Get ready for the best vegan pancake recipe you’ll ever try! This recipe delivers incredibly light, fluffy, and delicious pancakes using simple pantry staples. Forget dense, gummy, or flat pancakes; these are the real deal—perfectly golden, airy, and completely egg-free and dairy-free. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just exploring plant-based options, this foolproof recipe will become your go-to for weekend breakfasts.
Why This is the Best Vegan Pancake Recipe
We’ve tested countless variations to create a recipe that is truly superior. What makes it stand out? It’s all about the texture and simplicity. These pancakes are:
Incredibly Fluffy: A simple chemical reaction between baking powder and apple cider vinegar creates a “vegan buttermilk” effect, resulting in a super airy and light texture.
Made with Simple Ingredients: No strange ingredients here! You likely have everything you need in your kitchen right now.
Quick and Easy: From mixing bowl to plate in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Completely Foolproof: Just follow our simple tips, and you’ll get perfect pancakes every single time.
Key Ingredients for Fluffy Vegan Pancakes
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here are the core components that work together to create pancake perfection.
Simple pantry staples are all you need for this recipe.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the classic structure for a light and tender pancake.
Plant-Based Milk: Unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk all work beautifully. Soy milk offers a slightly richer result due to its higher protein content.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This is our secret weapon! It reacts with the baking powder to create bubbles, making the pancakes exceptionally fluffy.
Baking Powder: The primary leavening agent that gives the pancakes their impressive height.
Granulated Sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness. You can also substitute it with maple syrup.
Neutral Oil or Melted Vegan Butter: Adds moisture and tenderness, preventing the pancakes from being dry. Melted coconut oil or light vegetable oil are great choices.
Vanilla Extract & Salt: These are essential for flavor, balancing the sweetness and adding depth.
Easy Vegan Pancake Recipe
FL Recipes
Vegan Pancake Recipe (Perfectly Fluffy & Easy!)
The best vegan pancake recipe for incredibly light, fluffy, and delicious pancakes using simple pantry staples. This foolproof recipe is completely egg-free and dairy-free.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
In a separate medium bowl or large measuring cup, stir together the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for a minute to curdle slightly (this creates a 'vegan buttermilk'). Then, whisk in the oil and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a whisk or spatula just until combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes. This is crucial for fluffy pancakes!
Heat a lightly oiled non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot surface for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look dry.
Flip carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, and vegan butter.
Nutrition
Calories: 135kcalProtein: 3gFat: 4gFiber: 1g
Notes
Do not overmix the batter! A few lumps are perfectly fine and are the key to a tender, fluffy pancake. For an extra rich flavor, use full-fat oat milk or soy milk and melted vegan butter instead of oil.
Ready to make the fluffiest pancakes of your life? This step-by-step guide makes it incredibly simple. The key is to combine the wet and dry ingredients separately before gently mixing them together.
Enjoy a perfect stack of fluffy vegan pancakes for breakfast.
Tips for Perfectly Fluffy Pancakes Every Time
Follow these four simple rules, and you’ll never have a sad, flat pancake again. Getting that perfect diner-style fluff is easier than you think!
Do Not Overmix: This is the most important rule! Mix the batter only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. A few lumps are completely normal and are actually a good thing. Overmixing develops gluten, which results in tough, gummy pancakes.
Let the Batter Rest: Allow the batter to sit for 5-10 minutes after mixing. This gives the baking powder and vinegar time to react and create bubbles, which translates to a fluffier final product.
The Perfect Pan Temperature: A medium-hot griddle or non-stick skillet is key. If the pan is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it’s too cool, the pancakes won’t get a good rise. Test it by flicking a drop of water on the surface—it should sizzle and evaporate immediately.
Flip Only Once: Resist the urge to press down or flip multiple times! Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s time to flip when bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flipping once ensures a light and airy interior.
Customizations and Variations
While this classic recipe is amazing on its own, it’s also a fantastic canvas for your favorite flavors. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Flavor Add-Ins
Gently fold these into the batter right before cooking:
Banana: For a touch of natural sweetness and moisture, fold in one thinly sliced or mashed ripe banana.
Spices: A teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg adds a wonderful warmth.
Flour Substitutions
You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, nuttier pancake. For a fully gluten-free version, we recommend using a dedicated 1-to-1 baking blend. For more tips on this, check out our specific gluten-free pancake recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Pancakes
These pancakes store beautifully, making them a great option for meal prep. Let them cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
To Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Place cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: For the best texture, pop them in a toaster or toaster oven until warm and slightly crisp. You can also microwave them for about 30-60 seconds, but they will be softer.
Gummy pancakes are usually caused by overmixing the batter, which develops too much gluten. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in a more tender pancake!
Soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk all work wonderfully. Soy milk’s higher protein content can contribute to a slightly richer texture and better browning, but any unsweetened plant-based milk will yield delicious results.
Yes! For best results, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
You can substitute the apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar. The goal is to use an acid to react with the baking powder, which creates bubbles and makes the pancakes extra fluffy.
Wait for small bubbles to appear across the surface of the pancake and for the edges to look set and slightly dry. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium heat. This indicates the first side is cooked and ready to be flipped.
What to Serve with Vegan Pancakes
The topping possibilities are endless! Go classic or get creative with these delicious ideas:
Pure Maple Syrup
Vegan Butter
Fresh Berries or Sliced Banana
A dollop of Coconut Yogurt or Vegan Whipped Cream
A drizzle of Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
A sprinkle of powdered sugar
Share Your Pancake Creations!
We know you’ll fall in love with this simple and delicious vegan pancake recipe. It’s the perfect way to start your day on a high note. If you make them, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! We’d love to see your creations, so don’t forget to share a photo on Pinterest!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
