Chocolate protein pancakes with skyr

Chocolate protein pancakes with skyr

25 min
These decadent chocolate protein pancakes combine flavourful ingredients with indulgent tastes, making them perfect for a feel-good breakfast treat. Featuring ripe bananas, rich cocoa powder, and hearty oats, our recipe is elevated with chocolate chips and best enjoyed topped with creamy skyr. With their irresistible taste and fluffy texture, this recipe offers a protein-packed meal that's as comforting as it is delicious. Go ahead – treat yourself!
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/chocolate-protein-pancakes-with-skyr/

Instructions

  • Place the bananas in a mixing bowl and mash them thoroughly with a fork until smooth.
  • Add the eggs, vanilla, cardamom, cocoa powder, and salt to the bowl. Whisk the mixture until well combined.
  • Gradually mix in the flour and oatmeal, stirring to form a cohesive batter.
  • Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with a little butter or oil.
  • Spoon approximately 50 ml of batter into the pan and sprinkle on a few chocolate chips.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden.
  • Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more butter or oil as needed.
  • Serve the chocolate protein pancakes warm, topped with sliced banana, a dollop of skyr, and a drizzle of syrup or honey.
Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Enjoy!
Consistent sizing for uniform cooking

Achieving an evenly cooked pancakes starts with ensuring each one is the same size. Use a measuring cup or small ladle to portion out approximately 50 ml of batter. This consistency helps maintain a similar thickness and diameter, ensuring they cook evenly. Pour the batter into the pan slowly, allowing it to spread naturally into a round shape. If you want even more precision, you can use a ring or cookie cutter as a mould for perfect uniformity. Cooking pancakes of the same size also prevents overcooking or undercooking smaller or larger ones, making it easier to manage timing. For best results, avoid overcrowding the pan and cook in batches to give each one enough space to spread and cook evenly.

Whisk the skyr for a luxuriously smooth topping

Take your topping to the next level by whisking the skyr before serving. This helps create a lighter, creamier texture, making it easier to spread and more visually appealing when dolloped onto the chocolate protein pancakes. Use a small whisk or fork and stir the skyr vigorously for about 30 seconds to remove any lumps and achieve a silky consistency. For an extra smooth finish, you can also use a hand mixer on a low setting. This quick step not only enhances the texture but also elevates the presentation, giving your breakfast a professional, polished look.

Use a blender for fluffier chocolate protein pancakes

For an extra fluffy texture, consider blending the batter instead of mixing it by hand. Using a blender breaks down the bananas and oats more thoroughly, creating a smoother, airier batter. This method also evenly incorporates the eggs and cocoa powder, ensuring consistent flavour and texture throughout. To achieve the best results, first blend all the wet ingredients – bananas, eggs, and vanilla – with the cocoa powder until smooth. Then, add the dry ingredients (flour, oatmeal, cardamom, and salt) and pulse just until combined. Avoid over-blending once the dry ingredients are added, as this can make the pancakes dense.

Questions about chocolate protein pancakes

This recipe offers a mouth-watering start to your day. Wondering how to perfect this indulgent breakfast? Below, we answer some of the most common questions to help you get the best from every batch.

How do I know my pan is hot enough for cooking pancakes?
Start by heating your pan, then sprinkling a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water sizzles and evaporates immediately, it’s at the ideal temperature. Another method is to add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan. If it melts and starts to bubble gently without burning, your pan is hot enough. Avoid overheating, as this can cause them to brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside. Medium heat is usually best for even cooking. Once your pan is at the right temperature, you’re ready to start flipping pancakes to golden perfection!
How should I store leftover chocolate protein pancakes?
To keep leftovers fresh, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place the pancakes in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use a microwave or toaster, or enjoy them cold.
What type of chocolate can I use in this recipe?
The type of chocolate you choose can vary the flavour and texture of this recipe. Dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa offers a rich, slightly bittersweet taste that complements the bananas and cocoa powder. For a sweeter option, milk chocolate creates a more indulgent, dessert-like experience. For the best results, chop high-quality chocolate into small, even pieces to ensure it melts evenly. Avoid chips designed to hold their shape during baking, as they won’t blend as smoothly with the pancakes' fluffy texture.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

608 Kcal

Fibre 12.2 gram fibers
Protein 30.4 %
Carbohydrates 95.8 %
Fat 10.8 gram

Ingredients

Bananas, small
3
Eggs
4
Vanilla
1 tbsp
Cocoa powder
20 g
Cardamom
1 tsp
Coarse salt
½ tsp
Finely rolled oatmeal
75 g
Flour
50 g
Chocolate chips
30 g
To serve
Banana
½
Skyr
95 ml
Syrup or honey

Prevent your chocolate chips from burning

To keep your chocolate chips from burning during cooking, add them at the right moment. Sprinkle the chips onto the batter immediately after it’s poured into the pan, but before flipping. This allows the chocolate to melt into the pancake without being exposed to direct heat for too long.

Cooking over medium heat also prevents the chips from burning while ensuring the pancakes cook evenly. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the chocolate to scorch and leave a bitter taste. If you’re using chopped chocolate, ensure the pieces are small and evenly sized so they melt quickly without overheating. These simple steps will give you perfectly gooey chocolate chips in every bite!

What can I do with leftover chocolate?

If you have extra chocolate, try incorporating it into other protein-packed breakfast treats. Add chopped chocolate to this protein banana bread, made with oatmeal, almond flour, and warming spices, for a comforting, chocolatey twist.

For a quick and indulgent treat, make a protein mug cake – a single-serve breakfast featuring almond flour, bananas, and chocolate, ready in just five minutes. Alternatively, melt leftover chocolate for these protein breakfast bars, packed with seeds, nuts, dried fruit, and peanut butter, for a portable, protein-rich snack. These ideas ensure your leftover chocolate doesn’t go to waste while enhancing your morning with its rich flavour.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! This recipe freezes beautifully, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Allow the chocolate protein pancakes to cool completely before freezing to prevent excess moisture buildup. Lay them flat on a wire rack, plate, or baking sheet to freeze individually for about an hour – this prevents sticking. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container to protect them from freezer burn and maintain their flavour and texture.

When you're ready to enjoy them, reheat the pancakes straight from the freezer. Use a toaster for a slightly crisp finish or a microwave on the defrost setting. You may need to heat them in two intervals to ensure they are thoroughly warm while preserving their soft, fluffy texture.

How long should I wait before flipping a pancake?

After pouring the batter into the pan, wait until you see bubbles forming across the surface and most of them have popped, leaving small holes. This is a key sign that the underside has cooked enough to flip without breaking or sticking. The edges of the pancake should also appear slightly set and dry.

Maintain medium heat throughout cooking to ensure they cook evenly without burning. Flipping too early can cause the batter to spill or tear, so patience is essential for achieving golden, perfectly cooked breakfast. Aim for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, but keep an eye on the visual cues for the best results.

Prepare the batter the night before for easy mornings

Streamline your morning routine by preparing the pancake batter the night before. Simply mix all the ingredients, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavours to meld while saving you time in the morning.

Before cooking, give the batter a gentle stir to ensure everything is well combined. If the batter thickened slightly overnight due to the oats absorbing moisture, add a small splash of water to adjust the consistency. By prepping ahead, you can enjoy a quick and hassle-free breakfast without compromising on delicious, fluffy chocolate protein pancakes.