Copycat IHOP Dubai Chocolate Pancakes Recipe

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IHOP Dubai Chocolate Pancakes have been making waves in the food world, and it’s easy to see why. These aren’t your ordinary pancakes—they’re a masterpiece of flavors and textures, dripping in opulence. From the handcrafted Madagascar vanilla whipped cream to the edible 24K gold flakes gracing the top, every bite feels like a celebration.

How to make IHOP Dubai Chocolate Pancakes

IHOP Dubai Chocolate Pancakes is a limited‑edition stack inspired by the viral Dubai Chocolate bar.

Ingredients

For the Pancakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Madagascar Vanilla Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (preferably Madagascar vanilla)

For the Dubai Chocolate Topping:

• 1 Dubai Chocolate bar, chopped (you can substitute with high-quality dark chocolate if unavailable)
• Edible 24K gold flakes
• Gold glitter sprinkle (optional)
• Crunchy roasted Kataifi or crumbled pistachios (optional)
• Pistachio cream or hazelnut spread (optional)

Instructions

To Make the Pancakes:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine Both Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and stir until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
4. Cook Pancakes: Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Grease lightly with butter or cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Repeat with the remaining batter.

To Make the Madagascar Vanilla Whipped Cream:

1. Whip Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and Madagascar vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This usually takes 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

To Assemble the Pancakes:

1. Stack Pancakes: Start by stacking a few pancakes on a plate.
2. Add Whipped Cream: Generously dollop the Madagascar vanilla whipped cream on top.
3. Add Dubai Chocolate: Sprinkle chopped Dubai Chocolate on the whipped cream.
4. Garnish: If you’re feeling extra fancy, add edible 24K gold flakes, a sprinkle of gold glitter, and crushed roasted Kataifi or pistachios. Drizzle with a bit of pistachio cream or hazelnut spread for an additional layer of flavor.

Tips for the Perfect IHOP Dubai Chocolate Pancakes

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The Dubai Chocolate bar is an experience in itself, but if you can’t find it, opt for the highest quality dark chocolate you can get.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing leads to dense pancakes. For light and fluffy pancakes, mix until just combined.
• Temperature Control: Keep your griddle at medium heat. Too high, and the pancakes might burn on the outside while staying raw inside.
• Cold Cream: Chilling your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the heavy cream helps it to form peaks better.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Even if you don’t have all the fancy additions, a high-quality chocolate spread and whipped cream can create a decadent pancake experience.

What to serve with

IHOP Dubai Chocolate Pancakes are already a decadent masterpiece, bursting with rich chocolate flavor, creamy textures, and a touch of luxurious finesse.

1. Fresh Fruits

Adding fresh fruits not only balances the richness of the pancakes, but it also brings a refreshing and vibrant contrast. The sweet and tangy notes of the fruits enhance the overall flavor profile. Consider the following options:

• Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries pair beautifully, adding a burst of freshness.
• Bananas: Sliced bananas provide a creamy, sweet element that complements the chocolate.
• Citrus Fruits: Orange or grapefruit segments add a zesty kick that cuts through the richness.
• Pomegranate Arils: These add a pop of color and a sweet-tart crunch.

Tip: Arrange the fruits on the side for a colourful presentation or layer them between pancake stacks.

2. Ice Cream

Why not take the indulgence to the next level? A scoop of ice cream melting over the warm stack of pancakes is a match made in heaven! Some great options include:

• Vanilla bean ice cream (to complement the Madagascar vanilla whipped cream)
• Chocolate ice cream (for double chocolate decadence)
• Salted caramel ice cream (to add a sweet-salty twist)

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating IHOP Dubai Chocolate Pancakes at home is a delightful endeavor—but sometimes, certain ingredients may be challenging to find or may need to be swapped due to dietary preferences.

Pancakes Ingredients Substitutes

All-Purpose Flour

If you’re out of regular flour or want a healthier alternative, try:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Offers a nuttier flavor and added nutrients. Use 3/4 cup of whole wheat flour for every cup of all-purpose flour.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Perfect for gluten sensitivities. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur have excellent gluten-free blends for pancakes.
• Almond Flour: For a low-carb option, use 1 cup almond flour but add an extra egg to bind the batter.
• Oat Flour: Blend oats into a fine consistency and use a 1:1 ratio to replace all-purpose flour.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk gives pancakes their signature fluffiness and a subtle tang, but if you don’t have any, you can replace it with:

• Milk + Vinegar/Lemon Juice: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
• Greek Yogurt + Water: Combine 1/2 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup water for a similar tangy effect.
• Sour Cream + Water: Mix equal parts sour cream and water to emulate buttermilk’s texture and acidity.

Cocoa Powder

For chocolate flavor, substitutes include:

• Carob Powder: Has a milder chocolate-like flavor and is naturally sweet, requiring less additional sugar. Use the same amount as cocoa powder.
• Chocolate Spread or Melted Chocolate: Replace 1 tablespoon of cocoa with 2 tablespoons melted dark chocolate or chocolate spread for richer pancakes.
• Raw Cacao Powder: A nutrient-packed alternative to processed cocoa, but note that it may have a slightly stronger flavor.

Egg

For those with dietary restrictions or allergies, you can replace eggs with:

• Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to form a gel-like consistency.
• Chia Seeds: Combine 1 tablespoon chia seeds with 3 tablespoons water for an effective egg substitute.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg for added moisture and sweetness.
• Mashed Banana: Replace the egg with 1/4 cup mashed banana; this works well with chocolate pancakes.

Sugar

If you want to avoid refined sugar or need alternatives:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Replace 1 tablespoon sugar with 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
• Coconut Sugar: A healthier, caramel-like alternative. Use the same amount as regular sugar.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a sugar-free option, use these in moderation, as they are much sweeter than sugar.

Vanilla Extract

If vanilla extract is unavailable or you want to try something different:

• Vanilla Bean Paste: Swap vanilla extract with an equal amount of vanilla bean paste for an intense vanilla flavor.
• Almond Extract: Use sparingly (1/2 teaspoon) for a nutty twist.
• Maple Extract: Adds a warm sweetness, complementing the chocolate.

Melted Butter

Melted butter brings richness to the batter, but you can substitute with:

• Vegetable Oil or Coconut Oil: Use in a 1:1 ratio for similar moisture. Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Replace butter with applesauce for a lower-fat option (use 1/2 cup of applesauce per 1/4 cup of butter).

Madagascar Vanilla Whipped Cream Substitutes

Heavy Whipping Cream

If heavy cream isn’t available:

• Evaporated Milk: Chill evaporated milk and whip with powdered sugar for a lighter alternative.
• Coconut Cream: Whip chilled coconut cream straight from the can for a dairy-free option.

Madagascar Vanilla Extract

If Madagascar vanilla isn’t accessible:

• Regular Vanilla Extract: Use the same amount; Madagascar vanilla just has a richer flavor.
• Vanilla Bean Powder or Fresh Vanilla Beans: These add intense vanilla notes—use sparingly.

Powdered Sugar

Alternatives for powdered sugar include:

• Granulated Sugar: Blend granulated sugar in a food processor until fine to use in whipped cream.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Add liquid sweeteners for a natural flavor, but adjust quantities carefully, as they may thin the cream.

Final Thoughts

By combining these sides and beverages, you can transform your IHOP Dubai Chocolate Pancakes into a complete luxury dining experience.

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• Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake Recipe