Vegan pancakes are pancakes that do not contain any animal products such as milk or eggs which are found in traditional pancake recipes. It is not difficult to make pancakes that do not use milk or eggs; in fact, some people who have dairy allergies probably make vegan pancakes all the time without even realizing it. There are a number of recipes that can be found online to make delicious non-dairy pancakes, though some people find that it takes some trial and error to achieve pancakes that are fluffy without the use of eggs.
Most recipes for vegan pancakes will simply call for a non-dairy milk replacement. Soy milk or almond milk may both be used; it is best to use plain varieties of each, as any flavored milks, such as vanilla, can add a strange taste to the pancakes. Though it may be possible to simply replace the milk in a traditional pancake recipe with a non-dairy variety, it is still a good idea to look for a designated vegan recipe online just to be sure the other ingredients and measurements remain the same. These may include flour, sugar, baking powder, vegetable oil, vanilla, and salt, depending on the recipe.
Vegan pancakes will not include eggs either, which are a common ingredient in pancakes because they help to make them fluffy. Some vegan pancake recipes will leave out eggs or an egg substitute altogether, but some people find that this makes the pancakes too dense and chewy. Another option is to use a vegan egg replacer, which can be purchased in grocery stores or health food stores. Bananas or applesauce can also be mixed in with the batter to make the pancakes fluffier; in addition, applesauce can occasionally be used as a healthier alternative to vegetable oil or shortening in some baking recipes.
To make vegan pancakes more appealing, some people find that tasty additions such as fruit or chocolate chips can be very helpful. Strawberries and blueberries are excellent choices, and may be mixed in with the batter or simply dropped on top of the pancakes when they are first poured into the hot pan or griddle. Otherwise, vegan pancakes are cooked exactly like other pancakes, and should be placed in a greased pan for a few minutes on each side until they are golden brown. They may be served with syrup or vegan butter spread if desired.