A Quick Look at Chocolate Pancakes & Sundae
This fun dessert brings warm chocolate pancakes and a cold ice cream sundae together. It’s easy to make, feels special, and is great for a weekend treat or a casual celebration. If you like chocolate desserts, you might also enjoy this rich brownie cheesecake recipe as another sweet idea.
What Makes This Chocolate Sundae Special
These pancakes are chocolatey and soft, and when you stack them with ice cream and hot fudge, they turn into a quick, impressive sundae. The recipe is simple and kid-friendly. You can add chocolate chips or chocolate shavings for extra fun. If you want a different chocolate dessert to try later, check out this easy brownie dump cake with chocolate chips.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chocolate Pancakes & Sundae
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1⁄4 cup (25g) cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1⁄2 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1⁄2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- Vanilla or chocolate ice cream
- Hot fudge or chocolate sauce
- Whipped cream
- Cherries
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles (optional)
Directions:
- Make the Pancakes: In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, butter, and vanilla.
- Combine: Pour the wet mix into the dry mix and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix — small lumps are fine. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Cook: Heat a greased pan over medium heat. Pour batter (about 1/4 cup per pancake). Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until set. Keep pancakes warm.
- Build the Sundae Stack: Stack warm chocolate pancakes on a plate. Add a scoop or two of ice cream. Drizzle hot fudge or chocolate sauce. Top with whipped cream and a cherry. Sprinkle chocolate shavings or nuts if you like.
Best Ways to Serve Your Chocolate Pancake Sundae
Serve the pancakes warm so the ice cream melts just a little and mixes with the hot fudge. Use a small stack (2–3 pancakes) per person. For a party, make pancake stacks on small plates and let guests add their own toppings. You can also pair this with chewy cookies or other treats like these cheesecake-stuffed chocolate chip cookies for a dessert table.
How to Store Leftovers
- Pancakes: Cool completely, stack with parchment between layers, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Sundae: Assembled sundaes don’t store well because of the ice cream. If you have leftover toppings or sauce, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
Simple Tips for the Best Pancakes
- Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps pancakes tender.
- Use medium heat so pancakes cook through without burning.
- Keep pancakes warm on a low oven (about 200°F / 95°C) while you finish the batch.
- Swap butter for oil if you want dairy-free pancakes (also use non-dairy milk). For more chocolate ideas and cookie inspiration, see these cherry chocolate chewy cookies.
Easy Variations
- Vegan: Use plant milk, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), and a neutral oil.
- Nutty: Add chopped nuts to the batter or sprinkle on top.
- Fruit: Add sliced bananas or berries between pancake layers for a fruity contrast.
Nutritional Information (estimate per serving)
- Calories: ~450–600 (depends on ice cream and toppings)
- Fat: 18–30 g
- Carbs: 60–80 g
- Protein: 6–8 g
(These are rough estimates. Exact values depend on brands and portion sizes.)
Family-Friendly Serving Ideas
- Make mini stacks for kids with small scoops of ice cream.
- Set up a topping bar: sprinkles, nuts, sauces, and fruits so everyone customizes their sundae.
- Turn it into breakfast-for-dinner with extra fruit and less sauce.
What to Eat With This Dessert
- Coffee or cold milk pairs well.
- A simple fruit salad lightens the richness.
- For a larger dessert spread, add plain waffles or cookies to offer contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can mix the batter and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before cooking.
Q: Can I skip the chocolate chips?
A: Absolutely. The pancakes are chocolatey from the cocoa powder. Chips are optional for extra texture.
Q: How do I keep pancakes from getting soggy under ice cream?
A: Serve pancakes warm but not steaming. Add ice cream just before serving and eat right away. You can also place a thin spread (butter or ganache) between pancake and ice cream to add a barrier.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that replaces all-purpose flour evenly. Cooking time remains the same.
Conclusion
If you want a different take or specialty mix, try this Vegan Pancake Sundae Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan for a plant-based version. For a more elegant chocolate pancake dish with fruit, see the Chocolate German Pancake with Caramelized Pears – Cherry on My …. If you prefer a ready-made mix, consider the Double Chocolate Pancake & Waffle Mix – Stonewall Kitchen to speed up prep.
Chocolate Pancakes & Sundae
Ingredients
For the Pancakes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (25g)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup milk (240ml)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter or oil Use oil for dairy-free.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional) For extra chocolate flavor
For the Sundae
- to taste Vanilla or chocolate ice cream
- to taste Hot fudge or chocolate sauce
- to taste Whipped cream
- to taste Cherries
- to taste Chocolate shavings or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, butter, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet mix into the dry mix and stir until just combined. Don't overmix — small lumps are fine. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Heat a greased pan over medium heat. Pour batter (about 1/4 cup per pancake).
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until set. Keep pancakes warm.
Assembly
- Stack warm chocolate pancakes on a plate.
- Add a scoop or two of ice cream.
- Drizzle hot fudge or chocolate sauce over the top.
- Top with whipped cream and a cherry. Sprinkle chocolate shavings or nuts if desired.
