There’s no need to miss out on Pancake Day because of special dietary requirements. Discover our delicious, gluten-free ideas, from easy banana pancakes to tasty cinnamon crêpes.
Gluten, the protein compound in wheat and flour, gives pancake batter its elasticity and helps bind the batter. However, with one or two clever ingredient swaps, you can make pancakes without standard flour that taste just as good. Try making them on Shrove Tuesday, or for an indulgent weekend brunch.
For more inspiration, check out our collection of gluten-free pancake recipes and gluten-free breakfast recipes, then read more about gluten-free diets.
1. Gluten-free pancakes
Begin with a basic crêpe recipe that uses eggs, milk and gluten-free flour. This simple, foolproof batter needs just five minutes to whisk together and is easy enough for children to help out with. Let them choose their favourite toppings as well.
2. Banana pancakes
Substitute all the flour for mashed bananas to make these fluffy pancakes – yes, you heard that right. You’ll also need a pinch of gluten-free baking powder which is stocked in many supermarkets and health-food shops.
3. Omelette pancakes with tomato & pepper sauce
Try these healthy, low-calorie and gluten-free herby egg ‘pancakes’ topped with a nutritious tomato and pepper sauce. As well as being gluten-free, these pancakes are also flour-free. Serve with a side of salad or wholemeal bread to keep you going ’til lunch.
Omelette pancakes with tomato & pepper sauce
4. Almond crêpes with avocado & nectarines
These simple pancakes make for a vibrant, fruity start to the day. Combine ground almonds with eggs to make a speedy gluten-free batter. Cook until golden brown and top with a colourful array of nectarines, pomegranate seeds, smashed avocado and lime juice.
Almond crêpes with avocado & nectarines
5. Protein pancakes
Packed with 29g of protein and sandwiched together with yogurt, seeds and blueberry chia jam, these gluten-free beauties pack a flavour punch. The batter is based on mashed banana, ground flaxseeds, ground almonds, quinoa flour and soya milk.
6. Coconut flour pancakes
Another great gluten-free substitute, coconut flour is high in fibre and very absorbent, so a little goes a long way. The secret to perfecting this recipe is getting lots of air into the batter from whipped egg whites. Top with tart berries and maple syrup for a delicious free-from brekkie or dessert.
7. Vegan pancakes
Gluten-free and vegan, too, these crepes use hemp or coconut milk, egg replacer and gluten-free flour. Your local health-food store may stock egg replacer, or you can shop for it online.
8. Herb pancake wraps with goat’s cheese
Swap flour tortillas for thin, herby omelette wraps and you have a delicious low-calorie lunch option. Add feel-good fillings such as goat’s cheese, cooked courgettes, tomatoes, kale and olives.
Herb pancake wraps with goat’s cheese
Also try our omelette pancakes with tomato & pepper sauce
9. Cinnamon crêpes with nut butter, sliced banana & raspberries
Don’t skimp on the almond butter when making these delicate French-style pancakes. They use a traditional batter base made with gluten-free flour and a little bit of spice.
Cinnamon crêpes with nut butter, sliced banana & raspberries
10. Hoppers
Serve up a Sri Lankan-style feast complete with thin, crispy rice flour pancakes. Made from whisking the flour with coconut milk, coconut water, sugar and a yeast mixture, hoppers are normally bowl-shaped and act as the perfect receptacle for lots of fillings. Fill them with cauliflower curry, fruity rhubarb chutney and spicy leek seeni sambol, or try our special twist with fried chicken.
Enjoyed this? You may like…
Alternative pancakes for Shrove Tuesday
How to make pancakes without eggs, flour or milk
Top 10 tips for a gluten-free diet
10 foods you think are gluten-free but aren’t
Top 10 vegan pancake recipes
More gluten-free pancake recipes
Do you have any other tasty ideas for gluten-free pancakes? Leave a comment below…
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