What Are Gluten-Free Pancakes?

Those with celiac disease as well as individuals with certain dietary sensitivities may find that their health improves when they adopt a diet which is free from gluten, the protein found in grains like wheat and rye. Even though these individuals may find that a gluten-free diet enhances their sense of well-being, many miss certain familiar foods, such as pancakes. Luckily, it is possible to make gluten-free pancakes simply by using gluten-free flour. With a bit of ingenuity, gluten-free pancakes can even be made to suit other dietary restrictions. Those who do not want to make gluten-free pancakes from scratch may wish to use a mix.

Generally, gluten-free pancakes are made from a “normal” pancake recipe which has been tweaked to eliminate ingredients which contain gluten. In most cases, this means that the wheat flour called for by typical pancake recipes is substituted with a gluten-free flour, such as rice, tapioca, or garbanzo flour. Many gluten-free cooks advise that the most authentic pancake flavor and texture is achieved by using a blend of several gluten-free flours. Such gluten-free flour blends can be prepared at home or purchased at health food stores as well as some supermarkets.

Beyond this flour substitution, most gluten-free pancake recipes are prepared in a similar fashion to traditional pancakes. In other words, flour is mixed with a leavening agent such as baking powder, a fat such as butter, a liquid like milk, a binder such as eggs, and flavorings like salt. Portions of this mixture are then poured onto a hot griddle and cooked on each side until golden brown. Once cooked, the pancakes can be finished with one’s favorite gluten-free toppings, such as berries, honey, or maple syrup.

With a bit of ingenuity, gluten-free pancakes can even be made to suit other dietary restrictions. For instance, gluten-free individuals who also abstain from eating dairy products may opt to substitute nut milk and oil for regular milk and butter. Those in search of a good gluten-free pancake recipe might wish to purchase a gluten-free cookbook or to search the Internet.

Individuals who are in a rush or who simply do not enjoy the cooking process may find that gluten-free pancake mixes save time in the kitchen. Many health food stores and supermarkets stock a variety of gluten-free pancake mixes. Finding the mix which most resembles traditional pancakes in taste and texture may require some trial and error.