.

If you're in the mood for something citrusy, these lemon pancakes with citrus salad are an excellent choice. Their bright, zesty notes cut through the richness of the chocolate, creating a refreshing combination that highlights both sweet and tangy flavours. Together, these recipes bring variety and harmony to your spread, perfect for brunch or a decadent dessert table.

Reinvent leftover chocolate pancakes

Leftovers are perfect for creative treats. Slice and bake them into crispy pancake chips for dipping in the cardamom yoghurt. You can also warm them slightly and roll with a filling of skyr, berries, or nut-based spreads for a quick snack. For a dessert twist, stack them high with whipped cream as a filling and drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel.

Get creative with your toppings

Instead of simply adding the toppings, elevate this recipe by experimenting with unique presentations. For a stunning twist, layer the pancakes in jars, alternating with dollops of cardamom yoghurt, banana slices, and vibrant berries, then finish with a sprinkle of coconut chips and drizzle of condensed coconut milk.

Alternatively, try stacking the pancakes on a platter and spreading a thin layer of cardamom yoghurt between each one to create a cake-like presentation, garnished with banana slices and berries cascading down the sides. For an interactive serving idea, arrange the toppings in small bowls and let everyone assemble their own pancake creations, mixing and matching their preferred flavours and textures.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/chocolate-pancake-with-cardamom-yoghurt/