Pancakes and I have a strange relationship.
I like it, in fact I really like it, but nowadays I very rarely eat it. In fact, I’ve never made it myself, until now.
When I was younger, I used to love eating pancakes with my sisters. In the Philippines, we call pancakes “hotcakes” – one of my sisters have a slight obsession with these hotcakes, so we often had pancakes for breakfast or even as an afternoon snack. I would experiment with different toppings: maple syrup, chocolate syrup, milk and sugar, condensed milk (don’t knock it till you try it), butter, fresh fruit. I don’t even remember who used to make the pancakes – maybe my dad, or my mom, or one of the maids, but there were always pancakes at home.
When I moved to the US and didn’t live with my sisters anymore, I stopped eating pancakes. It wasn’t as fun eating it by myself, and frankly, I didn’t really want to make pancakes. I’d rather bake something or roll things into balls or eat out somewhere. And when my friends and I would have brunch out, I always get eggs or something a little more filling.
Then several years ago, I had an ex-boyfriend who loved pancakes, and I started eating pancakes again. He would make the best banana pancakes, sometimes with chocolate chips, and I would eat it plain, with no butter nor maple syrup. He always wondered why I, of the gigantic sweet tooth, would want to eat my pancakes plain (although really, there’s nothing “plain” about chocolate chip banana pancakes). I didn’t really know why either, but at that time that was how I liked my pancakes. After our relationship ended, I didn’t really allow myself to think about him for a very long time. Which means I didn’t really think about pancakes for a very long time, either.
But, life happens and time did its magic. Eventually I started thinking about pancakes again, and everything I like about pancakes: the comforting smell, the chocolate chips, the small pool of maple syrup, the melty butter, the epitome of a nice, leisurely breakfast.
So I made pancakes for me, and I made this batch exactly the way I want: not too flat, not too fluffy, sweetened with bits of chocolate, with a tropical hit from coconut oil and some texture from shredded coconut. I doused it with real maple syrup, and added a pat of butter on top. (After taking these pictures, I also added a sliced banana.) Coconut Chocolate Chip Pancakes for One.
I didn’t have my sisters laughing with me at the table, I didn’t have a boyfriend wanting a side of bacon. All I had was a glass of cold milk, and extra maple syrup. I didn’t feel sad and I didn’t feel bitter (although I did use bittersweet chocolate without meaning to be ironic). I didn’t think about any sassy Single Lady comments (there is a time and place for that). But I did smile with each bite of these Coconut Chocolate Chip Pancakes. Because I realized the recipe could also be enough for two.
Coconut Chocolate Chip Pancakes For One (Or Two)
Ingredients
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon unsweetened coconut flakes
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup milk (I used 1%)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon coconut oil
2 tablespoons bittersweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon butter for cooking, and more for topping
maple syrup for topping
Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, coconut flakes, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, milk, and coconut oil.
- Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients, and add vanilla. Mix just until blended, and fold in chocolate chips. (As an alternative, you can also just drop a few chocolate chips into each pancake as it is being cooked.)
- In a frying pan or griddle over medium heat, melt the butter and scoop or pour around 1/4 cup of the batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles begin to form and flip to cook the other side until lightly brown. Serve with maple syrup and butter, or any other topping you desire.
Recipe
Pancakes and I have been on and off, but I think this time it’s here to stay. Unless I turn Paleo*
*There’s Paleo Pancakes, too.
*Not gonna happen.
Hi! I’m Bianca Garcia. I love food, running, yoga, sangria, and my job. I'm an advertising professional, social media enthusiast, blogger, freelance writer, and obsessive list-maker. I think about dessert constantly. 
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Hi Bianca – that is one good looking stack of pancakes! I never used to enjoy pancakes much until I had my son and now pancakes are a big part of our lives and I love it homemade! Glad you’re revisiting it and enjoying it all by yourself!
Yes! I love for one recipes! It’s hard to enjoy things like pancakes when you live alone, thanks!
Coconut and chocolate is the best pancake combo! The butter looks so beautiful on these :)
Now, this is quite the stack! I adore coconut, but when you add chocolate or chocolate chips? For brekkie? I am SO THERE! Thanks for sharing, m’lady!
Beautiful combo for pancakes !
I am pancake obsessed! But my husband hates coconut, so this is the perfect recipe for me to make only for me! They look delicious!
I’m so glad pancakes are back in your life! These sound like a decadent breakfast treat.
It looks like we were on the same page today both posting pancake recipes! I love how this version only serves one because frankly who wants to share?
well your pancakes looks so good I am sure you wont be making them for one very soon. Ive never made pancakes with coconut and chocolate and now I wonder why.
I’m so glad pancakes found their way into your life again! Love the addition of the coconut. Can I make a double batch just for me? ;-)
Guess what I’m having for dinner!!! These look and sound delicious!
Mmmm those look fantastic! I haven’t had chocolate chip pancakes in forever. Definitely need to make some now!
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Great single-sized recipe!
You know I love finding new coconut lovers!
These are right up my alley girl!
We don’t eat/make pancakes that often here either for no real particular reason. Although I do love them so. The coconut chocolate combo would definitely hit the spot!
Looks delicious… I believe you on the condensed milk, it’s my favorite thing, just lethal. So good.
Mmm, best pancakes ever and no sharing :P
Cheers
CCU
i get on pancake kicks from time to time, and i like the look of these. coconut oil has become a staple ingredient in my pancakes, no matter what recipe i’m using. :)
This is great! I always make waaaaaay too much pancake batter, so I love this recipe.
Yummy!! I’m kind of a pancake fanatic, so I like these a lot! I’d eat them for any meal :-)
Banana chocolate chip pancakes were my favorite growing up :) So glad you got back into liking pancakes because these look fantastic!
I just had pancakes for breakfast today- one of my favorite meals!
Coconut and chocolate chip. They look like heaven!
Thanks! It is a great pairing!
Beautiful pancakes and amazing combination of flavors! I would so love these pancakes for breakfast right now and for a snack in the afternoon :) Yum!
Love the combination of coconut and chocolate. The texture must be really good. Can’t wait to try them this weekend.
Mmmmmm….I rarely eat pancakes, either, but ones chock full of coconut flakes and chocolate chips are too tempting to pass up!