30-Minute Chocolate Cardamom Pancakes
Rich chocolate pancakes infused with aromatic cardamom and topped with a bright orange glaze create an indulgent breakfast treat. The warm spice of cardamom complements the deep cocoa flavor while the citrus glaze adds sweetness and brightness. Perfect for weekend brunch or special occasions when you want to impress guests with something beyond ordinary pancakes. The self-rising flour makes these fluffy and light despite the cocoa powder.
Ingredients
- 2 cups self-rising flourall-purpose flour + baking powder1 cup flour + 1.5 tsp baking powder per cupbasicadds gluten
same results
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
Instructions
- 1
Combine flour, cocoa powder, cardamom and sugar in a mixing bowl
- 2
Add eggs and milk and whisk into the dry ingredients
- 3
Heat skillet on medium to medium high heat and scoop batter into pan
- 4
Cook about 2 minutes on each side
- 5
Add sugar and orange juice in a saucepan on medium high heat
- 6
Cook until sugar dissolves and reduces down to syrup-like consistency
- 7
Plate pancakes and garnish with mandarin orange slices and orange glaze
- 8
Serve with thick-cut bacon on the side
Tips
Don't overmix the batter to keep pancakes light and fluffy
Test pan temperature with a drop of water - it should sizzle and evaporate quickly
Watch the glaze carefully as it can go from syrup to caramel quickly
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftover pancakes up to 3 days, reheat in toaster or microwave
Make glaze up to 2 days ahead, pancake batter best used immediately
Serve hot with glaze drizzled over top and bacon on the side
Common Mistakes
Don't let glaze boil too vigorously to avoid burning
Keep pancakes warm in low oven to avoid getting cold while making glaze
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
same results
FAQ
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the orange glaze can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Gently reheat before serving.
What if I don't have cardamom?
You can substitute with cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of allspice, though the flavor will be different from the original.
How long do leftover pancakes keep?
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in toaster, oven, or microwave until warmed through.