Veggie-Loaded Chocolate Pancakes (Gluten Free)
These Veggie-Loaded Chocolate Pancakes (Gluten Free) are fluffy, rich, and secretly packed with zucchini and carrots. Made with gluten-free flour and cocoa powder, this healthy chocolate pancake recipe is soft, tender, and perfect for picky eaters. A nutritious, freezer-friendly breakfast that tastes like dessert but hides wholesome veggies in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely grated zucchini squeezed dry
- ¼ cup finely grated carrots
- 1 cup gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup milk dairy or plant-based
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or butter
- Dry Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Optional Add-Ins
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chia seeds
- Chocolate protein powder
Instructions
- Prep Vegetables
- Grate zucchini and carrots finely.
- Squeeze zucchini thoroughly using a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, maple syrup, melted oil, and vanilla extract.
- Combine
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
- Stir gently until just combined — do not overmix.
- Fold in grated zucchini and carrots.
- Cook Pancakes
- Preheat a lightly greased nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Scoop ¼ cup batter per pancake.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form and edges look set.
- Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve
- Serve warm with fresh berries, banana slices, yogurt, nut butter, or maple syrup.
Notes
- Squeeze zucchini very well to prevent soggy pancakes.
- Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the cocoa.
- Do not overmix — this keeps pancakes fluffy.
- Gluten-free pancakes benefit from slightly longer, gentle cooking.
- Freeze between parchment layers for easy reheating.