Fluffy, golden pancakes are a timeless breakfast staple. But they often rely on eggs and dairy—ingredients vegans avoid. A great vegan pancake recipe shows us that swapping those isn’t just possible; it can be even better. By using plant-based staples like flour, baking powder, and non-dairy milk, you can achieve the perfect stack every time.
Whether you’re craving a Sunday brunch, feeding a family, or simply want a sweet morning treat, this post walks you through a failproof vegan pancake formula. Plus, we’ll explore three tasty variations that add flavor and flair: buckwheat, banana, and blueberry pancakes.
Why This Vegan Pancake Recipe Works
This recipe strikes the ideal balance between fluff, flavor, simplicity, and accessibility. Here’s what makes it shine:
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No eggs or dairy, yet still light and fluffy
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Uses standard pantry ingredients you likely have on hand
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Scales easily from two pancakes to a family-sized batch
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Customizable—make it hearty, fruity, or nutty
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No weird substitutes—just reliable plant-based staples
Let’s get stacking.
Core Vegan Pancake Recipe
Ingredients (makes 10–12 pancakes):
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat/unbleached flour)
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2 tbsp cane sugar (or organic sugar)
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2 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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1 ¼ cups non-dairy milk (soy, almond, oat, etc.)
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
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2 tbsp neutral oil (canola, sunflower)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Make vegan buttermilk
Stir vinegar or lemon juice into the non-dairy milk and let sit for 5 minutes. It will thicken slightly and add tang. -
Combine dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. -
Mix wet ingredients
Add vegan buttermilk, oil, and vanilla to the dry mix. Stir until just combined—lumps are okay! Overmixing causes dense pancakes. -
Rest the batter
Let it sit for 5 minutes so the leavening activates. This step ensures fluffiness. -
Cook the pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly oil if needed. Scoop about ¼ cup of batter per pancake. Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form and edges look set. Flip gently and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden. -
Serve warm
Stack them up and top with maple syrup, fruit, nut butter, and more. Enjoy immediately.
Toppings & Serving Suggestions
Here are topping ideas to elevate your pancakes:
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Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
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Banana slices and chopped nuts
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Nut butter drizzle (almond, peanut, cashew)
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Coconut yogurt or dairy-free whipped cream
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Vegan chocolate chips and powdered sugar
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Warm stewed fruit or berry compote
Rinse and repeat: these dishes are as indulgent or healthy as you choose.
Variation 1: Buckwheat Vegan Pancakes
Buckwheat flour adds nutty flavor and makes these pancakes hearty and gluten-sensitive (if 100% buckwheat).
Ingredients:
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Replace ½ cup of all-purpose flour with buckwheat flour
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Add ¼ tsp ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
Follow the same steps as core recipe. Buckwheat tends to brown faster—watch the heat!
Taste profile:
Deep, earthy, slightly nutty. Great with fruit and nut butter.
Variation 2: Banana Oat Vegan Pancakes
Perfect for mornings when you want natural sweetness and hearty texture.
Ingredients:
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1 ripe mashed banana
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Replace ½ cup flour with ½ cup rolled oats (blend oats first for smoother texture or leave as is for chewiness)
Instructions:
Mix the mashed banana and oats into the wet ingredients before combining with dry. Cook slightly slower to avoid burning.
Taste profile:
Naturally sweet, wholesome, and dense. Stellar with berries or melted peanut butter.
Variation 3: Blueberry Vegan Pancakes
A perennial favorite idea for weekend brunches or fulfilling your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
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Add ¾ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
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Cook as per core recipe
Instructions:
After pouring batter, sprinkle blueberries on top of each pancake. Cook and flip normally.
Taste profile:
Burstingly sweet and tart, colorful, and bright—the perfect fluffy breakfast.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Pancakes
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Use room-temperature milk for better activation of baking soda/powder.
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Let the batter rest—this enhances the rise and texture.
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Low and slow heat prevents burning while ensuring center thoroughly cooks.
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Check pancake bottom by lightly lifting to gauge color before flipping.
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Keep pancakes warm on a dated tray in a low oven (200°F/90°C) while cooking the rest.
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Reheat with care: Use a skillet to restore crisp edges or microwave briefly for practicality.
Make Pancakes a Plant-Based Lifestyle
Fluffy pancakes are not just breakfast—they’re a symbol of comfort, care, and hospitality. And if your food reflects your values, so can your wardrobe.
At The Dharma Store, you’ll find vegan-themed t-shirts crafted from organic cotton. Natural, kind, and guilt-free—just like your pancake stack.
Nutritional Benefits of Plant-Based Pancakes
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Cholesterol-free: No eggs or dairy
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Whole grains/fiber: Added when using whole wheat, oats, or buckwheat
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Plant-based proteins: From non-dairy milk and flour
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Controlled sweetness: Adjust sugar or incorporate fruit
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Adaptable for dietary needs: Gluten-free, nut-free, or oil-free variations are easy
These pancakes feed your hunger without weighing you down.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free. You may need a binding agent like flax.
Oil-free option?
Use applesauce or mashed banana instead of oil. Texture will be slightly denser.
Can I freeze pancakes?
Absolutely. Cool stacks completely, separate with parchment, freeze in airtight bags. Reheat with toaster or oven.
Best plant-based milk to use?
Almond, soy, oat, and cashew all work well. Soy is closest to cow’s milk texture.
Why vinegar or lemon juice?
They react with baking soda to mimic buttermilk’s tang, creating lift and tenderness.
Make Mornings Meaningful
A perfect stack of vegan pancakes is one thing—but pairing that with purpose amplifies your impact. By choosing cruelty-free food and value-driven clothing, your habits speak volumes.
Explore vegan-themed organic cotton t-shirts at The Dharma Store and add compassionate style to your every day.
Final Thoughts
This versatile vegan pancake recipe offers delightfully fluffy results using simple plant-based ingredients. With the core recipe as your foundation, try buckwheat, banana, and blueberry variations for flavor and nutrition.
Whether it's a weekend celebration or an energizing weekday start, these pancakes bring joy to the table—and respect for values in every bite.
Cook with heart. Dress with purpose. Live with intention. And—of course—enjoy every bite of that pancake stack.