I’m a big believer that breakfast should feel joyful, not restrictive, and these apple and chocolate pancakes are exactly that. They bring together fluffy pancakes, juicy apples, and just enough chocolate to feel indulgent while still supporting your goals.
From a nutrition coaching point of view, this is one of my favourite ways to show that a healthy breakfast doesn’t have to be boring. Using plant milk, fruit, and added protein makes these more balanced than traditional pancake recipes, and perfect for high protein breakfasts that still feel like a weekend treat. It’s also a great recipe to make with kids, fun, interactive, and a lovely way to build positive food habits around nutritious breakfasts.
Ingredients
- 1 /2 cup almond milk
Substitutions: oat milk, soy milk, dairy milk - 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
Sub: lemon juice - 1/2 cup self-raising flour
Sub: gluten-free self-raising flour or plain flour + 1 tsp baking powder - 1/2 scoop vanilla vegan protein powder
Sub: any vanilla protein or omit for a classic vegan pancake recipe - 1/2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
Sub: olive oil, butter, or vegan butter - 1 apple
Sub: pear or banana slices - 50 grams Dark chocolate (melted)
Sub: dairy-free chocolate or cacao nibs
Method
1. Make the “buttermilk”
Mix almond milk with apple cider vinegar and set aside for 5 minutes.
Coach tip: This creates a dairy-free buttermilk that makes pancakes softer and fluffier.
2. Mix the batter
In a large bowl, sieve flour and protein powder. Add milk mixture and coconut oil. Mix until smooth.
Coach tip: Don’t overmix — a few small lumps mean lighter pancakes.
3. Prepare the apples
Slice apple into rings and remove the seeds.
4. Chocolate coat
Dip apple rings into melted dark chocolate and leave to set.
Coach tip: Use a fork for less mess and a thinner chocolate layer.
5. Batter and cook
Dip chocolate-covered apple rings into pancake batter.
Cook on a medium heat pan until golden.
Coach tip: Medium heat prevents burning the chocolate.
6. Flip and finish
Flip and cook the other side.
Optionally coat in cinnamon sugar and serve warm.
Coach tip: You can skip the sugar and just use cinnamon for a lighter version.
Tips & Variations
- Add oats to batter for extra fiber.
- Stuff with nut butter for higher protein breakfasts.
- Use white chocolate for kids’ parties.
- Add grated apple directly into batter for quicker cooking.
- Serve with yogurt and berries for more nutritious breakfasts.
Storage, Serving & Reheating
Storage: Store in fridge for up to 2 days.
Serving: Great with Greek yogurt, nut butter, or fresh fruit.
Reheating: Reheat in pan or air fryer for 3–5 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Try these apple pancakes and let me know how you customise them. Did you go extra chocolate or keep it simple? Share your favourite pancake recipes and twists.
These chocolate apples wrapped in fluffy pancakes are proof that healthy pancakes can still feel exciting. A small twist can turn a basic breakfast into something special.
Alex 🙂
Apple & Chocolate Pancakes
I’m a big believer that breakfast should feel joyful, not restrictive, and these apple and chocolate pancakes are exactly that. They bring together fluffy pancakes, juicy apples, and just enough chocolate to feel indulgent while still supporting your goals.
From a nutrition coaching point of view, this is one of my favourite ways to show that a healthy breakfast doesn’t have to be boring. Using plant milk, fruit, and added protein makes these more balanced than traditional pancake recipes, and perfect for high protein breakfasts that still feel like a weekend treat. It’s also a great recipe to make with kids, fun, interactive, and a lovely way to build positive food habits around nutritious breakfasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Mix the oat milk with ACV and set aside
-
In a large bowl sieve the flour, protein powder and baking powder. Add the milk mix and coconut oil to it and mix well
-
Cut the apple in rings and then remove the seeds
-
Dip the apple rings in the chocolate and leave to set
-
Dip the chocolate covered apple rings in the pancake batter and cook over a medium heat frying pan
-
Once golden brown turn and cook the other side, coat them in a ‘cinnamon sugar’ mix. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2 ServingCalories:369.15kcalTotal Fat:15.14gCholesterol:0.75mgSodium:49.79mgTotal Carbohydrate:49.4gDietary Fiber: 6.1gSugars: 16.38gProtein:5.76gCalcium: 147.44mg
Note
- Add oats to batter for extra fiber.
- Stuff with nut butter for higher protein breakfasts.
- Use white chocolate for kids’ parties.
- Add grated apple directly into batter for quicker cooking.
- Serve with yogurt and berries for more nutritious breakfasts.
