Breakfast

Gluten Free Pancakes

Name: Gluten Free Pancakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups (190g) rice flour; 1/2 cup (60g) tapioca starch; 1/4 cup (30g) granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons xanthan gum; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (240ml) milk; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh fruit, such as blueberries or bananas

By Joelle Greenwood · June 19, 2026 · Breakfast

Prep20 min

Cook10 min

Total30 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I made gluten-free pancakes from scratch. It was a game-changer for my weekend breakfasts and brunches with family and friends. As someone who has to follow a gluten-free diet, I was thrilled to discover that I could still enjoy fluffy, flavorful pancakes without any gluten.

Over the years, I've perfected my gluten-free pancake recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you. This recipe uses a blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum to create a tender and delicate crumb. With a simple hydration rest, these pancakes are easy to make and are sure to become a staple in your household.

What I love about this recipe is that it's not just for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. The pancakes are so delicious that everyone will enjoy them, regardless of their dietary needs. Plus, the recipe is easy to make in large batches, making it perfect for big families or gatherings.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make the perfect gluten-free pancakes. From the ingredient selection to the cooking technique, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your pancakes turn out light, fluffy, and full of flavor. So, let's get started and make some delicious gluten-free pancakes!

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you. The steps are easy to follow, and the ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores. So, go ahead and give it a try, and enjoy a stack of fluffy gluten-free pancakes with your favorite toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These gluten-free pancakes are easy to make and require minimal ingredients.
The recipe is perfect for big families or gatherings, as it can be made in large batches.
The pancakes are delicious and flavorful, making them a great option for breakfast or brunch.
The recipe is versatile, allowing you to experiment with different toppings and fillings.
The gluten-free pancakes are a great option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
The recipe is perfect for beginners, as it's easy to follow and requires minimal cooking skills.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great gluten-free pancakes is to use a combination of ingredients that provide structure, texture, and flavor. The rice flour and tapioca starch provide a delicate crumb, while the xanthan gum helps to bind the ingredients together. The hydration rest is also crucial, as it allows the starches to absorb the liquid and the crumb to set.

Another important factor is the cooking technique. Cooking the pancakes over medium heat ensures that they cook evenly and don't burn. The pancakes are also cooked until they're golden brown and have a delicate crust, which adds to their texture and flavor.

Finally, the toppings and fillings can make or break the pancakes. From classic butter and maple syrup to fresh fruits and whipped cream, the possibilities are endless. So, feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combinations.

By following these tips and techniques, you'll be able to make delicious gluten-free pancakes that are sure to impress your family and friends. So, go ahead and give it a try, and enjoy the process of creating something delicious and special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious gluten-free pancakes, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key is to use a combination of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum to create a tender and delicate crumb. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as eggs, milk, and sugar. Don't worry if you're new to gluten-free baking – these ingredients are easy to find and work with.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality options that are fresh and have not expired. This will ensure that your pancakes turn out light, fluffy, and full of flavor. Also, make sure to read the labels carefully to ensure that the ingredients are gluten-free and safe for your dietary needs.

1 1/2 cups (190g) rice flourRice flour provides a delicate crumb and is a staple in gluten-free baking. Look for a high-quality rice flour that is finely milled and has a light texture.
1/2 cup (60g) tapioca starchTapioca starch helps to bind the ingredients together and provides structure to the pancakes. It's also a great source of fiber and can help to improve the texture of the pancakes.
1/4 cup (30g) granulated sugarGranulated sugar adds sweetness to the pancakes and helps to balance out the flavors. You can also use other types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey, to give the pancakes a different flavor.
2 teaspoons xanthan gumXanthan gum is a common ingredient in gluten-free baking and helps to bind the ingredients together. It's also a great source of fiber and can help to improve the texture of the pancakes.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavors of the pancakes and helps to bring out the sweetness of the sugar. Use a high-quality salt that is fresh and has not expired.
1 cup (240ml) milkMilk adds moisture to the pancakes and helps to create a tender crumb. You can use any type of milk, such as cow's milk, almond milk, or soy milk, depending on your dietary needs.
1 large eggEggs provide structure and richness to the pancakes. Make sure to use a fresh egg that is at room temperature, as this will help the pancakes to cook evenly.
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, meltedMelted butter adds flavor and tenderness to the pancakes. Use a high-quality butter that is fresh and has not expired.
1 teaspoon vanilla extractVanilla extract adds a subtle flavor to the pancakes and helps to balance out the sweetness of the sugar. Use a high-quality vanilla extract that is fresh and has not expired.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh fruit, such as blueberries or bananasChopped fresh fruit adds natural sweetness and flavor to the pancakes. You can use any type of fruit, depending on your preferences and dietary needs.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsElectric mixerNon-stick skillet or griddleInstant-read thermometerSpatula

How to Make Gluten Free Pancakes

1
In a large bowl, whisk together the rice flour, tapioca starch, granulated sugar, xanthan gum, and salt.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
3
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should still be slightly lumpy.
4
Add the vanilla extract and chopped fresh fruit to the batter and stir until just combined.
5
Let the batter rest for 20-30 minutes to allow the starches to absorb the liquid and the crumb to set.
6
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
7
Drop the batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle.
8
Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges start to dry.
9
Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
10
Serve the pancakes hot with your favorite toppings, such as butter, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.
11
Repeat the process until all the batter is used up, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent burning.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use high-quality ingredients that are fresh and have not expired.
Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough pancakes.
Let the batter rest for the full 20-30 minutes to allow the starches to absorb the liquid and the crumb to set.
Use a non-stick skillet or griddle to prevent the pancakes from sticking and to make them easier to flip.
Don't overcrowd the skillet or griddle, as this can lead to pancakes that are cooked unevenly.
Experiment with different toppings and fillings to find your favorite combinations.
Consider using a gluten-free flour blend that contains a combination of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum for the best results.
If you're new to gluten-free baking, start with a simple recipe like this one and experiment with different ingredients and techniques as you become more confident.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using low-quality ingredients that are stale or expired.
Overmixing the batter, which can lead to tough pancakes.
Not letting the batter rest for the full 20-30 minutes, which can lead to pancakes that are dense and heavy.
Using too much heat, which can lead to pancakes that are burnt or cooked unevenly.
Not using a non-stick skillet or griddle, which can lead to pancakes that stick and are difficult to flip.
Not experimenting with different toppings and fillings, which can lead to pancakes that are boring and unflavorful.

Variations and Substitutions

Add different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey, to give the pancakes a different flavor.
Use different types of milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, to make the pancakes dairy-free.
Add different types of fruit, such as blueberries or bananas, to give the pancakes natural sweetness and flavor.
Use different types of flour, such as coconut flour or almond flour, to give the pancakes a different texture and flavor.
Add nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or chia seeds, to give the pancakes crunch and nutrition.
Use different types of extract, such as almond or coconut extract, to give the pancakes a different flavor.
Make the pancakes into different shapes, such as hearts or animals, to make them more fun and playful.

What to Serve With Gluten Free Pancakes

Serve the pancakes hot with your favorite toppings, such as butter, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream. You can also serve them with a side of bacon, sausage, or hash browns for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

Consider serving the pancakes at a special occasion, such as a birthday or holiday, to make the event more memorable and fun. You can also make the pancakes ahead of time and freeze them for later use, making them a great option for busy families or individuals.

Butter and maple syrupFresh fruit and whipped creamBacon and sausageHash browns and eggsYogurt and granolaHoney and almonds

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the pancakes, let them cool completely on a wire rack before placing them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

To freeze the pancakes, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put the sheet in the freezer. Once the pancakes are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer.

To reheat the pancakes, simply microwave them for 20-30 seconds or toast them in a toaster or toaster oven. You can also reheat them in a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat, adding a small amount of butter or oil to prevent sticking.

Make sure to label the container or bag with the date and contents, and to store the pancakes in a cool, dry place. This will help to preserve the flavor and texture of the pancakes and ensure that they remain fresh and delicious for a longer period of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of flour is best for gluten-free pancakes?

A combination of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum is a great option for gluten-free pancakes. This blend provides a delicate crumb and a tender texture.

Can I use a gluten-free flour blend instead of individual ingredients?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of individual ingredients. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the package and adjust the liquid content accordingly.

How do I know if the pancakes are cooked properly?

The pancakes are cooked properly when they are golden brown and have a delicate crust. You can also check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a pancake - if it comes out clean, the pancake is cooked through.

Can I make the pancakes ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can make the pancakes ahead of time and freeze them. Simply let them cool completely on a wire rack before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

How do I reheat frozen pancakes?

You can reheat frozen pancakes in the microwave, toaster, or toaster oven. Simply microwave them for 20-30 seconds or toast them in a toaster or toaster oven until they are warm and crispy.

Can I use different types of milk in the recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of milk in the recipe, such as almond milk or soy milk, to make the pancakes dairy-free.

How do I prevent the pancakes from sticking to the skillet or griddle?

To prevent the pancakes from sticking to the skillet or griddle, make sure to use a non-stick surface and add a small amount of butter or oil to the surface before cooking the pancakes.

Can I add different types of fruit or nuts to the recipe?

Yes, you can add different types of fruit or nuts to the recipe to give the pancakes natural sweetness and flavor. Simply fold the fruit or nuts into the batter before cooking the pancakes.

The Full Recipe

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