Chocolate brownie pancakes [refined sugar and dairy free]


Happy New Year all! After a lovely nearly month-long break I am back with another recipe – and, let me tell you, if these chocolate brownie pancakes don’t make your 2021 breakfasts something to look forward to, then I don’t know what will.
Perfectly crispy edges, dense but light chocolatey texture inside and if you drizzle (or drench, like my kids) them in maple syrup and serve with some berries (we used our homegrown loganberries), I can guarantee this will be your New Year weekend breakfast perfection.

But aren’t brownie pancakes bad for you?
Well, to put it diplomatically, it all depends. It depends on what ingredients you use to make the pancakes, how you dress them and what you serve with them, right?
In this version, I have chosen to use the following healthier ingredients which make these brownie pancakes dairy and refined sugar free as well as more nutritious than your usual pancakes. Check this out:
Wholemeal flour and wholemeal spelt flour
One of the main differences between wholemeal (or whole wheat) and white flour is the fiber content. Wholemeal flour naturally has the level of fiber found in wheat, while white flour has had most of the fiber removed from it during processing. Fiber is an important part of your diet, as it prevents constipation, helps control blood sugar, helps prevent heart disease, and may even assists in weight-loss management. Wholemeal flour is also rich in vitamins B-1, B-3, and B-5, along with riboflavin and folate. It also has more iron, calcium, protein, and other nutrients than white flour. Source: The Spruce Eats
Spelt is an ancient grain which is nutritionally very similar to wheat. However, comparisons have shown it to be slightly higher in zinc and protein. It is also rich in manganese, phosphorous, vitamin B3, magnesium and iron. Source: Healthline

Cacao powder
Cacao is an excellent source of several minerals, including iron, selenium, magnesium, chromium and manganese. It’s also low in calories, high in fiber and should have no added sugar (check the list of ingredients when buying to make sure). Also, a note on the terminology – cacao powder contains more fibre and calories than cocoa powder since more of the nutrients from the whole bean are still intact (but the terminology sometimes varies so check the packaging).
Plant based milk
I have been using macadamia milk (as I am in love with this barista macadamia milk which is smooth and creamy with just the right level of macadamia taste). I like to use plant based milks as they are dairy free, and so easier on the tummy and still delicious. as well as being more nutritious than cow milk – for example, macadamia milk is richer in calcium and vitamins D and B12. Source: Healthline. However, feel free to use other dairy-free alternatives (such as coconut milk which will also make these nut free) or, if you don’t need these brownie pancakes to be dairy-free, cow milk should work just fine as well.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinger has various healthful properties including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. It may also aid in weight loss, reducing cholesterol, lowering blood sugar levels, and improving the symptoms of diabetes. And let’s not forget, it’s great for your skin (as the fermentation process creates a compound in the vinegar called acetic acid, which is well known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties), so having a spoonful every now and then is a great idea. Source: Healthline
Maple syrup
These brownie pancakes are sweetened by maple syrup rather than white sugar, making them richer in minerals such as zinc and manganese. But beware, maple syrup will still raise your blood sugar fairly significantly (though its glycemic index is slightly lower – around 54 as compared to white sugar which has a glycemic index of around 65). That means, use it in moderation – both in the pancakes and when drizzling (in particular, a little friendly tip here – if your kids are holding the little pot full of maple syrup, whatever you do, don’t look away).

Swaps
If you swap out the flours for gluten free options, you can also make these gluten/wheat free.
If you swap out the macadamia milk for coconut milk, for example, you can make these nut free and suitable for kids’ school lunch boxes. (Because they would make for a lovely treat cold, cut up into quarters and perhaps accompanied by a little pot of homemade jam? Just sayin’.)

Recipe
Chocolate brownie pancakes [refined sugar and dairy free]
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 100 g wholemeal spelt flour
- 85 g wholemeal flour
- 3 heaped tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
Wet ingredients
- 3/4 cup plant based milk (I use macadamia milk but try coconut milk if you want nut free pancakes, or use cow milk if dairy free is not a concern)
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
Toppings
- maple syrup, for drizzling
- berries or other soft fruit, diced if required (mango would be beautiful here)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
- Whisk the wet ingredients together in another small bowl or a measuring cup.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix together until well combined.
- Make pancakes, whether in a pancake maker like we do or in a pan over a little bit of melted coconut oil.
- Drizzle with some maple syrup and serve with your favourite berries.
Notes

Recipe notes
I would say this recipe serves about 4 for breakfast. My kids can only manage 2 of these pancakes max and I would say the adults would get maybe 3 or 4 each, depending how big you make these.
We use the Tefal snack maker with pancake plates which is how we can make them so nice and even. The plates also help with keeping these guys nice and thick inside so you get the gooeyness and the crispy crust.
Try and vary the toppings. based on what fruit you have at home. As I said above, diced mango or other soft fruits in season like peaches, apricots, nectarines or even bananas would be fantastic, if you don’t have berries.
This recipe is based on a fabulous recipe for chocolate pancakes found in the Australian Women’s Weekly #Veganlife cookbook which is an absolute cracker!



51 Comments
Fran @ G'day Souffle
I am truly flabergasted at your pancake photography! I have never been able to photograph them effectively! Plus these pancakes look nice and healthy.
Katerina
Thank you so much Fran! For me it’s all about the height – taking shots from the top doesn’t work well for me. Hope you’ve been well!
Jhuls
I love the sound of these pancakes. Love the photos, too. Gorgeous!!
Katerina
Thanks very much!
Aarthi
Perfect pancake stack , love the idea of using macadamia milk, and cocoa powder. Healthy and delicous breakfast idea!
Katerina
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!
Jill
Okay, I need to make these this weekend! So yummy!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Katerina
Haha.. now that’s a great compliment, thanks so much Jill!
Judith A. Graber
Oh my – I know a few people who would love your recipe 🙂
Katerina
Thanks so much Judith!
David Gascoigne
Once in a while we have pancakes for breakfast – usually blueberry – and I enjoy them. This sounds like a version we should try. Years ago, on a visit to Florida, I found a place where they served a whole renage of “healthy” pancakes and I remember a fabulous breakfast there, followed by a great day of birding.
Katerina
Thanks David, I hope these live up to that memory!
Caleb - Never Ending Journeys
What a fun idea! I never thought to make brownie pancakes before – that’s the best of both worlds. Looks and sounds so tasty!
Katerina
Thanks very much, Caleb!
Lisa
Wow these look delicious – and depending on how you make them, relatively healthy too. Brownies and pancakes combined sounds like a dream, thank you so much!
Katerina
Thanks so much, Lisa, I’m really glad you think so!
CoCo
Happy New Year, Katerina! What a great way to start the morning. These look amazing and I can’t believe they’re healthy too. Super excited to try your recipe. Thanks so much for sharing it. Hugs, CoCo
Katerina
Happy New Year, CoCo! I’m so glad you like it!
Molly Pisula
These look so healthy, but delicious too! Perfect breakfast idea.
Katerina
Thanks so much, Molly!
Sophie
They look absolutely delicious! And you’ve convinced me that I need a pancake plate. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a stack so perfectly even x
Sophie
Raymund
Happy New Year too! Those pancakes are amazing, good for me or not, its all in the quantity and moderation but with this healthy alternative, I can devour more
Katerina
Haha, I love your attitude, Raymund, and I’m so glad you like these! Thank you!
jodie filogomo
We just made a 3 ingredient pancakes and loved them. So I’m sure we would love these!!
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Katerina
Thanks so much Jodie, I really hope you do!
Laurel
Interestingly, last night I was trying to imagine what would happen with brownie batter with xtra liquid and baking powder poured onto a grill for pancakes. Now, however, I can have my brownie pancakes and enjoy them without twisting my brain to get there. Thank you! They look marvelous, a perfect fit.
Katerina
Brilliant timing, I’m so glad I could help. Hope you enjoy these!
Michelle | Sift & Simmer
Beautiful photos, Katerina! Love how healthy these chocolate brownie pancakes are! I’ve never used spelt flour, but this recipe is making me want to buy some! 🙂
Katerina
Ohhhh, go for it! I hope you love baking with it as much as I do. Thanks Michelle!
John / Kitchen Riffs
Happy New Year! And what a nice recipe to start the year. These are cute! And really, really tasty, I’m thinking. Really nice dish — thanks.
Katerina
Happy New Year, John! Thanks so much!
Auggie
How perfectly round and even these chocolate pancakes are. And I absolutely love the crispy edges. Now I am considering a pancake maker.. 🙂
Katerina
Haha.. I know, there’s something very satisfying about that evenness, isn’t there? Thanks so much Auggie!
David @ Spiced
What a gorgeous recipe, Katerina! I must admit that I’m not into chocolate first thing in the morning, but I could see this being an awesome brunch. What a great recipe to kick things off for the new year, too!
Katerina
I totally get not being into chocolate first thing in the morning, David! I suspect these babies might change your mind though. Thanks so much!
sherry
These look so pretty and sound delicious. Yum.
Katerina
Thank you so much Sherry!
Laura Bambrick
These look divine! What a fun treat for breakfast, too. My kids love pancakes! I will have to see if I have the ingredients to make these!
Katerina
Thanks so much Laura, hope you guys like these!
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
I just recently purchased some cacao powder and nibs, too! These pancakes look SO perfect and I love their perfectly defined cripsy edges. Those blackberries look good, too! Yum! I would love to have this for lunch right now!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Katerina
Haha.. pancakes for lunch is a fabulous idea! Thanks so much Carrie!
Healthy World Cuisine
That is one epic stack of deliciousness. We need to get some cacao powder. We have had this before and really enjoy it in recipes. The kids would pop out of bed in the morning, if these delicious pancakes were waiting for them.
Katerina
I’m sure they would! Thanks so much!
angiesrecipes
A guilt free, delicious and wholesome breakfast to wake up to! I can’t wait for black berry season arrive here..
Katerina
Ahh, blackberries would be perfect with these pancakes! Thanks so much Angie!
Kathrine Eldridge
My son would go crazy for these! He can never get enough brownies. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Katerina
Haha.. he has great taste, clearly! Thanks so much Kathrine!
Neil
These chocolate brownie pancakes look amazing. With us coming up to valentines day, Lynne always likes pancakes to celebrate. I’ve kind of done my pancake recipes enough so I’ll be giving these a try. Thanks Katerina.
Katerina
Pancakes for Valentine’s Day! That’s such a great idea. Thanks so much, Neil!
Hasin
Love that stack, Katerina. My girls are into pancakes and most of the weekend indulgence begins with a good stack of these lovelies. Thanks for making it dairy free.
Katerina
I’m so glad you like the look of these, Hasin! Hope you and your girls enjoy these pancakes!