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These delicious Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes make it easy to enjoy chocolate for breakfast, while still being a healthy option to start your day. They are gluten-free, vegan, lower in carbs, and low-calorie without sacrificing the flavor of pancakes that everyone loves.

A stack of banana chocolate chip pancakes with syrup drizzling over the top and a bite missing.
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Pancakes are a fun and easy breakfast option that can be good for you, too! These banana chocolate pancakes don’t have any added sugar and are gluten and dairy-free. They have a great amount of healthy fat and fiber, which is perfect for starting your day right or when you need an afternoon snack.

If you like recipes with banana and chocolate, you will love my banana oat muffins, banana and oat cake and this healthy yet delicious chocolate banana bread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Decadent Pancakes: These healthy banana pancakes are hearty and loaded with chocolate chips. They are like having a rich dessert for breakfast without the extra sugar!
  • Low Calorie and Higher Fiber: If you follow the exact recipe, these pancakes are 100 calories a piece and have more fiber than regular pancakes. Carbs aren’t bad for you! Getting enough fiber (which comes from carbs like bananas and oatmeal) is especially important for women over 35 trying to lose weight.
  • Gluten-Free and Vegan: This banana chocolate chip pancake recipe is made with oats, milk, and a flax meal egg, so it’s vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients

Ingredients to make banana and chocolate chip pancakes with labels to identify each one.
  • Banana: Use one very ripe banana to add moisture and sweetness to the pancakes without any additional sugar.
  • Rolled Oats: Use regular old-fashioned oats (or gluten-free rolled oats) and be sure to check the package that they’re marked gluten-free if you need them to be. You can also use gluten-free rolled oat or oat flour, but make sure you measure flour properly to avoid over flouring the batter.
  • Baking Powder and Baking Soda: A little bit of leavening agents helps the pancakes rise and have a fluffy texture, even when they are thin.
  • Low Fat Milk: The oats need moisture to soften properly, so you’ll need a milk to achieve the right consistency for these banana oatmeal chocolate chip pancakes.
  • Flax Meal: When combined with water, the flax meal turns gelatinous and has a similar consistency to an egg. This acts as a binding agent for the pancake batter. You can also use an equal amount of chia seeds instead of flax meal.
  • Chocolate Chips: You can’t have banana chocolate chip pancakes without the chocolate chips! Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the recipe dairy-free and vegan.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations & Dietary Modifications

  • Add More Protein: Eggs have significantly more protein than a flax egg. If you don’t need the pancakes to be vegan and want more protein, add an egg instead.
  • Try Different Mix-Ins: Instead of chocolate chips, try these banana pancakes with almond slivers, walnuts, pistachios, blueberries, cherries, or strawberries, like in these strawberry yogurt pancakes.
  • Switch Up the Flavor: The full recipe for these pancakes utilizes mint extract to create a unique flavor. You can change that flavor by using vanilla, almond extract, cocoa powder, or cinnamon into the batter.

For more pancake variations, try these coconut flour pancakes, almond flour pancakes recipe, or my low calories pancakes!

How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes

This thin and rich pancake recipe doesn’t take a lot of time to prepare and is great for making in advance. You’ll need a food processor or a blender to mix the batter and a non-stick pan to cook the pancakes.

Flax and water mixed in a bowl to make a flax egg.

Step 1: Make a Flax Egg. Add the flax meal to a small bowl with 2 tablespoons of warm water and set it aside to set for 5 minutes.

Banana, milk, oatmeal, and other ingredients in a blender.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter. Add the banana, rolled oats, flax egg, milk, and other ingredients (except the chocolate chips) to a food processor or blender.

A spoon holding up some of the pancake batter after it's blended.

Step 3: Blend and Add the Chocolate Chips. Blend until the ingredients are well combined into a thin, smooth batter. Stir the chocolate chips into the batter. 

Pancakes cooking in a skillet.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes. Bring a non-stick pan to medium heat and pour ¼ cup of the batter into the skillet to make one pancake. Cook the pancake for 3-4 minutes until the batter on the side facing up bubbles. Then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Repeat this process until the batter is gone.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve. You can add some freshly sliced banana, additional chocolate chips, and your favorite maple syrup to the pancakes before eating them. They’re terrific with a low-calorie pumpkin spice latte or low-calorie peppermint mocha!

Expert Tips

  • Making Flax Eggs: The flax egg is important for this chocolate chip banana pancake recipe because it helps bind the ingredients together. Use warm water so the mixture sets more quickly; otherwise, it won’t be gelatinous enough and the batter won’t hold together as well.
  • Use Very Ripe Bananas: Brown, soft bananas are best for this recipe because they are more flavorful, sweeter, have more moisture, and are easier to mash.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips are Best: Get a mouthful of chocolate in every bite by using mini chocolate chips instead of regular ones. They are the key to making these pancakes taste even better!
A stack of banana chocolate chip pancakes with chips and sliced bananas to garnish.

Storage Directions 

  • Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. You can also freeze these pancakes for up to 60 days. Be sure to layer parchment paper between pancakes or wrap them individually in plastic wrap to avoid them freezing together.
  • Reheating: Reheat your banana oatmeal pancakes in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. You can also reheat them on the stove over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes.
  • Make Ahead: These pancakes are the perfect easy breakfast meal prep! Make them and save them for the week or freeze them for later. 

Serving Suggestions

Who doesn’t love pancakes for breakfast?! These chocolate chip banana pancakes taste like a decadent dessert, but they are low-calorie, full of fiber, gluten-free, and vegan. That makes them a great part of a balanced breakfast or the perfect mid-afternoon snack when the craving for something sweet hits you.

Recipe FAQs

What pan should I cook these chocolate banana pancakes in?

Use a nonstick electric griddle to ensure the pancakes come out perfectly every time because it heats evenly and consistently. You can also use a nonstick skillet on the stove.

Why are my chocolate chip banana pancakes soggy?

There may be a few reasons why your pancakes are soggy. First, your pan may not be hot enough. Try increasing the heat a bit to see if that helps. The second reason may be that the banana is too chunky and not evenly distributed through the batter. Be sure the batter has a thin, even consistency without chunks before mixing in the chocolate chips.

Why do my banana chocolate chip pancakes fall apart when I flip them?

If your banana pancakes are tearing or falling apart when you try to flip them, that means that they aren’t ready to flip. Wait for another 30 seconds or a minute and try again. If they tear and are burning, then your heat is too high. 

A fork picking up a bite of banana chocolate chip pancakes cut from a stack.

More Delicious Healthy Pancake Recipes

If you tried this Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below.

A stack of banana chocolate chip pancakes on a plate.
5 from 1 vote
Servings: 9 pancakes

Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes

These easy banana chocolate chip pancakes combine gluten-free oats, ripe banana, and dairy-free milk into a sweet and flavorful breakfast.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes
Total: 17 minutes
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Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Make a flax egg by combining the flax meal in a small bowl with 2 tbsp water. Set aside for 5 minutes to set.
  • Place all ingredients except chocolate chips to a food processor or blender and process until combined well.
  • Fold the chocolate chips in by hand.
  • Bring a nonstick electric skillet to medium heat (or 300 F). Place 1/4 cup of the batter onto the skillet (1/4 cup makes one pancake). Repeat for the remaining batter.
  • Cook 3-4 minutes until the pancakes bubble then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes then remove from the skillet and place on a wire baking rack to cool.
  • Serve pancakes immediately or store in the refrigerator up to 7 days or in the freezer up to 60 days.

Video

Notes

  • Pick Ripe Bananas: The browner and softer, the better! Overripe bananas bring extra sweetness, moisture, and rich banana flavor—plus they mash up effortlessly.
  • Go Mini with Chocolate Chips: Tiny chips = chocolate in every bite. Mini chocolate chips melt perfectly throughout the pancakes, making them extra decadent compared to regular-sized ones.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pancake, Calories: 103kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 135mg, Potassium: 148mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 16IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 66mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Megan

Megan is a nutritionist who coaches women 35+ lose weight sustainably. She is the author of the Low Calorie Cookbook, fitness instructor, host of the Dish On Ditching Diets Podcast and creator of Skinny Fitalicious where you get lighter, higher protein recipes. Follow Megan on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram for the latest updates.

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30 Comments

  1. Laura says:

    I’m so sorry that you’re in such pain – good luck finding a fix soon! Big hugs.

    1. Megan says:

      Thanks friend, you too take care of that arm!

  2. Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner says:

    These pancakes look good! And best part of all is that I have all these ingredients. Thanks for sharing cause the old recipe I had just wasn’t cutting it.

    1. Megan says:

      It’s not your traditional recipe, but it is good. I hope you love it!

  3. Bethany says:

    those pancakes look amazing!!!!

    1. Megan says:

      Thank you!

  4. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says:

    I want these…..RIGHT NOW!

    1. Megan says:

      They’re more like desert…haha

  5. Elsie @ Sharing Healthiness says:

    Let me tell you first that your photography skills are insane today!! Those pictures are unreal!!! Mint pancakes are new to me! Do you get that “fresh” feeling when you eat them!
    I am seriously thinking you should study to be a doctor…I’d love for someone like you to treat me! 🙂

    1. Megan says:

      Thanks for the sweet compliments Elsie! I’m working on my photography, but it’s not yet where I want it to be. Small steps, right? As for becoming a doctor, probably not going to happen as I almost failed chemistry. I would love to be a nutritionist, but it requires chemistry too.

  6. Chaitali says:

    I’m coming over from the Meatless Monday link up. I’m so sorry to hear about your horrible experience with the doctors 🙁 I hope the recovery goes better than the diagnosis process.

    And these pancakes sound delicious! I’ve never though of putting mint in pancakes before. My mom doesn’t eat eggs so I think these might be the perfect thing for me to make while I’m visiting her over Christmas 🙂

    1. Megan says:

      The mint is a must in these. Hope you & your Mom love them! Happy Holidays!

  7. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says:

    So sorry you had to go through all of this! it’s terrible the way patients are treated. I also had a stress fracture earlier this year and it is very painful. If you really rest it and not run for 8 weeks it will get better. Thanks for linking up with us again this week and these look fabulous. I really like how you gave lots of substitutions for ingredients. Feel better soon!!

    1. Megan says:

      Thanks Deborah. I’m taking it easy. Just swimming right now. I want this thing to heal. I’m already feeling 1000x better after 1 week of an air cast.

  8. Tina Muir says:

    Oh Megan, I am so sorry to hear all that. Does not sound fun, and you are just in your bad string of luck right now. BUT you did win the runners connect giveaway, which could be your silver lining. If you chose the strength package, I am confident it will prevent injuries in the future, so hopefully this can be your last! I emailed you 🙂

    As for this recipe, OH YUM! Pancakes are always a win for me, especially with this great combination. Thanks for brining this to meatless monday! Killer recipe!

    1. Megan says:

      Thanks Tina, I’m so excited that I won. I never win anything! I’m excited to try the strength package.

  9. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says:

    The addition of the mint is very unique. I am so sorry to hear what you are going through with your injury. I remember the doctor I had refused to have an MRI done for my shoulder until I went through physical therapy. I went through the therapy and still was feeling about the same. Then the MRI came back that I have a calcium deposit which would have shown up on an MRI. I was furious at the time it took to go to PT when that really wasn’t ever going to solve the issue. It was all done completly backwards. The medical system is a mess.

    1. Megan says:

      Wow…that’s terrible about your shoulder but I can’t say I’m surprised. After what I’ve been through, I’m convinced patient care is no longer the priority. People are left to suffer and it is wrong.

  10. Jessie says:

    Banana pancakes are delicious on their own. I can only imagine how much better they are with mint. What a great holiday recipe.

    1. Megan says:

      Thanks, Jessie!