Perfect Vegan Pancakes (Soft & Fluffy!)
These vegan pancakes yield soft, fluffy cakes made with all-purpose flour and vegan buttermilk created by mixing non-dairy milk with apple cider vinegar. The batter includes vegan butter, oil, vanilla, and baking powder for lift and flavor. Cooking over a properly preheated surface produces evenly browned pancakes with a tender crumb, suitable for a variety of toppings or spreads.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour see Notes for gluten-free
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt fine sea salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup non-dairy milk I prefer soy milk, unsweetened, 1 tablespoon
- 4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons vegan butter plus more for serving, melted
- 1 Tablespoon neutral oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Sift the flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar and salt and whisk well. Set aside.
- Put the non-dairy milk in a medium-size bowl, and add the vinegar to create vegan buttermilk; set aside. In a separate bowl melt the butter. Pour the melted butter, oil, and vanilla into the "buttermilk" and whisk to combine.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry, and use a large silicone spatula to gently fold the ingredients just until a lumpy batter forms (don't whisk or stir vigorously). The batter will be fluffy, and once it comes together don't stir again!
- Preheat an electric griddle or large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. If you have an infrared thermometer, the surface should be approximately 375°F (190°C) when fully preheated.
- Flick water onto the pan/griddle to make sure it's ready. The water should bead up and dance across the surface before evaporating. If desired, add a small pat of vegan butter and swirl it around (if using a non-stick surface you don't need it). Use slightly less than ⅓ cup batter per pancake. Keep an eye on how quickly the pancakes are cooking and reduce the heat slightly if needed.
- After about 1½ to 2 minutes, the edges will look somewhat set and dry, and you'll see bubbles forming across the top of the pancakes. Use a wide spatula to flip the pancakes. The second side will cook more quickly than the first, about 1 minute. The pancakes are done if the center bounces back when pressed.
- Serve vegan pancakes warm with maple syrup, vegan butter, and fresh fruit.
Notes
- For gluten-free pancakes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, reduce baking powder to 2 teaspoons, and omit the extra milk; expect slightly longer cooking time.
- Ensure the cooking surface is properly preheated; water should bead and dance before adding batter.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough or chewy pancakes; fold until just combined with some lumps.
- Store leftovers airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for about a month; reheat before serving.
- Use an infrared thermometer if available to maintain an ideal cooking temperature of about 375°F (190°C).
- Add vegan butter to the griddle before cooking if desired, but be careful not to burn it.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 415
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 415kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 60g | 20% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.