These Fluffy Buckwheat Pancakes Are the Perfect Weekend Breakfast (2024)

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Kelli Foster

Kelli FosterSenior Contributing Food Editor

Kelli is a Senior Contributing Food Editor for Kitchn. She's a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and author of the cookbooks, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, The Probiotic Kitchen, Buddha Bowls, and Everyday Freekeh Meals. She lives in New Jersey.

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published Jul 30, 2021

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These Fluffy Buckwheat Pancakes Are the Perfect Weekend Breakfast (1)

These earthy pancakes are the perfect weekend breakfast.

Serves4 to 6Makes14-16 (4-inch) pancakesPrep5 minutesCook12 minutes to 20 minutes

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There are several key markers of a really good pancake, and this recipe hits many of them. If you like a light and fluffy, barely sweet pancake that’s just a bit hearty with irresistible crispy edges and a warm, nutty flavor, it’s time to mix up a batch of buckwheat pancakes.

Made with a mix of buckwheat flour and all-purpose flour, they’re easy to cook up and not all that different from any other type of pancakes. If buckwheat is new to you, here is some helpful info to know.

What Is Buckwheat Flour?

Don’t let the name fool you: Buckwheat flour has no relation to wheat at all. Made from buckwheat, it’s naturally gluten free and considered a pseudocereal, much like quinoa and amaranth. Unlike many other flours, which are white or beige in color, buckwheat flour has a gray hue (which can vary from light to dark) with dark flecks. It’s also high in protein, fiber, and vitamin D, and widely available in the baking aisle at many grocery stores.

What Does Buckwheat Flour Taste Like?

Buckwheat flour has a distinct flavor that can be a little intense. It’s earthy and nutty, with a slightly bitter edge. Here, it’s combined with all-purpose flour for a more mellow-flavored pancake.

4 Tips for Better Buckwheat Pancakes

  • Use a mix of buckwheat and all-purpose flour. Combining a mix of flours makes for a lighter, fluffier pancake with a flavor that’s still nutty and earthy, but more balanced.
  • Know that some lumps in the batter are fine. Mix until the batter is just combined. There will be some lumps, but it’s important not to over-mix the batter, which will leave you with rubbery (rather than fluffy) pancakes.
  • Rest the batter. This is perhaps the toughest part of the process, but resting the batter for 15 minutes will reward you with a better pancake. This time gives the flour a chance to properly hydrate and the baking powder time to activate.
  • Use vegetable oil instead of butter for the pan. The benefits of heating the pan with a thin layer of oil are many. Not only do the pancakes brown evenly, with a thin, crisp outer edge (even after several batches), but the oil also doesn’t burn in between batches, there’s no need to wipe out the pan.

Making Gluten-Free Buckwheat Pancakes

Because the recipe includes all-purpose flour, these buckwheat pancakes are not gluten-free. However, with one simple substitution, it’s easy to make gluten-free buckwheat pancakes: Just swap the regular all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour.

What’s the Difference Between Regular Pancakes and Buckwheat Pancakes?

Appearance and taste are the two main differences between buckwheat pancakes and regular pancakes. Because buckwheat has a gray hue, the pancakes are darker in color, and also have a nuttier taste. But they still cook up light, fluffy, and absolutely delicious, just like regular pancakes.

Serving Buckwheat Pancakes

There are absolutely no wrong ways to serve a stack of buckwheat pancakes. A pat of butter and pour of maple syrup are always good ideas. Same with a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of your favorite jam. Fresh berries or sliced bananas make a nice addition, as does a dollop of yogurt or cottage cheese.

Storing and Freezing Buckwheat Pancakes

This recipe makes about 15 pancakes. If you don’t make your way through the whole batch in one sitting, they will keep for several days in the fridge (and they also freeze quite well).

Leftover pancakes will keep for up to five days in the refrigerator or two months in the freezer. If your plan is to stash them in the freezer, start by freezing the cooled pancakes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer the pancakes to a large zip-top bag or airtight container.

When you’re ready to eat, reheat the pancakes in the toaster, toaster oven, air fryer, microwave, or a 375°F oven.

Read more: The Best Way to Freeze and Reheat Pancakes

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Buckwheat Pancakes

These earthy pancakes are the perfect weekend breakfast.

Prep time 5 minutes

Cook time 12 minutes to 20 minutes

Makes 14-16 (4-inch) pancakes

Serves 4 to 6

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons

    unsalted butter, plus more for serving

  • 1 cup

    buckwheat flour

  • 1 cup

    regular or gluten-free all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons

    granulated sugar

  • 2 teaspoons

    baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    kosher salt

  • 2 cups

    buttermilk

  • 2

    large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon

    vanilla extract

  • About 2 tablespoons

    vegetable oil

  • Maple syrup or jam, for serving

Instructions

  1. Place 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted, about 30 seconds. Set aside to cool slightly while you measure the dry and wet ingredients.

  2. Place 1 cup buckwheat flour, 1 cup regular or gluten-free all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine.

  3. Add 2 cups buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter and whisk to combine. Pour into the flour mixture and whisk until just combined. Some small lumps are OK. Set the batter aside to rest for 15 minutes.

  4. Heat a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil to the pan and swirl to coat. Add 1/4-cup portions of the batter to the pan, cooking 3 to 4 at a time, depending on the size of your pan. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, the edges begin to set, and the bottoms are golden-brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium if the pancakes are cooking too quickly.

  5. Flip the pancakes. Cook until the second side is golden-brown, 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer to a 250°F oven or plate. Repeat using more oil and cooking the remaining batter. Serve with more butter and maple syrup or jam.

Recipe Notes

Using gluten-free flour: Gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used instead of regular all-purpose here, but the pancakes will not be as fluffy.

Storage: Pancakes can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Filed in:

Breakfast

easy

Gluten-Free

Make Ahead

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dairy

These Fluffy Buckwheat Pancakes Are the Perfect Weekend Breakfast (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between buckwheat pancakes and regular pancakes? ›

Appearance and taste are the two main differences between buckwheat pancakes and regular pancakes. Because buckwheat has a gray hue, the pancakes are darker in color, and also have a nuttier taste. But they still cook up light, fluffy, and absolutely delicious, just like regular pancakes.

What is another name for buckwheat pancakes? ›

Types of buckwheat pancake associated with specific regions include: Blini, Eastern Europe, with a buckwheat variety particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine (hrechanyky or гречаники), and Lithuania (grikių blynai) Crêpe bretonne, a savory pancake known as bleud ed-du from Lower Brittany in France.

Can diabetics eat buckwheat pancakes? ›

Buckwheat might help people with diabetes by slowing the break-down of some foods into sugar and improving how well the body deals with blood sugar.

Why are buckwheat pancakes good for you? ›

The phytonutrients in buckwheat (flavonoids to be specific) have been shown to improve blood lipid levels. It can lower the bad cholesterol (LDL), and raise the good cholesterol (HDL). Yippee! Finally, it is a good source of fiber and magnesium, therefore good for both blood pressure and your bowels.

Are buckwheat pancakes high in carbs? ›

Each pancake contains about 56 calories, 2 g protein, less than 1 g fat, 20 mg cholesterol, 13 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, and 57 mg sodium.

Are buckwheat pancakes kidney friendly? ›

Buckwheat is not only high in fibre, magnesium, and iron, but, crucially for kidney health, it's low in phosphorus.

Who should not eat buckwheat? ›

Buckwheat is generally considered to be safe to consume, and severe reactions are rare. Some people that are allergic to rice, poppy seeds, coconut and latex may be allergic to buckwheat. Allergy symptoms of buckwheat can include, hives, skin rash, asthma, itching, swelling and difficulty breathing.

Is it okay to eat buckwheat every day? ›

Studies indicate that people who regularly eat buckwheat products have lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose levels. By helping to manage these risk factors, a diet rich in buckwheat helps to reduce your chances of developing cardiovascular disease.

Does buckwheat spike blood sugar? ›

As a good source of fiber, buckwheat has a low to medium GI. This means that it should be safe to eat for most people with type 2 diabetes (3). In fact, studies link buckwheat intake to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes ( 34 , 35 ).

Is buckwheat better for you than oatmeal? ›

Nutrition: Both are healthy in different ways, though buckwheat contains more fiber, and less fat than oatmeal. While they are both naturally gluten-free, oats are often processed in facilities that process wheat leading to potential cross-contamination.

Is buckwheat an anti inflammatory? ›

Anti-inflammatory

Buckwheat contains phytochemicals, rutin and quercetin, which have antioxidant effects and reduce inflammation. These chemicals protect your cells against free radicals and prevent inflammation that can contribute to chronic diseases like cancer.

What flour is best to mix with buckwheat flour? ›

I highly recommend our blend of buckwheat flour and all-purpose flour (or GF all-purpose flour). The blend will make fluffier, more tender pancakes.

What are the healthiest pancakes to eat? ›

Healthy pancakes

Whipped egg whites give them a gorgeous fluffy texture, while using skimmed milk and low-fat fromage frais makes them a lighter choice. Try swapping in different wholemeal flours such as spelt or buckwheat to vary the flavour or make them gluten-free. Serve with your favourite healthy toppings.

How do buckwheat pancakes taste? ›

Buckwheat pancakes have a little earthy texture and somewhat little bitterness. But, one can experiment with toppings and other ingredients to get the desired taste. There is also a nuttier taste in the cake. In fact, buckwheat pancakes are eaten in dozens of countries around the world on a regular basis.

Is buckwheat better than regular flour? ›

Is buckwheat healthier than regular flour? Buckwheat flour is gluten-free and packed with fiber, protein and other minerals. Not only can buckwheat add an earthy flavor infusion and darker hue to your recipes, but it can be a healthier alternative to regular flour or wheat flour.

What makes buckwheat different? ›

But the pyramid-shaped kernels are similar to grains from both a culinary and nutritional perspective. Buckwheat is gluten-free but rich in fiber and several minerals. It also contains high levels of rutin, a compound also found in apples and citrus fruits that may make blood vessels stronger and more flexible.

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