Pan-Seared Chocolate Banana Pancake for Two
A quick, indulgent pancake for two featuring ripe bananas and rich cocoa powder, pan-seared to a golden finish and drizzled with honey. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 16 minutes layers large ripe banana, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, mash 1 large ripe banana with a fork until smooth and slightly chunky.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/8 tsp salt to the mashed banana; whisk to combine.
- Step 3: In a separate small bowl, whisk 1 large egg, 1/3 cup milk, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth, then pour into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
- Step 4: Heat 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until melted and foamy.
- Step 5: Pour half the batter (about 1/2 cup) into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set.
- Step 6: Flip the pancake carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Step 7: Repeat with remaining batter. Serve the two pancakes stacked, drizzled with 2 tbsp honey.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chocolate Banana Pancake for Two take to make?
Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chocolate Banana Pancake for Two?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chocolate Banana Pancake for Two?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Chocolate Banana Pancake for Two for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Chocolate Banana Pancake for Two?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
