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

• 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 :)