Vegan pancakes are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pancakes, and they are becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious individuals and those following a plant-based diet.
Vegan pancakes are made without any animal products, making them a cruelty-free and sustainable choice. In this article, I will cover the essential ingredients used in vegan pancake recipes, including flour, liquid, binding agent, leavening agent, sweetener, and flavourings.
By the end of this article, you will have all the knowledge and tools you need to make your own delicious vegan pancakes at home.
What is Vegan Pancake Made From?
The answer to this question can vary depending on the exact recipe, but in general, it’s a combination of flour, plant-based milks, flaxseed, baking powder, and a sweetener.
Flour
The type of flour used in vegan pancake recipes can greatly affect the texture and taste of the final product. Some commonly used flours in vegan pancake recipes include all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, oat flour, and gluten-free flours such as almond or coconut flour.
Whole grain flours, such as whole wheat or oat flour, are a great choice for vegan pancakes as they are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, providing a more nutritious option. Whole grains also have a lower glycemic index than refined grains, which means they release glucose more slowly, resulting in a more stable blood sugar level.
For those who are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, using gluten-free flours such as almond or coconut flour can be a great alternative. These flours provide a unique flavour and texture to the pancakes, but it’s important to note that they may require additional liquid or binding agents to hold the batter together.
Liquid
The liquid component in vegan pancake batter is essential for achieving the right consistency and texture. Many different types of liquids can be used in vegan pancake recipes, including water, plant-based milk, and fruit juice.
Plant-based milks such as almond, soy, or oat milk are a popular choice for vegan pancake recipes. These milks are dairy-free and provide a creamy texture and delicious flavour to the pancakes. Plant-based milks are also lower in saturated fat than dairy milk and can be fortified with calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals.
Another benefit of using plant-based milks is that they can be easily substituted for dairy milk in traditional pancake recipes, making them a versatile ingredient in the vegan kitchen. In addition to plant-based milk, other liquids such as water or fruit juice can also be used in vegan pancake recipes, depending on the desired texture and flavour.
Binding Agent
A binding agent is an essential ingredient in vegan pancake recipes, as it helps to hold the batter together and prevent it from falling apart. There are several common binding agents used in vegan cooking, including flax eggs, chia seeds, and applesauce.
Flax eggs are a popular binding agent used in vegan pancake recipes. To make a flax egg, simply mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Flax eggs are an excellent vegan substitute for eggs, as they provide the necessary binding properties and also add a nutty flavour to the pancakes.
Chia seeds can also be used as a binding agent in vegan pancake recipes. Simply mix one tablespoon of chia seeds with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency. Chia seeds provide a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and can also add a crunchy texture to the pancakes.
Applesauce is another binding agent commonly used in vegan pancake recipes. It provides moisture and helps to hold the batter together, while also adding a subtle sweetness to the pancakes. Applesauce can be used as a substitute for eggs or oil in pancake recipes, making it a versatile ingredient in the vegan kitchen.
Leavening Agent
Leavening agents are essential in pancake recipes, as they help the batter rise and create a light and fluffy texture. There are two common leavening agents used in pancake recipes: baking powder and baking soda.
Baking powder is a combination of baking soda, cream of tartar, and a starch such as cornstarch. It is a quick-acting leavening agent that creates bubbles in the batter when it comes into contact with a liquid, causing the batter to rise. Baking powder is commonly used in pancake recipes as it provides an even and consistent rise, resulting in fluffy and light pancakes.
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is another leavening agent commonly used in pancake recipes. It reacts with acidic ingredients in the batter, such as vinegar or lemon juice, to create carbon dioxide bubbles that cause the batter to rise. Baking soda can also be used in conjunction with baking powder to create an even lighter and fluffier texture in pancakes.
Sweetener
Sweeteners are an important ingredient in pancake recipes, as they add flavour and sweetness to the batter. There are several different types of sweeteners that can be used in vegan pancake recipes, including natural sweeteners like maple syrup, coconut sugar, and agave nectar, as well as artificial sweeteners like stevia and erythritol.
Natural sweeteners are a popular choice in vegan pancake recipes, as they provide a rich and complex flavour profile and are less processed than artificial sweeteners. Maple syrup is a common natural sweetener used in pancake recipes and provides a sweet, caramel-like flavour that pairs well with the nuttiness of whole grain flours. Coconut sugar is another natural sweetener that is made from the sap of coconut palm trees. It has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, meaning it won’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
Using natural sweeteners in vegan pancake recipes can also provide some additional nutritional benefits. Maple syrup contains antioxidants and minerals like manganese and zinc, while coconut sugar contains iron, potassium, and calcium.
Flavourings & Toppings
Flavourings and toppings are the finishing touches that can take vegan pancakes to the next level. There are many different flavourings that can be added to pancake batter to enhance their taste, such as vanilla extract, cinnamon, or nutmeg. Adding these flavourings can provide an extra layer of depth and complexity to the pancakes.
Vanilla extract is a popular flavouring for pancakes, as it provides a sweet and aromatic flavour that pairs well with other toppings. Cinnamon is another common flavouring that can provide a warm and spicy taste to the pancakes. Nutmeg is also a popular option, as it has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour that can complement the taste of the batter.
When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless for vegan pancakes. Fresh fruit is always a popular choice, such as sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries. Nut butter, like peanut or almond butter, can also provide a rich and creamy flavour to the pancakes. Vegan whipped cream or coconut whipped cream can provide a light and airy texture to the pancakes, while vegan chocolate chips or chopped nuts can provide a crunchy texture.
Other toppings to consider include vegan yogurt, maple syrup, vegan honey, or fruit compote. Experiment with different flavour combinations to find the perfect pairing for your vegan pancakes.
The Ultimate Vegan Pancake
