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    Home ▸ Vegan Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

    Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Buttermilk Pancakes

    Last modified: October 5, 2022. Originally posted: May 13, 2021 By Sophia DeSantis

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    Overlay text on vegan gluten-free pancakes with a photo of a stack of them on a plate
    Top view of a stack of pancakes with maple syrup next to a bite of them on a fork
    Collage of a forkful of pancakes and a stack of them with maple syrup with overlay text

    These vegan gluten-free pancakes are literally the best ever! So fluffy, easy to make, taste like traditional pancakes and loved by everyone!

    Maple syrup being poured over a stack of five pancakes on a white plate

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    This post was originally published on February 1, 2020.

    Breakfast at my house can be pure insanity. My kids gobble up pancakes like ravenous animals. I have been experimenting with different types of pancakes lately and this one is the best basic, and most incredible one ever!

    These pancakes are so fluffy and decadent. Think of your traditional buttermilk pancake recipe, but vegan, gluten free and made with 9 simple whole food ingredients. You will never need another pancake recipe!

    The first time I perfected these, I think I saw my husbands eyes roll back in his head. He is a pancake snob (sorry honey) and I think I may have seen him shove a kid to grab the last one.

    Ingredients

    No packages of fake food over here, just simple, real ingredients for a simply amazing pancake! Here's what you'll need:

    • Unsweetened dairy free milk
    • Apple cider vinegar
    • Oat flour
    • Grained almond flour
    • Apple sauce
    • Baking essentials and seasonings
    • Maple syrup
    Different colored bowls with ingredients to make homemade vegan pancakes

    How To Make Vegan Pancakes

    These are SO easy to make! My son can even do it. Here's what to do:

    1. Mix the dry ingredients. Glass bowl with dry pancake ingredients being mixed with a whisk
    2. Add in the wet ingredients and mix well. Whisk mixing pancake batter in a glass bowl
    3. Cook on a pan. Frying pan with four pancakes being cooked in it
    4. Serve! Bite from a stack of pancakes on a fork laying down on a white plate with maple syrup

    Toppings and Fillings

    These pancakes have a simple plain buttermilk flavor, which means you can easily add some really great toppings. Some of my favorite things to add to these pancakes are:

    • Strawberries
    • Blueberries
    • Bananas
    • Peaches
    • Butter
    • Maple syrup
    • Chia Seed Jam
    • Fruit compote (try this blackberry compote recipe)
    • Chocolate chips
    • Nuts
    • Seeds
    • Homemade Nutella
    • Vegan Granola
    • Easy vegan caramel sauce
    • Chocolate Syrup
    • Whipped cream (try this homemade vegan coco whip)
    • Coconut Butter

    You can also add in all kinds of things into the batter. Do your kids want chocolate chip pancakes? EASY PEASY. Here are some great add ins:

    • Chocolate chips
    • Chopped nuts
    • Marshmallows (yep, amazing, try these vegan marshmallows)
    • Fresh fruit (watch for moisture as it will affect the end result)
    • Dried fruit
    • Spices like cinnamon or pumpkin spice
    • Coconut flakes
    • Seeds

    Serving suggestions

    Make a complete breakfast by serving these gluten-free pancakes with any of these recipes:

    • Apple Pecan Oat Crumble
    • Protein Coffee Smoothie
    • Vegan Almond Banana Milk (3 Ways)
    • Strawberry Banana Spinach Protein Smoothie
    • Vegan Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Scones with Easy Cinnamon Glaze

    Tips for fluffy pancakes

    Traditional pancakes use ingredients like eggs and regular flour with gluten to get the fluffy end result. When it comes to gluten-free vegan pancakes however, we have to get crafty.

    Use a combination of vinegar (or lemon juice) and baking powder. The acidity in both of those ingredients gives an instant fluffy rise and also creates a soft pillow like texture (i.e helps with the leavening and tenderizing). Examples of this would be in my vegan vanilla cupcakes and my vegan strawberry shortcake.

    Also, let the batter sit for about 5 minutes to allow these ingredients to mix and create the science magic. I use this time to heat up the pan (you want a nice warmed up pan for even cooking) and quickly clean up and put away ingredients.

    Preparation and storage tips

    Here are a few helpful suggestions to assist you in your perfect pancake making journey:

    • For the best texture you need accuracy with the flours. Which is why I include precise weights. If you don’t have a scale, then you can purchase this fairly inexpensive one.
    • If you prefer to measure, then measure the flours by scooping your measuring cup into the flour versus spooning it into it. This is how I measured when getting my weights.
    • Make sure that your pan is nice and hot before you start cooking pancakes. This allows for even cooking.
    • Place a large spoonful of batter on the pan. You will know it's ready to flip when you see little bubbles forming on the top and when it releases from the pan easily with your spatula. If it sticks at all, the pancake is not ready to flip. You want each side to be a golden brown.
    • Make these pancakes ahead of time and freeze them! Once they're cooked, let cool completely. Stack with parchment paper between each one, then wrap in foil. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
    • To reheat, let defrost for a bit then reheat in a toaster oven or microwave.

    Common Questions

    Can I use water instead of milk for pancakes?

    You can definitely use water but your end result, both flavor and texture, will be a bit different. Milk plays a critical role in this vegan buttermilk pancake recipe. It reacts with the apple cider vinegar to create that richer buttermilk type flavor.

    If you use water, you will be missing out on that. Also, since water has more, water lol, you can get a more wet texture.

    Is all-purpose flour vegan?

    Yes! There used to be a rumor that white flour was bleached with bone char, but this has been disproven. So have at any recipe that uses it. If you are gluten-free, there are a lot of all purpose blends out there. Here are a few:
    Flour Farm
    Bob's Red Mill
    King Arthur
    Pamela's
    Cup 4 Cup
    Arrowhead Mills

    How do I make pancakes fluffier?

    Use a mix of acidic ingredients such as vinegar or lemon juice along with baking powder. You can also let the batter sit for 5 minutes before cooking.

    More Vegan and Gluten Free Pancake Recipes

    If your household loves pancakes as much as us, you're going to need more than one pancake recipe. Check out these other plant based pancakes:

    • Vegan Banana Oatmeal Blender Pancake Recipe
    • Fluffy Vegan Chocolate Pancakes
    • Vegan Gluten-Free Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
    • Blueberry Muffin Pancakes

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    Maple syrup being poured over a stack of five pancakes on a white plate

    Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Buttermilk Pancakes

    Sophia DeSantis
    These vegan gluten-free pancakes are literally the best ever! So fluffy, easy to make, taste like traditional pancakes and loved by everyone!
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Shop Ingredients
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course 30 Minutes or Less, Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 138 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • ½ cup unsweetened dairy free milk
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 cup oat flour , gluten-free if needed
    • ¼ cup fine grained almond flour
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ cup apple sauce
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

    Instructions
     

    • Turn up the heat on your pan/griddle, you want it nice and hot for cooking the pancakes. You know it’s ready when you spray some water on it and you hear it sizzle. Also if it is not non-stick you should use a spray oil to avoid the pancakes sticking.
    • Mix the milk and vinegar and set aside to create a vegan buttermilk.
    • Mix the flours, baking powder and salt together in a bowl and whisk to combine.
    • Make a little well in the middle and add the apple sauce, vanilla, maple syrup and milk/vinegar mixture. Mix until everything is just mixed. Allow to sit about 5 or so minutes while you put things away and clean up.
    • Drop large spoonfuls onto the pan/griddle. Cook about 4-5 minutes on each side. They should be slightly brown and flip easily when ready. You may also see little bubbles forming on the tops with raw batter.
    • Top with whatever you choose and enjoy!

    Notes

    • You can skip allowing the milk and vinegar to set but it will have less of a true buttermilk type flavor.
    • I like to mix the dry ingredients the night before and have it ready to add wet in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.

    Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 138kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 81mgPotassium: 252mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

    Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.

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    430 shares

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    1. Jo

      February 17, 2023 at 9:29 am

      My go to!!!! Sooooo darn good!

      Reply
    2. Julie Madsen

      June 10, 2021 at 6:59 am

      These were fabulous...light, fluffy, delicious! Thanks.

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        June 14, 2021 at 11:08 am

        Yay! So happy you liked them!

        Reply
    3. Amanda

      May 18, 2021 at 8:34 am

      These were absolutely delicious! Super easy recipe to pull together and full of healthy, wholesome ingredients. Thrilled to serve these to my family! Thank you!!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        May 18, 2021 at 1:40 pm

        I'm so happy you liked them!!

        Reply
    4. Jo

      May 15, 2021 at 5:04 pm

      BEST VEGAN GLUTEN FREE PANCAKES! HANDS DOWN!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        May 16, 2021 at 11:21 am

        Yay!! So happy you love them as much as we do!

        Reply
    5. Tiffany Lauria

      January 01, 2021 at 12:05 pm

      So good and so simple! Best vegan, gluten free pancakes I have ever made.

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        January 03, 2021 at 8:16 pm

        I am so thrilled you liked them!!

        Reply
    6. Stephanie

      July 05, 2020 at 3:10 pm

      Delicious & so easy! Batter is thick enough that I’m planning to try baking them in the oven next time. Perfection!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        July 06, 2020 at 12:49 pm

        So happy you liked them Stephanie! Thanks for the great review!

        Reply
    7. Sara

      June 14, 2020 at 8:05 am

      This recipe is delicious!!! Thank you for sharing; my new “go-to” for pancakes!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        June 14, 2020 at 8:54 am

        Oh yay! So happy you like it Sara!! Thank you so much for the great review!

        Reply
    8. Mamallama L.

      March 28, 2020 at 9:55 am

      These are amazing!!! My new go-to recipe for pancakes.

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        March 28, 2020 at 6:04 pm

        Yay!!! I am so happy you like them!!

        Reply
    9. luba

      February 24, 2020 at 10:54 am

      Forgot to five stars.

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        February 24, 2020 at 10:16 pm

        So appreciated!

        Reply
    10. Luba

      February 24, 2020 at 10:52 am

      OMG!!!!! Best vegan gluten-free pancakes I have ever tasted, Thank you

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        February 24, 2020 at 10:16 pm

        Ah! Thank you so so much Luba!! I am so happy you liked them!

        Reply
    11. HAllie

      February 23, 2020 at 5:15 am

      Thank You for all of your recipes. I was getting ready to make these and realized I do not have almond flour and wondering if I could use all Oat Flour? What purpose does the almond flour serve?

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        February 23, 2020 at 3:39 pm

        Hi Hallie! Thanks so much for trying my recipes! The combination of oat flour and almond flour is what gives these pancakes the amazing fluffy texture and flavor. The almond flour gives some fat which is needed for the final result. I haven't tried these with just oat flour so I wouldn't know how to alter the other ingredients to make it work. Baking is like a science and often times when you change one thing you have to change another to make up for it.

        Reply
    12. Kelly Stevens

      February 17, 2020 at 6:21 am

      Hi Sophia, you mention that it's best to weigh the dry ingredients, but I don't see the weight measurements given. Am I missing something?

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        February 17, 2020 at 8:12 pm

        Hi Kelly! You need to toggle to metric below the ingredients list. Just click on it and it will switch. And it's mostly the dry ingredients that is better to weigh.

        Reply
    13. I Cheryl

      February 16, 2020 at 9:46 am

      Is this recipe useable/adaptable for waffles?If so, what changes would you recommend to adapt for waffles? Thanks!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        February 17, 2020 at 8:07 pm

        Hi Cheryl! I have not tried to make this for waffles so I can't tell you in confidence what would work. They are both different textures, so it would take some trial and error. You need good fat in a waffle batter to get crispy on the outside, you also may want more sugar. The recipe itself would need to change to accommodate all that is needed to make it into waffles.

        Reply
    14. Chelsea

      February 11, 2020 at 10:39 am

      My kids loved these! Picky eater approved.

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        February 11, 2020 at 12:10 pm

        So happy to hear!

        Reply
    15. Renee

      February 08, 2020 at 7:57 am

      Made these this morning. So delicious! Thank you, Sophia. 🤗

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        February 08, 2020 at 12:41 pm

        I am so happy you liked them!! Yay! Thanks for the great review.

        Reply
        • Renee

          February 08, 2020 at 1:10 pm

          My 87 year old dad who doesn't quite get the ‘vay-gan’ way (his word) 😉 Loved them as well. “So if there’s no milk and no egg, how’d you get them to taste so good?’ 😂spreading the deliciousness to a whole new generation.

        • veggiesdontbite

          February 08, 2020 at 2:34 pm

          Hahaha!!! It's magic tell him!!

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    Hi, I’m Sophia and I love food. As a food photographer, plant-based recipe creator, and client-centered health coach, I focus on helping people feel empowered instead of overwhelmed when it comes to overall health and wellness. Let me help you eat more plants!

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