Only six ingredients in these light, paleo chocolate pancakes. Chocolate based and indulgent, you'll never guess that these low carb chocolate pancakes don't have a huge flour base. Eat them as-is if you're looking to scale back your calories or indulge in deliciousness and top with your favorites!
When most people hear the word "pancakes" they think of lazy Sunday brunches. But in my house, pancakes are a regular breakfast staple- which is why I need them to be healthy! Like my daughter's favorite pancakes (my high protein yogurt pancakes), these low carb chocolate pancakes are healthy and delicious!
While breakfast is often viewed as the most important meal of the day it's not often nutritious or even really filling. More often than not, children's breakfasts are full of processed sugar, poor quality carbohydrates, and minimal nutrition.
It's no wonder that we end up with hyperactive kids who can't focus in school and crash only an hour after eating. Not only are we not giving them the fuel they need to start their day but we're literally setting them up for failure!
Now don't get me wrong, depending on what you top these low carb paleo pancakes with, they can definitely be decadent! But at their base, they're simple, low-carb, and still delicious.
Don't want to read? JUMP to the recipe.
Why To Use Coconut Flour
As a certified nutrition coach, back when I was coaching figure competitors we used to call coconut flour "a competitor's best friend". And with good reason!
Coconut flour gives the light and full feeling of traditional food (muffins, pancakes etc) but without all the carbs! Coconut flour absorbs water so it tastes like a carbohydrate in baking recipes but is actually a great balance of healthy fats. Plus, coconut flour is approved by a paleo diet which gives you a lot more options when baking.
This is why these low carb chocolate pancakes are so amazing. They have the feel of a regular chocolate pancake (light not dense) but they have the health benefits of coconut flour.
Freezing The Pancakes
If ever there was a mom hack it would be having make-ahead breakfasts on hand (here’s our favorite make-ahead breakfast options). It makes busy mornings far easier!
However, I haven't tested freezing this particular chocolate pancake recipe- my kiddos eat them too fast. I have however made a big batch, kept them in the fridge, and reheated them in the oven the next day. My peanut butter and banana pancakes freeze wonderfully but they have a very different base.
If you do try to freeze them, make sure you separate them with parchment paper to keep them from freezing together. And of course- let me know how the reheat!
Toppings
If you're looking to keep these chocolate pancakes low carb for weight loss or diet reasons, you'll want to avoid topping them excessively. Personally, I love topping them with a bit of extra coconut milk in place of syrup if this is my goal.
However, our favorite toppings are a mish-mash of:
- extra coconut milk or coconut whip cream
- maple syrup
- enjoy life chocolate chips (dairy-free and gluten-free)
- 2-ingredient chocolate syrup (cacao powder + maple syrup)
Pancake Molds
You’ll notice in the photos that the paleo chocolate pancakes are pretty circular. And in the video, I use a mold. I am obsessed with these circular egg and pancake molds.
Not only do they make the pancakes look better and more uniform but it helps to portion out the batter so everything cooks evenly too! They’re definitely one of my favorite kitchen tools. Not necessary but still freaking awesome.
Ingredients
- Coconut flour
- Baking powder
- Raw cacao powder
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Coconut Milk
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful
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Low Carb Chocolate Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1.5 tablespoons coconut flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoons cacao powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup coconut milk
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine all the ingredients.
- Mix until no clumps remain.
- Let sit for five minutes for the coconut water to absorb the liquid.
- While batter sits, spray a pan with non stick and heat just over medium heat.
- Portion batter evenly into the pan (I use a pancake circle for this) into four pancakes and cover.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes or until outer edges start to brown.
- Flip the pancakes. Recover with lid for 1-2 more minutes or until cooked through.
- Divide pancakes onto plates and top with your favorite toppings!
Notes
- maple syrup
- coconut milk
- chocolate chips
- 2 ingredient chocolate sauce (cacao + maple syrup)
Nutrition
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These paleo chocolate pancakes are low in carbohydrates, light and decadent! They work for people following a low carb diet as well as those of us who like to indulge. And of course, being chocolate, they're kid-approved 😉
Veronica
these look so tasty and hopefully easy enough for me to do, I have to try them!
fitasamamabear
They're definitely not too challenging of a recipe so I think you'll be good! I used to burn ALL of my pancakes haha so I know how you feel 😉
Chanele (Good Life of a Housewife)
These look so good! A much healthier alternative than the brownie I just ate for breakfast 🙂
fitasamamabear
Haha mmm brownie 😀 I do enjoy chocolate for breakfast....
Daniela
Ah chocolate pancakes! I'm such a fan!!! Nothing like starting the day smiling 🙂
fitasamamabear
Right?! Chocolate for breakfast is easily the best way to start the day 😀
Melissa @Real Nutritious Living
Pancakes are the best! Love the low carb option 🙂
fitasamamabear
We eat a ridiculous amount of pancakes lol
linda spiker
Oh yum! These look amazing!
fitasamamabear
Thanks! My 2yo is obsessed!
Heidi
These look so delicious! I will have to try these!
fitasamamabear
Let me know what you think!
Carol Little R.H.
WoW! These look SO good..Love the walnuts in the mix..
fitasamamabear
Walnuts make them light and yummy!
Jessica Levinson
These pancakes are a delicious way to start the day! Love that they are low carb!
fitasamamabear
They're definitely a tasty way to start the day 😀
Jenni
Oh my goodness these look so amazing, I will have to give them a go! #BlogCrush
fitasamamabear
Thank you! They're our new favorite in the house:D
fitasamamabear
They're the new favorite in our house 😀
Jenni
These pancakes were so delicious! My kids loved them, and didn't say a word about them being "healthy" (they can usually tell right away).
fitasamamabear
Mega win!! It's so awesome when the kiddos approve and dive in eh? So happy they loved them!