How To Make, Use And Freeze Chocolate Pancakes With This Easy Chocolate Pancake Dry Mix For Your Pantry!
Hi! If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!
Our family loves IHOP. And I mean really loves it. One member of this household has basically claimed it as their official birthday breakfast spot, and their chocolate pancakes are always the first thing ordered.
Those fluffy, chocolatey stacks feel like such a treat. Warm plates. Endless syrup. That breakfast out feeling that somehow makes an ordinary morning feel special.
But eating out adds up quickly. Especially when you are feeding a family and keeping a close eye on every dollar coming in and going out.
That is where copycat recipes have become such a gift for us.
This chocolate pancake mix gives us that same fluffy, indulgent IHOP-style experience at home, without the restaurant bill. Even better, it can be made ahead and kept right in the pantry, ready for slow weekends or rushed school mornings when everyone still wants something fun on their plate.
The pancakes themselves are soft, tender, and deeply chocolatey without being heavy. If your household loves chocolate, you can take them even further with chocolate chips, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce. If you prefer them simple, they are just as good with butter and syrup.
Making dry mixes at home has become one of the quiet ways we stretch our grocery budget. As a military family on baby step 2 of our debt free journey, every intentional choice to eat at home helps.
We save roughly $30 to $40 each time we skip a breakfast out, and those savings add up faster than you think.
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
living frugally and fully
free tips and resources to make the most of what you have
As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
So roll up your sleeves and head into the kitchen to make this fluffy chocolate pancake mix that is sure to become a new family favorite!
Equipment
- Measuring jugs, cups, and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Ziplock food bag or airtight container
- Skillet
- Spatula or fish slice
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Ingredients
Makes 2 cups of dry mix or about 8 medium pancakes
Dry Pancake Mix
- 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup white sugar
To Make the Pancakes
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Add all the dry mix ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Whisk well until the flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, and sugar are fully combined and evenly mixed.
Step 2
Transfer the dry mix into a labeled ziplock bag or airtight container. This makes breakfast incredibly quick since everything is ready to go.
Step 3
To make the pancakes, add the full batch of dry mix to a bowl. Whisk in the beaten eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 4
Chocolate chips are optional. You can fold in about 1/4 cup, sprinkle them onto the pancakes as they cook, or leave them out completely.
Step 5
Cook the pancakes on a lightly greased skillet or griddle over medium heat, flipping once bubbles form and the edges look set.
Step 6
Serve warm with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, syrup, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for that full copycat IHOP vibe.
Make Ahead and Freeze
These chocolate pancakes freeze beautifully, which makes them perfect for busy mornings!
Once cooked, allow the pancakes to cool completely. Stack them with small pieces of parchment paper between each pancake so they do not stick together. Transfer to ziplock freezer bags or freezer safe containers.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, remove one or more pancakes and microwave for about 25 to 30 seconds until warmed through. Serve just like freshly made pancakes with syrup, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce.
This is one of our favorite ways to turn a weekend breakfast into an easy weekday win.
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes
- This mix makes fluffy pancakes, not dense ones
- Cocoa flavor deepens as the batter rests for a few minutes
- Works well with dairy or dairy free milk
Troubleshooting
- Pancakes too flat? Check that your baking powder is fresh
- Batter too thick? Add a splash more milk
- Pancakes browning too fast? Lower the heat slightly
Storage
- Store the dry pancake mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months.
- Prepared pancake batter should be used immediately.
- Cooked pancakes can be cooled and frozen for quick reheating.
Serving Ideas
- Weekend birthday breakfasts
- Pajama mornings with whipped cream and sprinkles
- Chocolate chip pancake stacks with fruit
- Freezer friendly weekday breakfasts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pantry friendly dry mix
- Budget saving copycat favorite
- Soft, fluffy texture
- Chocolatey without being heavy
- Easy to batch ahead
FAQ
Can I double the dry mix?
Yes. Simply double all the dry ingredients and store in a larger container.
Can I use dairy free milk?
Absolutely. Almond, oat, or soy milk all work well.
Can I make these into waffles?
Yes, though the texture will be slightly softer than traditional waffles.
Copycat IHOP Fluffy Chocolate Pancake Mix Recipe!
February 11, 2026Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and sugar to a mixing bowl. Whisk until fully combined.Store the dry mix in a labeled ziplock bag or airtight container until ready to use.
- Add the full batch of dry mix to a bowl. Whisk in eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth.Heat a lightly greased skillet or griddle over medium heat.Pour batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form and edges look set. Flip and cook until done.Serve warm with desired toppings.
- Allow cooked pancakes to cool completely. Stack with parchment paper between each pancake.Transfer to freezer safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months.Reheat frozen pancakes in the microwave for 25 to 30 seconds until warmed through.
Notes
- This mix makes fluffy pancakes, not dense ones
- Cocoa flavor deepens as the batter rests for a few minutes
- Works well with dairy or dairy free milk
Storage
- Store the dry pancake mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months.
- Prepared pancake batter should be used immediately.
- Cooked pancakes can be cooled and frozen for quick reheating.
Related Recipes
- Check out all our Breakfast Recipes!
- Find all our Pantry Staple Recipes here!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The Takeaway
This recipe is about recreating little joys at home. Fluffy pancakes. Chocolate on a plate. A breakfast that feels special without costing extra.
Simple pantry mixes like this help us slow down, save money, and still enjoy the foods our family loves. That balance matters!
What to Try Next?!
Share & Rate This Recipe!
If this chocolate pancake mix earns a spot in your pantry, tap the stars on the recipe card and leave a quick comment. Sharing helps other families cook well at home too!
Last update on 2026-02-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
