Buckwheat pancakes recipe

Our buckwheat pancakes take just 20 minutes to make and are delicious drizzled in honey or topped with fruity jam.

Despite its name buckwheat is not wheat at all, which makes this pancake recipe (opens in new tab) a perfect option for those who are gluten-free and wheat-free. One of six ingredients used here, Buckwheat flour is a healthier flour alternative that's packed with fibre and antioxidants. Plus it gives a lovely nutty flavour to the batter, making these pancakes ideal for pairing with either sweet or savoury toppings. We recommend experimenting with ham and cheese or strawberries and cream for a top brunch treat.

Ingredients

• 100g buckwheat flour
• 1 large free range egg
• 250ml milk
• 125ml water
• 1 tbsp Greek yoghurt
• Groundnut oil to fry (you can use olive oil but this has a higher smoke point)

Suggested sweet fillings:

• Fresh fruit and honey
• Berries and Greek yoghurt
• Chocolate sauce and Greek yoghurt
• Lemon juice and Sweet Freedom Sugar-free syrup
• Apple puree and crème fraîche
• Add a little coconut milk or unsweetened desiccated coconut to the pancake mix and fill with pineapple.

Method

1. To make your pancake batter whisk the flour, egg and milk together until you have a smooth paste.
2. Whisk in the water and yoghurt to make a smooth batter - if you want to make crepes then add a little extra water at this point to make a thinner batter.
3. Heat a teaspoon of oil in a non-stick pan, just enough to cover the base.
4. Add the batter - depending on the size of pancake you want
5. Cook until golden, then flip gently - they are quite delicate at this stage.
6. Keep them warm if using immediately, or allow them to cool.
7. Make a big batch of buckwheat pancakes, freeze, and defrost in a dry pan or microwave for a handy standby. If freezing, separate each one with greaseproof paper and put in a sealed bag.

Top tips for making buckwheat pancakes

Buckwheat pancakes have a habit of sticking to the pan due to their high protein content. So wait until the pancake is perfectly cooked on one side before flipping. It should then come away from the pan easily.

What is buckwheat flour?

Buckwheat flour is a greyish white powder that you can sometimes use instead of regular flour in recipes. It's not actually a grain, and despite the name, does not contain wheat (or gluten), so it's great for people with a wheat intolerance. In fact, it's a herb. You can buy buckwheat flour in most supermarkets, as well as unground buckwheat which you can use salads or vegetable dishes.

What's the difference between buckwheat pancakes and regular ones?

Buckwheat flour is darker than white flour and has a distinctive, nutty taste, so the final pancakes will look and taste a bit different. The raw batter can look a little grey but when cooked they turn a lovely toasty brown colour. The texture is still light and fluffy and the nutty flavour goes well with sweet or savoury toppings. 

Can I just swap regular flour for buckwheat flour in a recipe?

Not always. Because buckwheat flour is gluten-free, it make a great option for people who have an intolerance. However, without the gluten, it does not rise like flour does when it's baked. This means buckwheat is great for recipes where rising is not essential, like pancakes, noodles or biscuits.

Is buckwheat healthy?

Yes - buckwheat is a great source of fibre and antioxidants. It also has a low glycaemic index so it's beneficial to blood sugar levels. It's considered heart healthy and may improve cholesterol levels.

You might also like...

• Banana pancakes (opens in new tab)
• American pancakes (opens in new tab)
• Vegan pancakes (opens in new tab)