Imagine waking up to a stack of fluffy, golden-brown pancakes studded with juicy cherries and rich chocolate chips, drizzled with a glossy cherry syrup. These Chocolate Cherry Pancakes are the ultimate indulgent breakfast—perfect for lazy weekends, romantic brunches, or even as a festive holiday treat.
Combining the classic flavors of Black Forest cake (chocolate + cherries) with the comfort of homemade pancakes, this recipe is:
✔ Irresistibly delicious – Sweet, tart, and chocolatey in every bite
✔ Easy to make – Uses simple pantry ingredients
✔ Versatile – Works with fresh, frozen, or canned cherries
✔ Crowd-pleasing – Loved by kids and adults alike
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Step-by-step instructions for perfect, fluffy pancakes
- How to make homemade cherry syrup (better than store-bought!)
- Variations (vegan, gluten-free, or extra-decadent options)
- Serving ideas to make your breakfast feel extra special
Ingredients
For the Pancakes:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
For the Cherry Syrup:
- 1 cup cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickness)
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Extra chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar
- Toasted almonds (for crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Cherry Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine cherries, maple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries soften.
- For a thicker syrup, mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir into the cherry mixture. Cook 1-2 more minutes.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Pancake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined (small lumps are okay).
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped cherries.
3. Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form on top (2-3 minutes), then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until golden.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Stack pancakes high and drizzle with warm cherry syrup.
- Add toppings like whipped cream, powdered sugar, or extra cherries.
Variations & Substitutions
🌱 Vegan Version – Use flax eggs, plant-based milk, and dairy-free chocolate.
🌾 Gluten-Free – Swap flour for a 1:1 GF blend.
🍫 Extra Decadent – Add a scoop of Nutella between pancake layers.
🍒 Boozy Twist – Spike the cherry syrup with 1 tbsp bourbon or Kirsch.
Serving Ideas
- Brunch Board – Serve with bacon, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit.
- Dessert Pancakes – Top with vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat.
- Valentine’s Day Special – Use heart-shaped molds for a romantic touch.
Why These Pancakes Work
✔ Buttermilk makes them extra fluffy.
✔ Cherries + chocolate = a match made in heaven (like Black Forest cake!).
✔ Homemade syrup adds a fresh, fruity contrast to the sweetness.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze pancakes for up to 1 month (reheat in toaster).
- Syrup keeps in the fridge for 1 week.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Cherry Pancakes turn breakfast into a celebration. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, they’re guaranteed to bring joy to the table.