Eggless Pancakes: In my early years of blogging, despite my diverse array of eggless cakes, cookies, muffins, and other baked goods, I hadn't ventured into making eggless pancakes.
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Growing up in India, pancakes weren't a staple in my culinary repertoire, nor were they something I had much exposure to. Consequently, I didn't feel the urgency to explore pancake recipes without eggs or document them on my blog.
However, when my then three-year-old was introduced to pancakes through school and friends, I sought a quick solution. I turned to a store-bought pancake mix and added mashed bananas to make eggless pancakes for him.
It wasn't until nearly three years into my blogging journey that my husband's consistent encouragement led me to experiment with homemade eggless pancakes.
I scoured various eggless pancake recipes, trying and testing several, until I found what I believed to be the ultimate eggless pancake recipe. Drawing from the best elements of each recipe and discarding what didn't quite work, I crafted what became, unexpectedly, the most sought-after recipe on my blog.
After fifteen years of blogging, this no-egg pancake recipe stands as the highlight of my career. With over two thousand comments and feedback, it's not just a recipe; it's a beloved staple in many households.
This easy pancake recipe without eggs has fostered a community of positivity, conversation, and shared culinary experiences—a testament to the power of simple, home-cooked meals in bringing people together.
Indeed, while it's true that the recipe isn't immune to criticism, the overwhelming majority of feedback has been positive. One of the most touching aspects has been the loyalty of my readers, who often jump in to defend the recipe in the comment section. It's a heartwarming reminder of the strong emotional connection that food can evoke.
Why this recipe works?
For those new to my blog who are considering trying this eggless pancake recipe, I can confidently say that after over a decade of refining it, I now make it almost every 2-3 weekends, and it turns out perfectly each time.
I've experimented with countless variations, substituting flours, dairy with non-dairy alternatives, and playing with add-ons like blueberries, chocolate chips, and nuts.
The result?
Every iteration has been phenomenal, proving the versatility and reliability of this eggless pancake recipe.
So, for anyone hesitant to dive into the world of eggless pancakes, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. I'm confident it will become a cherished staple in your household, just as it has in mine and in the homes of countless readers.
Furthermore, it's essential to highlight how simple this recipe is, as it uses very basic ingredients. With no fancy ingredients or equipment, you'll need just flour, baking powder, butter, oil, and sugar to create these airy, fluffy, light, pillow-like pancakes. The trick lies in measuring, mixing, and getting the pan just hot enough.
This updated post for the eggless pancake recipe aims to be as extensive and informative as possible to eliminate any shortcomings. I've tried to answer as many questions as possible to make the recipe clearer, aiming for a 100% positive outcome for everyone who tries it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here are the step-by-step pictorial instructions on how to make delicious pancakes without eggs.
1. Whisk together the dry ingredients.
2. In a liquid measuring mug, measure 1 cup milk. To that add the vegetable oil, water and vanilla extract.
3. Stir in the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Do not over-mix.
4. Lumps are perfectly fine. Set aside for a couple of minutes.
5. Heat a griddle at medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot add the butter and let it melt.
6. Add the melted butter to the pancake batter and return the pan to the stove. Mix the butter into the batter.
7. Batter is ready. Leave it for 2 minutes.
8. When the pan is hot enough, pour a ladleful of batter on the pan for each pancake.
9. Cook until bubbles appear on the face of the pancake. Carefully flip the pancake and cook until its golden brown.
10. Egg-free pancakes are ready!
Taste & Texture
The taste and texture of these eggless pancakes are remarkably like those made with eggs. They are light, airy, and fluffy, much like traditional pancakes. Many readers who typically use eggs in their cooking and make pancakes with eggs have attested to this similarity.
These eggless pancakes are intentionally very mildly sweet. The recipe is not designed to create a sweet pancake but rather to serve as a basic eggless pancake recipe that can be easily customized. It's a canvas for creating both sweet and savory pancakes to suit individual preferences.
This versatility allows for endless possibilities, making it possible to add flavors and add-ons of one's choice to make the pancakes unique. Whether you prefer a classic pancake with syrup or something more adventurous like blueberry pancakes or savory options like cheese and herb pancakes, this recipe can be tailored to your liking, making it perfect for any occasion or craving.
Recipe
Eggless Pancakes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Cup All Purpose Flour
- 1 Teaspoon Sugar
- ¼ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Cup Milk (I Used 2%)
- 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Water
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
Instructions
- Whisk together the dry ingredients.
- In a liquid measuring mug, measure 1 cup milk. To that add the vegetable oil, water and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Do not over-mix. Lumps are perfectly fine. Set aside for a couple of minutes.
- Heat a griddle at medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot add the butter and let it melt.
- Add the melted butter to the pancake batter and return the pan to the stove. Mix the butter into the batter.
- When the pan is hot enough, pour a ladleful of batter on the pan for each pancake. Cook until bubbles appear on the face of the pancake.
- Carefully flip the pancake and cook until its golden brown.
My Notes
- The pan should not be over-heated or else the pancakes will blacken. To get that nice golden color I usually have the knob at 4.
- I added a couple of blueberries to the batter. You can add about ½ a cup of nuts, fruits or chocolate chips for this measurement.
Taste & Texture
Nutrition
Suggested Reading: The BEST Fluffy Eggless Omelettes Video Recipe
Ingredients and Substitutes
- All-Purpose Flour: The use of all-purpose flour in this eggless pancake recipe is key if you want to mimic the exact taste and texture of pancakes made with eggs. It serves as the base of the pancake batter, providing the necessary structure and texture for the pancakes. The gluten content in all-purpose flour helps give the pancakes their soft, fluffy texture. That being said, I have made the very same recipe with whole wheat pastry flour for pancakes with a similar texture. This is because whole wheat pastry flour is made from soft wheat. However, if you use whole wheat flour, the taste and texture will vary depending on the brand you are using, due to the type of wheat used. I have not tried this recipe with self-rising flour but have seen a comment that it works but have to omit the baking powder from the recipe. I cannot vouch for it without trying it myself. For more details about the use of other flours please check the FAQ section below.
- Baking powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the pancakes rise and become light and airy. It reacts with the liquids in the batter to produce carbon dioxide bubbles, which create the pancake's characteristic texture. Make sure that it is of the best quality and not expired. Do not use baking powder and baking soda interchangeably. It doesn’t work always. In some cases, baking powder can be substituted with baking soda and vinegar but I haven’t tried it in this eggless pancake recipe.
- Sugar: Very little sugar is used in this recipe making it perfect to have these eggless pancakes as a savory or sweet dish. If you want to have it as a sweet breakfast top it with maple syrup, fruits and jelly to suit your taste. Sugar also plays a role in browning the pancakes as they cook, contributing to their golden color and caramelized taste.
- Ground cinnamon and Vanilla extract: These add a warm, sweet and aromatic flavor to the pancakes, enhancing their overall taste. One can play with the quantity of the spice and extract or omit which you are not particular about.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the pancakes, making them more indulgent and satisfying. It also helps create a crisp, golden crust on the pancakes as they cook, adding to their overall texture. You can replace this with oil too if you want to make vegan pancakes.
- Oil: Oil helps prevent the pancakes from sticking to the pan as they cook, ensuring that they are easy to flip and remove. It also contributes to the pancakes' moistness and tenderness, helping them stay soft and fluffy.
Readers Feedback
Beth said: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you for sharing this recipe! The pancakes are fantastic! I doubled the recipe & used a ¼ cup ice cream scooper to measure out for cooking. It made 10 medium sized pancakes. I also added dried blueberries & honey glazed pecans…I measured those with my heart ❤️
Amy said: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
They really are the best. This is a staple recipe in my house. I can’t eat eggs, so I make this for me/my family and they do not notice the difference and beg me to make these pancakes! Thank you
Seagirl said: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It is absolutely delirious how good these are! As a baker, I am kind of stuck on eggs and buttermilk…but listen…these pancakes are the bomb Dotcom. Try them exactly as the recipe instructs and you will be so happy you did. An aside re: some of the comments on doubling the recipe: Doubling recipes with baking ingredients is trial and error so you have to experiment until you find the measurements that work or make the recipe exact but separately. Thanks so much Madhuram – these are in my forever pancake recipe arsenal now! Happiest holidays to all!
Joann said: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wow! These were awesome. I’m in the UK so used Self Raising Flour and left out the baking powder and all measurements otherwise the same. I was surprised to see these poof up lovely almost instantly. Cooked them slowly as recommended (used a 6 on my induction). I used the oil to cook and left out the butter – so mine weren’t too brown too soon, turned the hob up to 8 at the end to quickly brown both sides. (Was tempted to add the butter at the end for extra flavour – but served with maple syrup and cream so probably not needed – lol)
Thank you for sharing – you saved my morning, having promised pancakes only to realise I had no eggs!!!
Oh, and DH says he actually prefers these to my usual ones with egg.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. I have had success with Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe, so start with less and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency. But do not attempt this recipe by simply replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free grain flour or almond flour or coconut flour because it does not work.
Yes, you can! Use dairy-free milk. You can also use vegan butter or margarine instead of the melted butter or replace that with oil too.
Yes, you can prepare the pancake batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. This allows you to enjoy freshly cooked pancakes without the hassle of preparing the batter in the morning. Simply let the batter come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before cooking. Sometimes you might also need to add a little water/milk to get the right consistency.
Yes, you can make the pancakes and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a toaster before serving.
Absolutely! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover it with plastic wrap and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave them or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Even though I have not tried it yet, I have seen a couple of comments where few readers have done it, and it has worked. I will update here when I make baked pancakes.
Doubling recipes is tricky to do while baking and in recipes that involve leavening agents. Unless you try it, you cannot tell if it will work. Fortunately, I have tried it with this pancake recipe, which works. That being said, I have never ventured more than doubling the recipe. If I remember right, I didn't even double the recipe immediately. First, I did one and a half measurements, and when I saw it worked, I doubled it. Maybe you can follow that, too.
Penny Girdner says
These are just delicious. I’ve made them plain, with blueberries and with sliced banana mixed into the batter. All with traditional butter and maple syrup. Next is chocolate chips. I tried them because I had no eggs. I feel like I’ll never try another pancake recipe. These are perfection and my daughter agrees!
Madhuram says
Wow! Thank you so much, Penny.
MJ says
Can you make them and refrigerate them for a few days to cook later?
Madhuram says
Not sure, MJ. I have made the batter the previous day night and used it the next morning. That's the most I have done. But the pancakes keep good if you refrigerate/freeze them.
Sierra says
We made these today because we ran out of eggs, and they were excellent!! My husband and I both agreed we’d be using this recipe again even if we do have eggs! Baby approved too 🙂 Thanks for a great recipe!
Madhuram says
Thanks, Sierra.
Varun says
Awesome recipe. I made a mistake of not waiting for a few minutes for the first batch and so it wasn’t fluffy but the next batch was super fluffy.
Can I deep freeze the pancakes and later microwave them?
Madhuram says
Thanks for the feedback, Varun. Yes you can freeze it.
Grace says
I made this recipe for my daughter with food allergies and she liked it a lot! It’s soft and fluffy. We loved it! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Madhuram says
You're welcome, Grace.
Angela says
This recipe gets a thumbs up from me, my husband, and two children. Substitutions I used were, almond milk, grapeseed oil, soy-free non-dairy butter, and I used 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1 cup whole wheat flour since I doubled the recipe. The consistency was perfect. It made ten pancakes. I also liked that I didn't have to spray the pan in-between pancakes since butter was added in the mixture. I didn't have any bananas to make my usual vegan pancake recipe, but I'm so glad I now have a new go-to. Thanks so much for sharing! This is a winner.
Madhuram says
You're very welcome, Angela. I have tried this recipe without butter too, in case you want to try it in the future without butter.
Kimberly says
I made these for my family today and everyone loved them! I added an extra pinch of sugar and added some flour for the consistency we like. My son got chocolate chips in his. Honestly, best pancakes we have ever had. Never going back to boxed mixes. Thank you!
Madhuram says
You're very welcome, Kimberly. Thanks for the feedback.
Andrea says
Absolutely delicious, my family preferred these to our egg pancke recipe.
Madhuram says
That's wonderful to know, Andrea. Thank you for the feedback.
Andrée says
These are the best eggless pancakes I’ve made and I have tried LOTS!! My husband said they were so good, they needed nothing on them. We loved them with lemon & sugar or butter and also maple syrup. Thank you!!
Madhuram says
You're welcome, Andree. Thank you for the feedback.
Becca says
My grandson can't have dairy. No milk, no butter. No eggs. I will have to try almond milk and bananas.
Have you tried egg whites in it?
Madhuram says
No Becca. We don't use eggs at home, so not sure about the effect.
Matthew says
Hey Becca, I swapped out all the dairy with much success. I used vanilla almond milk in lieu of milk and coconut oil in lieu of butter to much success and zero sacrifice in taste, flavor, and texture.
Diane says
I will make these today If I don't use all pancakes today can I put in the fridge for the next day ? Thanks
Madhuram says
Yes, you can Diane. I do it all the time. I warm it up in the microwave oven before serving.
Alexandria Urgo says
Would coconut oil work instead of vegetable oil?
Madhuram says
Yes, it will. Sometimes melted coconut oil when added to cold ingredients solidifies in bits and pieces. That might be an issue though.
Jayshree Dheda says
Absolutely delicious. Thank for sharing.
Madhuram says
Thanks, Jayshree.
Mari says
I didn't like this recipe. Firstly, it was way too thick for the batter to flatten in the pan enough to make a pancake - it sat in the pan like a tall tower! I added more milk to thin out the batter. Secondly, it made 5 pancakes. Which is never enough. Thanks for the recipe though.
Animal says
I was amazed at how good they came out! The only thing I did was double the recipe. Light and fluffy and vary tasty! Definitely going in my saved recipes!
Thank you!
Madhuram says
You're welcome.