Hey there, fellow food lovers! It’s your friend from scooks.com, and today, we’re tackling a breakfast classic that can be… well, a little tricky. I’m talking about pancakes! Specifically, we’re saying goodbye to dense, gritty, or gummy gluten-free pancakes forever! Seriously. We’ve cracked the code to the perfect breakfast stack: light, incredibly fluffy, and so delicious, no one will ever guess they’re gluten-free. This simple, no-fuss gluten free pancake recipe will become your go-to for lazy weekend mornings and special breakfast treats. Get the maple syrup ready!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Trust me, this isn’t just another pancake recipe. This is the one you’ll keep coming back to. Here’s why I’m so obsessed with it.
Incredibly Fluffy & Tender
The texture is absolutely perfect—light, airy, and everything a classic pancake should be. We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth good. No more sad, flat pancakes!
Made with Simple Pantry Staples
No strange or hard-to-find ingredients here. You likely have everything you need to whip up this amazing gluten free pancake recipe in your kitchen right now. It’s all about using simple things to create something extraordinary.
Ready in Under 20 Minutes
Who has time to wait around when you’re craving pancakes? This is the perfect quick and easy recipe for busy mornings. From bowl to plate in a flash!
Foolproof and Forgiving
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or totally new to gluten-free cooking, this recipe is designed for success every single time. It’s so simple and straightforward, you really can’t mess it up.
Ingredient List
Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Perfect Gluten-Free Pancakes
- 1 ½ cups Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: The star of the show. We recommend a “1-to-1” or “Measure for Measure” blend that contains xanthan gum for the best structure.
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar: Just a touch for sweetness and to help get that beautiful golden-brown color.
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder: This is the key to getting that signature fluffy lift. Make sure it’s fresh! Old baking powder won’t give you the rise you’re looking for.
- ½ teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the delicious flavors.
- 1 Large Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 ¼ cups Milk: Use any kind you like—whole, 2%, or skim all work great.
- 3 tablespoons Melted Butter: Adds incredible flavor and tenderness. Don’t skip it!
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: For that classic, warm pancake flavor that feels like a hug.
Ingredient Notes & Easy Substitutions
- To Make Dairy-Free: It’s super easy! Use your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond, soy, or oat milk) and swap the melted butter for melted coconut oil, avocado oil, or a dairy-free butter substitute.
- To Make it Vegan: Use the dairy-free substitutions above and replace the egg with one “flax egg.” Just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken up before adding it to the batter.
- Sweetener Options: You can substitute the granulated sugar with an equal amount of coconut sugar or 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. If you’re using maple syrup, just reduce the milk by 1 tablespoon to keep the consistency perfect.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps and you’ll be flipping perfect pancakes in no time!
Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. I always give it a good whisk for about 30 seconds. This little step ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed for a perfect, even rise in every single pancake.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg until it’s lightly beaten. Then, whisk in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix with a whisk or a rubber spatula until just combined. And I mean just! A few small lumps are perfectly fine—do not overmix, or you’ll risk dense pancakes!
Step 4: Rest the Batter (The Secret to Fluffy!)
Let the batter rest on the counter for 5-10 minutes. This is my secret weapon! This crucial step allows the gluten-free flours to fully hydrate, which dramatically improves the texture of the final pancakes, making them super tender and fluffy.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease it with a little butter or cooking spray. Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the hot griddle. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until you see bubbles appearing on the surface and the edges look set and dry. Flip carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes until beautifully golden brown.
Baker’s Tips for Success
Want to guarantee pancake perfection? Keep these tips in your back pocket.
Tip #1: Don’t Overmix
I know I mentioned it before, but it’s the most important rule of pancake making! Overmixing the batter can lead to tough, dense pancakes. Mix only until the flour streaks disappear. Lumps are your friend!
Tip #2: Use the Right Flour Blend
For the best results with this gluten free pancake recipe, use a high-quality gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour that already contains xanthan gum. This recipe has not been tested with single-ingredient flours like almond or coconut flour, which behave very differently.
Tip #3: Keep the Heat at Medium-Low
Patience is key! If the heat is too high, the outside of the pancakes will burn before the inside is fully cooked through. A steady medium-low heat is your best friend for ensuring a golden exterior and a light, fluffy interior.
Tip #4: Measure Your Flour Correctly
Did you know how you measure flour can completely change a recipe? For the most accurate measurement, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a flat edge, like the back of a knife. Scooping directly from the bag can pack the flour down, and you’ll end up using too much, resulting in dry pancakes.
Storage Instructions
If you somehow have leftovers (we rarely do!), here’s how to keep them fresh.
How to Store Leftovers
Store completely cooled leftover pancakes in an airtight container or a zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They make for an amazing quick breakfast during the week!
How to Freeze for Later
This is the perfect recipe for meal prep! I love making a double batch on the weekend.
1. Allow the pancakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Stack them with small squares of parchment paper in between each one. This is a game-changer and prevents them from sticking together into a giant pancake-ice-block.
3. Place the stack in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
Reheat refrigerated or frozen pancakes in a toaster, toaster oven, or microwave until they’re warm and soft again. The toaster is my favorite method—it makes the edges just a little bit crispy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are my gluten-free pancakes gummy?
This is such a common issue! It’s usually caused by one of three things: overmixing the batter (which develops the starches too much), using the wrong type of flour blend, or not cooking them long enough on a lower heat to let the inside fully set.
Can I add mix-ins to this gluten free pancake recipe?
Absolutely! This is where you can get creative. Gently fold in about ¾ cup of fresh blueberries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts into the batter after it has rested. If you want to use mashed banana, add ½ a banana with the wet ingredients and reduce the milk by 2 tablespoons.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s really best to cook the batter right after it has rested for those 5-10 minutes. If you let it sit for too long, the baking powder will lose its leavening power, and your pancakes won’t be nearly as fluffy.
What’s the best gluten-free flour to use?
We’ve had fantastic, consistent success with Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour and King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour. Both are excellent choices for this recipe!
Enjoy Your Perfect Pancakes!
There you have it—a simple, reliable, and utterly delicious gluten free pancake recipe that the whole family will love. Seriously, these pancakes are so good, they’ll bring a smile to anyone’s face. We can’t wait for you to try it! Let us know how they turned out and what your favorite toppings are in the comments below. Happy cooking!
I am a passionate recipe developer and food enthusiast specializing in heart-warming traditional dishes and simple, everyday meals. My goal is to inspire you to find joy and confidence in the kitchen through my easy-to-follow recipes.