Do you love pancakes and bananas? You’re in for a treat! This Banana Chocolate Chip Sheet Pancake is not just easy to make; it’s also super delicious. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, it combines sweet bananas and melting chocolate in a large, fluffy pancake. Imagine serving a whole sheet of pancake that pleases everyone. Let’s dive into this fun recipe and make your meal extra special!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This sheet pancake comes together in just 10 minutes of prep time, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and chocolate chips creates a delightful sweetness that everyone will enjoy.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 8 servings, this recipe is great for family breakfasts or brunch with friends, allowing everyone to enjoy a slice.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding nuts, spices, or using different types of chocolate to suit your taste.
Ingredients
List of Required Ingredients
– 2 ripe bananas
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
– 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
– 1 cup chocolate chips
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Gathering fresh ingredients is key to a great pancake. I like to use ripe bananas. They add natural sweetness and moisture. Choose firm bananas with brown spots for best flavor.
Next, I grab all-purpose flour. It gives the pancake structure and fluffiness. Sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while baking powder and baking soda make the pancake rise. This mix keeps the pancake light and airy.
Salt balances the sweetness. Eggs add richness and help bind everything together. For the liquid, I use buttermilk. It adds a tangy flavor and makes the pancake tender. If I don’t have buttermilk, I mix regular milk with vinegar for a quick substitute.
Melted butter or coconut oil adds a nice depth of flavor. The chocolate chips are the star of the show. They melt and create gooey pockets of chocolate in each bite. Lastly, vanilla extract enhances the overall taste, making each bite a delight.
Having all these ingredients ready makes the cooking process smooth and fun.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a rimmed baking sheet. You can use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until they are well combined.
3. In another bowl, mash 2 ripe bananas. Add 2 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk, 1/4 cup of melted butter (or coconut oil), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk this mixture until it is smooth.
Mixing and Baking
4. Pour the banana mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined. It’s fine if there are a few lumps; do not overmix.
5. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed in the batter.
6. Spread the batter evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure it reaches the corners for even baking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Serving Instructions
8. Once baked, remove the sheet pancake from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares or rectangles.
9. For a delightful presentation, serve the pancakes warm. Dust them with powdered sugar. Top with extra banana slices and chocolate chips. A drizzle of maple syrup adds a sweet finish.
Tips & Tricks
Expert Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
How to avoid overmixing:
Mix the wet and dry ingredients gently. Use a spatula to fold them together. You want to see some lumps in the batter. This keeps the pancakes soft and fluffy.
Ensuring even baking:
Spread the batter evenly across the baking sheet. Use a spatula to reach all the corners. This helps the pancake bake evenly. Check it near the end of the baking time for doneness.
Ingredient Substitutions
Alternatives to buttermilk:
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with vinegar. Just add one tablespoon of vinegar to one and a half cups of milk. Let it sit for five minutes. This gives you a great substitute.
Using different types of chocolate chips:
Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate. You can even use white chocolate or peanut butter chips. This gives your pancake a fun twist.
Equipment Recommendations
Best baking sheets to use:
Use a rimmed baking sheet to keep the batter contained. A nonstick or parchment-lined sheet helps with easy removal. Choose one that is at least 12×18 inches for the best results.
Essential mixing tools:
A large mixing bowl is key for combining ingredients. Use a whisk for the dry mix and a spatula for folding in the wet mix. These tools make the process smooth and simple.
Pro Tips
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancake will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best flavor!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. A few lumps are okay; overmixing can make the pancakes tough.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add other mix-ins like nuts, or swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a different flavor!
- Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens vary. Start checking for doneness at 15 minutes to prevent overbaking.
Variations
Flavor Additions
You can have fun by adding flavors. Consider mixing in some nut butter. Almond or peanut butter adds a creamy touch. You can also throw in some nuts for crunch. Walnuts or pecans work great.
If you want a fruity twist, swap the chocolate chips for dried fruits. Raisins or cranberries will add sweetness. You can even try coconut flakes for a tropical vibe.
Dietary Adjustments
Want a gluten-free version? Use a gluten-free flour blend. Many brands work well in recipes. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute. Your pancakes will still be fluffy and delicious.
For a vegan twist, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. You can also use almond milk instead of buttermilk. Your pancakes will still taste amazing!
Serving Suggestions
Toppings can make your pancakes even better. Try a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. Fresh banana slices and extra chocolate chips add extra flavor. A drizzle of maple syrup makes everything sweeter.
For a complete breakfast, pair these pancakes with yogurt. A dollop of whipped cream also makes it special. You could serve them with fresh fruit or a smoothie. Enjoy your meal with a warm drink like coffee or tea!
Storage Info
Storage Tips
How do I store leftover pancakes? Store leftover banana chocolate chip sheet pancakes in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. You can also wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap for easier access.
What are the best practices for freezing? To freeze pancakes, let them cool completely first. Then, stack them with parchment paper in between each pancake. Place the stack in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to two months. Just write the date on the bag so you remember when you made them.
Reheating Instructions
How can I reheat without drying out? To reheat pancakes, use the microwave. Place a damp paper towel over the pancakes and heat for 20-30 seconds. This keeps them moist. You can also use the oven at 350°F (175°C). Wrap pancakes in foil and heat for about 10 minutes.
What tips can freshen up the pancakes? For extra flavor, you can add a little butter on top before reheating. This adds richness. You might also want to drizzle some maple syrup over them right before serving. It brings back the fresh taste every time!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the batter ahead. Just mix the wet and dry parts. Store the batter in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, stir gently and add the chocolate chips.
How do I know when the pancakes are done?
The pancakes are done when the edges turn golden brown. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the pancakes are ready.
Recipe Troubleshooting
What to do if the pancakes are too dense?
If your pancakes are dense, it may be due to overmixing. Try mixing until just combined next time. You can also add a bit more buttermilk to lighten the batter.
Fixing overcooked pancakes
If your pancakes are overcooked, they might be dry. You can serve them with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt to add moisture back.
Serving Sizing
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 8 servings. Each square can be a nice portion for one person.
Adjusting portions for different group sizes
If you need more servings, simply double the recipe. For fewer servings, cut the ingredients in half. You can easily scale it to fit your needs.
This blog post covered how to make delicious pancakes using simple ingredients and clear steps. You learned about essential tips for mixing and baking, as well as variations to tailor your pancakes. With ideas for storage and reheating, you can enjoy fresh pancakes anytime.
Experiment with flavors and adjust the recipe to suit your taste. I hope you find joy in making and sharing these tasty pancakes. Happy cookin
