I’ve somehow landed deep inside #dinerTok on TikTok where I find myself watching diner cooks flip everything from blueberry-studded pancakes to a mass of over-easy-eggs with the flip of a wrist on enormous black top griddles.
It’s oddly satisfying?
As I watch those perfect, golden-brown pancakes being flipped and flopped, I inevitably start craving some for myself. Luckily gluten free pancakes are a cinch to whip up at home — no restaurant required.
I’ll still show you how to get that diner-style golden brown top though!
Watch How to Make Them!
Easy Gluten Free Pancakes live up to the name and are a totally cozy way to start your day, or welcome the weekend. I actually make them a lot for my kids as BFD (breakfast for dinner), and they can even be made into Sheet Pan Pancakes. The looks on their faces when I tell them gluten free pancakes are on the dinner menu instead of spaghetti?
PRICELESS!
Don’t let the gluten free label throw you — we’re talking tall pancakes with a fluffy texture that are perfect for piling high then topping with butter, real maple syrup, or homemade Butter-Pecan Syrup.
Just like the “real” thing.
What Are Gluten Free Pancakes Made With?
My easy gluten-free pancake recipe is made with fridge and pantry staples including a “measure for measure” gluten free baking flour blend. The batter is mixed up in minutes then, after a brief rest, its ready to cook, flip, then drizzle with maple syrup – woo!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Gluten free baking flour blend: This can be called “1 to 1”, “measure for measure”, or “all-purpose” gluten-free flour blend, which means it can be swapped in equal quantities with all-purpose flour in a recipe. More on this below!
- Granulated sugar: Just a bit lightly sweetens the batter.
- Baking powder: Helps our gluten free pancakes become light and fluffy. Ensure your baking powder is fresh before cooking.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness from the sugar and pancake toppings.
- Milk: I use unsweetened almond milk but you can use whatever you keep on hand for drinking. Cow’s milk will brown the best, but any plant based, dairy-free milk like oat milk, soy milk, etc will work.
- Egg: I have tested this recipe with powdered egg replacer and a flax egg, and the pancakes do come out a little gummy. That said, it can still work as egg-free pancakes if you don’t mind a slightly different texture compared to regular pancakes.
- Butter: Melted butter or melted vegan butter helps give the outside of the pancakes that irresistible golden glow.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of cozy flavor.
Best Gluten Free Flour for Pancakes
As I mentioned, this recipe uses a gluten free baking flour blend that already contains a binder such as xanthan gum.
If you have a baking flour blend on hand that you love and use regularly, that will most likely work in this recipe – it’s not fussy! Again, just make sure it has a binder. This recipe will not work with single gluten free flours like almond flour, rice flour, oat flour, or coconut flour.
Here are the two flours I usually use to make gluten free pancakes:
- King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure-for-Measure Flour >
- Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour >
How to Get Diner-Style Gluten Free Pancakes
Pancakes are great for cooking on an electric flat top griddle or griddler — I usually opt for this when I’m making silver dollar-size pancakes for my kids which I scoop with a cookie scoop — but to get that signature, diner-style, golden brown top to your pancakes, cook them one or two at a time in a preheated cast iron skillet over medium / medium-low heat.
Brush the bottom of the hot skillet with butter, or spray with nonstick spray, then scoop 1/4 cup batter into the bottom and cook until the top and sides of the pancake form little bubbles that pop. Use a spatula to peek at the bottom of the pancake to ensure it’s golden brown, then flip and cook until the bottom is golden brown, 2 more minutes or so.
It sounds silly — but to get beautiful, perfectly browned gluten free pancakes is a beautiful thing!
Tips for PERFECT Gluten Free Pancakes
As I said, pancakes are about as unfussy as they come, but here are my best tips for achieving the best gluten-free pancakes:
- Let the batter rest. Gluten free baked goods can occasionally come out gritty if the flour hasn’t had a chance to properly hydrate first. That said, let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes after mixing before cooking.
- Preheat properly. Ensure your cooking surface – whether it be a cast iron skillet or electric griddle – is fully preheated. I like to keep the heat under my cast iron skillet around medium-low because it holds onto heat so well, while I crank the temperature on my electric griddle to around 375 degrees.
- Serve immediately. Gluten free pancakes are best served right after cooking, as they can sink a little and become chewy as they cool. That said, they CAN be kept warm in the oven, and/or frozen. See below!
Gluten Free Pancake Mix
It’s hard to deny that having a box or bag of gluten free pancake mix on hand in the pantry is pretty convenient. Good news: you can multiply the gluten free pancake dry mix recipe and store it for later use!
Add the dry ingredients into individual plastic baggies to keep on hand for your next pancake breakfast or brunch. Or, multiply the dry ingredients by 2, 3, or 4 (or more!) and store in an airtight container. Combine 1 cup + 3 Tablespoons dry mix with the wet ingredients listed to create one batch of gluten free pancakes. Add more milk as needed if the batter is slightly thick.
Alright, I can’t wait for you taste what I consider the best gluten-free pancake recipe, so let’s get to flipping!
How to Make Easy Gluten-Free Pancakes
Start by mixing the dry ingredients. To a medium bowl add the gluten free flour blend, sugar, baking powder, and salt then whisk to combine.
In a smaller mixing bowl, add the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla then whisk to combine.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients then whisk to combine. Let the batter rest for 5 – 10 minutes while your pan preheats. Again, we’re going for medium – medium-low if using a cast iron skillet, or medium – medium-high if using an electric griddle.
Spray the cooking surface with nonstick spray, or brush with melted butter, then scoop 1/4 cup pancake batter into the bottom. Let the pancake sit undisturbed until little bubbles form on the top and sides of the pancake and pop.
Check the bottom of the pancake to ensure it’s golden brown then…
FLIP! So gorgeous, right!?
Cook until the second side is golden brown then serve right away.
Gluten Free Pancake Variations
My kids beg for mini chocolate chips to be added to their gluten free pancakes – that said, this recipe holds up well to additions, and toppings are of course a must. Here are some ideas:
- Standard mix-ins. Chocolate chip pancakes and blueberry pancakes are always winners at my house. We love Enjoy Life Mini Chips and fresh blueberries, respectively!
- Get creative. Send yourself on vacation if only in your mind by adding diced mango and shredded coconut on top of your pancakes. Make cozy fall pancakes with chopped apples and cinnamon.
- Go healthy. Greek yogurt and honey, or natural nut butter and an array of fresh berries, are tasty toppings that pack in the protein.
- Go decadent. Layer your pancakes with whipped cream, sliced bananas, and toasted pecans for an over-the-top breakfast treat.
- Go homemade. You have not LIVED until you’ve tried my homemade Butter-Pecan Syrup. Life changing, I’m telling you!
How to Keep Gluten Free Pancakes Warm
If you want to keep a batch of gluten free pancakes warm, place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in the oven set to the “warming” setting, usually 100-200 degrees, for no more than 20 minutes. They can dry out and sink if left longer.
Can This Recipe Be Frozen?
Just like regular pancakes, gluten-free pancakes are fantastic for freezing. Again, place them on a parchment-lined sheet pan then freeze solid in the freezer. Transfer the frozen pancakes into a freezer bag where they’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheat from frozen in the microwave on 50% power, or pop into the toaster oven to warm through!
Pancake Syrup vs Maple Syrup
Lastly, I urge you to drizzle your light and fluffy gluten free pancakes with pure maple syrup vs pancake syrup.
- Pure maple syrup is a more readily available and economical than ever. Kirkland (Costco) has incredible pure maple syrup for ~$10/jug. I actually prefer the flavor compared to fancier and more expensive maple syrups!
- Pancake syrup is brown-colored corn syrup and water.
That said, once you go pure maple syrup, you’ll never go back!
More Gluten Free Breakfast Recipes
- Gluten Free Breakfast Casserole
- How to Bake Bacon
- High Protein Overnight Oats
- Green Smoothie Muffins
- Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls
- Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins
- Gluten Free Zucchini Bread
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Perfect Gluten Free Pancakes
Description
Easy Gluten Free Pancakes are light, fluffy, and made with fridge and pantry staples in minutes. Meet your new, go-to gluten free pancake mix!
Ingredients
- 1 cup measure for measure / 1:1 gluten free baking flour blend (see notes for brand recommended)
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- small pinch of salt
- scant 1 cup milk (any kind, I use unsweetened almond milk)
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons melted butter, plus more for brushing (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Add gluten free flour blend, sugar, baking powder, and salt to a medium-sized mixing bowl then whisk to combine. Add milk, egg, butter, and vanilla extract to a small mixing bowl then whisk to combine. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients then whisk until smooth and let batter sit for 5 - 10 minutes.
- While the batter is resting, preheat a large, cast iron skillet over medium-low heat, or an electric griddle set to medium heat, then spray with nonstick spray OR brush with melted butter. Scoop 1/4 cup batter onto the hot surface then, when lots of bubbles form on the top and sides of the pancakes and pop, and the bottom of the pancake is golden brown, flip then cook until the second side of the pancake is golden brown.
- Serve immediately, or place pancakes onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and keep warm in the oven set to the "warming" setting, typically 100-200 degrees, for no longer than 20 minutes.
- For Sheet Pan Pancakes: preheat the oven to 350 degrees then line a quarter sheet pan with parchment paper. Pour batter inside then tilt the sheet pan to evenly distribute the batter. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until cooked through — don’t underbake. Remove the pancake from the sheet pan then slice into squares with a knife and serve.
- To freeze: Transfer cooked pancakes to a cooling rack to cool completely then place onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze solid. Transfer to a Ziplock freezer bag then keep frozen for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Wet a paper towel then wring out very well - it should barely be damp - then place on top of pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and reheat in the microwave on 50% power until warmed through. Or, toast in a toaster oven until warmed through.
Notes
- I tested this recipe using King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour and Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour. Whatever blend you use, ensure it includes a binder such as xanthan gum.
- This particular recipe WILL NOT turn out with un-blended flours without a binder, such as coconut flour or almond flour.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
Video
Photos by Ashley McLaughlin
Best ever! It was easy and fluffy. I added a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the 1c of milk and whisked first. Added other wet ingredients after. Found this recipe because I was out of my bought GF pancake mix. Glad I did. Plan to premix dry and keep when I want a yummy pancake fix!
Love it!! So glad this recipe came in handy in a pinch!
I made these and they were awesome. My gluten-eating teen said they were just as good as the ones with wheat. Nice and fluffy, excellent texture. I had a couple that cooked unevenly and the pale bits had a stickier and mushy texture so make sure you cook them thoroughly. Thanks for the excellent recipe!
Woo! Love when a non GF person gives a GF recipe two thumbs up – thanks so much for your feedback and recipe rating, Kirsten!
I just made these and they were the best I’ve made so far. I used great value brand gf flour blend and the batter turned out very thick, so I thinned slightly with more almond milk and they were perfect! Thank you!
SOO happy to hear that, Allison!! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Will this recipe work for waffles?
Hi Sara! I haven’t personally tried so I can’t say for sure!
Kristin – longtime reader here. Love so many of your recipes. We would like to make these next weekend on the grill for a holiday brunch. My husband wants to know if you can make the batter ahead (like a couple hours)? Can’t wait to try them.
Love hearing from you, Linda! The batter should be ok made a couple hours ahead of time. I would be prepared to whisk in a bit more milk prior to cooking as it will thicken up in the fridge!
you say WILL NOT turn out with un-blended flours without a binder, such as coconut flour or almond flour. I have never made gluten free pancakes before -what kind of unblended flour should I buy – I can’t have potato starch
Hi Ruth! You’ll want to use a gluten free flour blend such as King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour or Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour which already have xanthan gum inside!
Made these GF pancakes….the bestest! I will never buy a box mix again! GF foods are just so off, but this recipe was wonderful. Thank You!
I am sooo, so glad these pancakes were a hit with you, Kathryn!!
Thank you. I never comment on recipe blogs. I just use them, and even if they’re good, move on with my life. But I had to come back and praise you for sharing this recipe! I was Dx with wheat allergy in December, and had tried maybe two mixes and a couple recipes and this one is perfection! Texture, flavor, resemblance of traditional wheat pancakes. Me and my able to wheat daughter just enjoyed all 6 together. <3
This comment made my day, Mandy! I SO appreciate you taking the time to come back and share your feedback. I’m also thrilled these pancakes were a hit with both you and your daughter. <3
Woohoo!! Finally a recipe that doesnt take like cardboard, grainy and dry!! You go Iowa girl. I like to eat gluten free but never order the pancakes at the restaurant because they are not pleasing to the palate at all. This recipe knocked it out of the ball park! Wow it didnt even taste like they were gluten free at all. Yummmo! I added some cinnamon to the batter (as I love cinnamon) and were even more yummy. My daughter (who does not like gluten free foods) enjoyed them. When I told her they were gluten free she couldnt believe it. hahaha Awesome recipe Iowa girl. Thank you for sharing it with us! Im looking forward to eating pancakes again. woot woot. haha :-)
I am SO glad this recipe was a hit with you and your family, Evelyn!! I’m going to add cinnamon to the batter the next time I make this – it sounds delightful!!
Easy, fluffy & delicious!
I’m so glad they turned out well for you, Sandi! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Thank you for this awesome recipe!! We usually have to go to the local restaurant that serves GF pancakes for my husband, but they put nutmeg in them so they aren’t really like a traditional pancake. He loved these and said he doesn’t have to go anywhere now when he’s hunger for pancakes. Thanks for making him so happy!
Aww, that makes me SO happy to hear, Lisa!! So glad these were a (nutmeg free) hit with him! ;)
These are the best pancakes ever! You would never know they are gf! We use Bob’s 1 to 1 all the time and it makes a huge difference. The addition of sugar and vanilla takes these over the top. The added bonus of simple ingredients in your pantry and you can’t go wrong. This is probably the 4th or 5th recipe I have tried from iowa girl eats. and we have loved them all! My daughter wants the silver dollar ones to freeze, so we are doing that today as well:)
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you SO much for the great feedback, Deeann! I’m so glad these pancakes, and the other recipes you’ve tried, have been hits!
These didn’t turn out for me. I used Namaste flour and buttermilk. They were so dense that they didn’t cook on the inside, but the outside burned. I was using my electric griddle and not a pan on the stove, so maybe that was my problem.
MJ, buttermilk has more acid than regular/plant based milk so you’d need to replace the baking powder called for in the recipe for baking soda to get a fluffy pancake. I will always include substitutions in my recipe if possible, but replacing the milk for buttermilk in this recipe will not work.
The orange berry pancake recipe has a broken link, and it links to this one.
Hi Anni! That recipe was not gluten free which is why it now directs to these pancakes. I can send you the recipe, if you’d like!
We made these tonight 1/5/23 for the first time and we’ve officially found our gluten free pancake recipe! Our daughter has celiac and we’ve been using a store bought mix. It was okay but these are light, fluffy, and have a lightly sweet flavor! Thank you for creating this yummy recipe! I will recommend it to all gluten free friends and family!
THRILLED to hear this, Emma!! So glad it was a hit – thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
These came out great! Wondering if using buttermilk is worth giving a try. Suggestions?
I think it could be worth a try, but you’d need to switch the baking powder to baking soda to get the rise like you see in these photos. Let us know if you give it a go!