Buckwheat pancakes were a forgotten childhood favourite for me. I've finally re-visited them, and I'm glad that I did. They are an old-timey favourite and for good reason. They're delicious. Light and hearty at the same time, with a distinctive, nutty and delicious flavour.
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There's No Wheat in Buckwheat
Buckwheat is actually a seed, called a groat, and not a grain, although it is commonly used as one. Buckwheat seeds come from a flowering plant which is related to rhubarb, and it's been cultivated for thousands of years. The flowers of the buckwheat plant attract bees who produce delicious buckwheat honey.
Buckwheat Nutrition
First of all, because buckwheat is not a grain, it does not contain gluten. Which is good news if you are on a gluten-free diet, and were thinking that you couldn't have pancakes.
Secondly, buckwheat is highly nutritious. It's high in fibre and has a low glycemic index, meaning it won't cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
Finally, buckwheat is rich in amino acids and antioxidants, and high in minerals, including iron. Get more buckwheat nutritional info here: Buckwheat 101
What Does Buckwheat Taste Like?
Buckwheat has a rich, nutty, slightly bitter, but pleasant flavour. Toasted buckwheat, or kasha, has a more intense flavour than raw buckwheat. When cooked, the groats have a texture similar to brown rice. You will notice the dark colour of these buckwheat pancakes because buckwheat flour is dark. However, the dark colour doesn't translate to a heavy pancake. These pancakes are beautifully light and fluffy.
How to Use Buckwheat
You can use buckwheat groats raw, or as kasha, (kasha is toasted buckwheat), in crackers, granola, and other baked goods. You can also cook and use the groats in the same way as rice, or in salads, like Butternut Buckwheat Salad, or Mediterranean Buckwheat Salad. Buckwheat porridge is a delicious breakfast cereal. Buckwheat is also milled into flour, which you can use to make baked goods and these Buckwheat Pancakes. Soba noodles are made with buckwheat flour.
Buckwheat groats and buckwheat flour are easy to find in most grocery stores. Although buckwheat is a gluten-free ingredient, be sure to check the product label if you are on a gluten free diet. Some products, in the manufacturing process, are cross-contaminated with wheat, and you should look for a "gluten-free" claim on the label.
About Buckwheat Pancakes
These pancakes are just delicious. A lot of recipes for buckwheat pancakes use only ½ buckwheat flour, along with wheat flour. I wanted to use all buckwheat flour in these pancakes, to let the ingredient really shine. And it does. It's delicious to venture into trying something just a little different, and buckwheat isn't boring. These delightful pancakes are equally delicious with maple syrup, (or try my Gingerbread syrup) fruit, or bacon and peanut butter.
Recipe
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Buckwheat Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup buckwheat flour
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1.5 cups cashew milk or almond, or dairy milk
- 2 eggs beaten
- ½ vanilla extract
- 1.5 tablespoon butter melted
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together buckwheat flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda
- In a smaller bowl, whisk milk, beaten eggs, vanilla, and melted butter
- Pour milk and egg mixture into the flour mixture and whisk until batter is smooth.
- Allow batter to rest at least 10 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface.
- Heat a griddle or large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, and spray with cooking spray.
- Drop batter with a soup ladle or pour using a spouted measuring cup in ½ cups onto hot griddle or pan.
- Allow to cook until bubbles form on the tops and the edges look dry, about 4 minutes.
- Flip and cook until browned and crisp on the other side, about 2-3 minutes.
Dana
Buckwheat pancakes were my absolute fave when I was growing up! They are so so tasty. I've been wanting to bake with buckwheat flour but can't seem to find it at my usual grocery store. I need to really start exploring more or maybe even grab some online. Can't wait to make these again and again 🙂
Colleen
Hi Dana! They really are so tasty, aren't they? It can be a bit hit & miss trying to find buckwheat flour, so online works pretty well for me. Enjoy!
Kim
I have never tried buckwheat pancakes before - and I see that I am missing out! I'm gluten free and was thinking about pancakes just the other day; I will have to give these a try. Thanks for the inspiration!
Colleen
Hi Kim, Buckwheat pancakes are delicious and I love that everyone can enjoy them. Definitely give these a try & stop missing out! 🙂
Marilyn @familyfoodaroundtheclock
I have never baked with buckwheat before. I for sure want to give it a try! The pancakes look delicious ? thanks for sharing
Colleen
Hi Marilyn, buckwheat is a great ingredient! So happy to introduce you to it, and hope you give it a try, because it's super versatile and delicious in tons of recipes. Enjoy!
Meg
These look so great, I never thought of using buckwheat for pancakes!! What a heathly alternative.
Colleen
Hi Meg, Buckwheat is a classic for pancakes, but is amazing in lots of other recipes too. I hope you give it a try!
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
I've been a bit obsessed with buckwheat lately, as I've been trying to cut back on grains. My favourite combo is buckwheat and almond flour, and I've actually been recipe testing some pancakes with that flour combo. Love that you used all buckwheat in these pancakes. I'll have to give them a try some time!
Colleen
Hi Leanne, I do use that flour combo aometimes, too, but buckwheat really shines by itself in these pancakes. They are delicious!
Riz |Chocolates & Chai
Ahh, amazing! I was just thinking that I want to try out something different with pancakes this weekend. I've never had Buckwheat Pancakes before, and now my curiosity must be satiated!
Colleen
Hi Riz, I think you'll love these pancakes! They are different, for sure, but delicious!
Jessica
I've been super curious about using buckwheat so all of your additional info about the ingredient is awesome! These pancakes sounds super tasty - perfect for the weekend!
Colleen
I'm so glad you were able to get some helpful info from this post, Jessica. I hope you make these one weekend, you'll be glad!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Oooooh, these look delicious! Never made pancakes with buckwheat before, but I imagine that they're super tasty and hearty! Thinking this would be lovely this upcoming weekend with bacon and coffee 🙂
Colleen
Hi Dawn, Yes! Just add bacon and coffee to these for a perfect weekend morning. 🙂
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli
I like to use buckwheat flour in many a recipe but never only by itself. Will start by making your pancakes and I bet we are going to love them!
Colleen
I, too, think you will love these, Nicoletta. They're a delicious change. 🙂
Michele
I’ve wanted to try buckwheat pancakes for awhile now as I tried them in Aruba. Thanks for the recipe!
Colleen
Hi Michele, you're welcome! We visited the ABC Islands last year. So beautiful there!
Valentina
I've always loved the earthy flavor of buckwheat. And it's so fabulous in the form of a pancake with a touch of sweet syrup!
Colleen
I agree, Valentina. I think they might be my favourite pancake!
Jacquelyn Hastert
I had no idea that buckwheat is related to rhubarb. I am going to have to make these for the kiddos.
Colleen
Jacquelyn, it's pretty weird, right? But true, and I think those kiddos will enjoy these!
Marisa
Buckwheat is so underutilized. I love using it to make crepes as well as in regular pancakes like these for a nutty flavor!
Colleen
So happy to meet a fellow buckwheat fan, Marisa!
Cristie
Lovely, I was only just looking up buckwheat pancake recipes! These look amazing.
Colleen
Hi Cristie, I know that you will love this recipe! So glad you found it. Enjoy!
Liz
I've been looking for buckwheat recipes (to use up what I have in my pantry!) and this one was perfect. thanks for sharing!
Colleen
You're so welcome Liz! Enjoy this recipe!