This is sure to bring you and your family a good morning: You float into the kitchen, lured by a buttery, warm vanilla aroma. On the table: a tall, golden, fluffy stack of steamy pancakes with a silky melting pat of vegan butter on top - rivers of flowing maple syrup streaming over the top and down the sides, pooling on the plate, slowly soaking into the round pillows of bliss. You pull up a seat and grab a shiny silver fork. You press the side of your fork into the pancakes and slice out a triangle-shaped bite. One taste and cozy vanilla-cinnamon floods your senses and the light yet lively accent of fresh lemon zest perks you up. Maple melts your into a dreamy state. These are my loveliest lemon pancakes..
Craving Pancakes. I have been aching to post another pancake recipe lately. Mostly because 1) I do not have nearly enough pancake recipes in my recipe index and 2) I think I have finally (truly) mastered the art of perfect vegan pancakes. I used to think the key to pancake success was the batter - but it is actually in the technique! You can have the perfect batter and still manage to come out with burnt, floppy, #fail pancakes if you do not have the proper cooking method. Today I'll share my recipe for Loveliest Lemon Vegan Pancakes and a few pancake making techniques I use for fluffy, warm, golden, pillow-y, delicious vegan pancakes.
It has been a rough weekend and I'm craving some comfort, so lets warm up a frying pan and bring some pancake visions to life...
And these were some sprouted grain pancakes, a bit nuttier in texture..
And as I mentioned above, pancake success is reliant upon proper cooking technique. So here are my tips:
Perfect Vegan Pancakes: Success Tips!
1. Warm the Pan. The most important tip I can give is to give your pan or skillet a good long while to warm up and evenly distribute heat throughout the pan. Pancakes are quite delicate, so while they do not need high heat, they do need even heat. Otherwise they are likely to burn or cook unevenly. Do this -> turn your burner on low and heat your pan for a good 3-5 minutes before dropping your first bit of batter. I usually warm on high for a half minute before starting my cooking session, then continue the actual cooking part on a very low-medium heat setting.
2. Slow and Low. Pancakes cannot be rushed. Cooking over a high heat setting will surely burn the edges or full surface of your pancakes. The best trick I have found is to literally cook them in a fully warmed pan (as described above) and let the pancake cook very slowly on a low heat setting. The bubbles start to break through and the edges crisp up and soon you can easily flip the pancake. Then once the pancake is flipped I will turn the heat up for a few seconds and the pancake is quickly done. Most of the cooking should be done on the first side. You should only flip your pancake once - if you are flipping more than once you probably didn't give your pancake enough time to slow and low cook after pouring the batter.
3. Oil. I find that a tiny splash of oil before each pancake gets spread really does help both the texture and cooking speed and ease of the pancake. The edges get slightly crispy and fluffy in a lightly fried sort of way. But you do not need a lot of oil! Just a tiny ¼-1/2 teaspoon drizzle spread evenly over the pan.
4. Egg replacer. While not necessary at all, an egg replacer can give your pancakes more body. Another way to give your pancakes more body is to add things like fruit, ground or whole rolled oats, chopped nuts and more.
5. Whip that Batter! Fluffy pancakes need some air in the batter. So be sure to use enough baking powder combined with some sort of an acid in your batter. Here I used lemon juice. Vinegar or another citrus juice also works. Then fully whip your batter into a fluffy state before pouring onto your hot skillet. I do not use a beater, but rather just a tall, skinny bowl and a fork or spoon to fluff my batter by hand.
Hope those tips helped a bit. Any questions? Ask in the comments section and I will try to help. (Oh and I am not exactly sure how a gluten free flour does in this recipe, but it should do just fine. Some sort of binding addition/egg replacer should help too.)
Loveliest Lemon Vegan Pancakes
vegan, makes 4 large pancakes or 8 small
1 cup vanilla soy or almond milk
1 cup + 1 tablespoon flour
*(I have used both whole wheat pastry flour or sprouted grain spelt flour recently - you may substitute the flour you have on hand. GF should work, although the egg replacer is advised for added binding)
1 tablespoon lemon juice + ½ teaspoon fresh zest
¼ teaspoon lemon extract (optional - or add more fresh zest)
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
3-4 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoon sugar (I used a raw vegan sugar)
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon oil (sunflower oil used)
dash of cinnamon
optional egg replacers: 1 mashed banana OR ¼ cup apple sauce OR 1 teaspoon freshly ground flax seeds
for pan: additional oil (sunflower or high heat virgin coconut oil are my favorites)
Directions:
(read through instructions before starting)
1. Add your dry ingredients to a bowl that is somewhat tall and narrowly rimmed - this helps with more air in the batter I have found. Stir dry ingredients together. Add the wet ingredients - non-dairy milk, oil and extracts. Fold well. Lastly, add the optional egg replacer and the lemon juice and zest. Whip the batter as it becomes fluffy from the acid combining with the baking powder.
2. While you are whipping your batter in step one you can be warming your pan. Have your burner on low as you start to warm and heat your skillet or frying pan. You want your pan to be evenly warmed and quite hot and toasty before starting your pancake cooking.
3. Once your skillet is warmed evenly (a good 3-5 minutes) and your batter is fluffy, add a small splash of oil to your pan and distribute it on the pan by rolling the pan around. Add a ½ cup or so of batter (depending on what size pancake you want) and allow it to spread in the pan. Make sure your range is on a low-medium heat setting. Allow the pancake to slowly cook - as tiny bubbles form through the surface of the batter. When the edges are obviously formed, cooked, fluffy, not wet, and you can skim the bottom edges of the pancake easily with your spatula, flip your pancake. You can turn up the heat a bit now to finish things off. Most of the cooking should be done before that first flip!
Tip: to speed up the cooking process, you can cover the skillet with a lid for the first minute of cooking to trap in heat and cook that top side of the pancake a bit faster - still using low heat.
4. Transfer cooked pancake to paper towel-ed plate and repeat until all the batter is gone. Add a new ¼ teaspoon splash of oil to the pan before each new pancake.
5. Serve warm with vegan butter and maple syrup.
~ side story: Nellycat ~
Rough Saturday. Nothing too serious so far, but a routine kitty check-up for little NellyCat and all the sudden my husband and I were face first in misery, worry and concern. Nelly has diabetes, which is well managed, but we are always checking up on it. Especially since she has been acting slightly off lately (odd low blood sugar readings and a slight change in appetite.) So overly cautious, always, we took her for a check-up to the vet. We had some routine bloodwork done on a walk-in appointment and made an appointment with a specialist, so we could go over the results and discuss any issues. Well her bloodwork revealed that while her diabetes seems to be doing just fine, another issue was at hand. Her liver. There seemed to be some inflammation in her liver.
So the specialist wanted to do an ultrasound, which we approved as we waited in the bustling Saturday afternoon vet lobby. Tiny puppies barking, cuddle pups perched on their owners warm laps and a few dogs with cones around their sweet tired faces. And of course a few inconspicuous cats, casually merrow-ing from their carriers.
After waiting a good while, the vet came out and explained that there was some fluid around Nelly's liver and it was slightly discolored with a few misshapen edges. My insides started screaming and internally, I flung into panic mode. My face felt hot and heavy, my eyes glazed over. I could've started balling on the spot right there in the lobby, but I held it together since I knew that would be best for Nelly - listening to the vet and asking questions. But right now, unfortunately, we don't know exactly what is up. The vet said we needed another test, so they did a needle test into the liver, while again we waited. The results from that test come back Monday. Poor little Nelly finally emerged in her carrier as a kind vet tech said she was such a good cat and allowed them to easily do all the tests. Nelly always gets rave reviews because while she is very shy with strangers, she is overwhelmingly sweet in nature. We took Nelly's carrier and waited for the chart to come out so we could check out and receive a prescription. Holding her again and looking into her confused little eyes was when I broke and pulled on my sunglasses, sinking into a corner chair in the busy lobby, quietly pulling tissues from the box on the table. A mess. I just turn into a mess with anything involving Nelly. I have been a freaking mess all weekend. My swollen eyes are the size of golf balls right now and I am just so upset about this all. The vet gave us an antioxidant medication to start her on, which involves me having to force a pill down her throat first thing in the morning (on an empty stomach) as she digs her claws into my arm in annoyance. I don't blame her. (She is too tricky for the pill pockets - she eats her way around the pill every time.) So today, we wait. And think good thoughts. And give tons of kitty kisses.
I wanted to share this with you guys because I know many of you are longtime animal lovers and cat owners. I am wondering if anyone has gone through liver issues with their cat(s) and maybe had some advice to share. I know I will have more into on Monday, but I am still interested in any thoughts from fellow kitty owners. Our vet is pretty clinical in tone so I guess I am also seeking some emotional reassurance that cats can heal from liver issues (which is what I have read online) and be better than new! The worst feeling in the world is helplessness when confronting health struggles, both with humans and pets. So anything I can do to be proactive, I am eager to do. Any advice or comfort words kitty owners? I could sure use some.
So today, some comfort food. Pancakes. Perfect.
Breakfast Bonus: My Pancake Rules + Serving Solutions:
1. If I don't have at least a few bites of pancake that are soaked in maple syrup, I did something wrong. Solution: more maple syrup.
2. My pancakes are probably never going to look like those pretty, perfectly round magazine photos, but they taste so amazing I really don't care. Solution: Stop comparing my pancakes to Martha Stewart's stack.
3. Vegan butter and maple syrup are not optional ingredients upon serving. They are must-have items. Solution: Never ever make pancakes without these on hand.
6. Making a few "baby" pancakes along the way are a must. They not only taste yummy, but are oh so fun to flip. Solution: Use up those last few spoonfuls of better making baby pancakes.
7. While eating a giant plate of pancakes, one never brings up the subject of calories, dieting or overindulgence. Solution: If you want a guilt-free plate, just watch your portion sizes. Otherwise, don't stress about an occasional pancake bonanza.
8. While enjoying my delicious plate of vegan pancakes I almost always have this thought cross my mind: "IHOP, McDonald's and everyone else who says that pancakes need animal products to be yummy, take a bite of these!!" Solution: Lets tweet this post to IHOP and hope they get the message.
9. Fancy fruit toppings, vegan whipped cream and other intricate toppings while fun, are in my mind totally unnecessary. Solution: Pancakes, vegan butter and maple syrup. Done and done. And ok, if you want to get fancy, add some blueberries.
Clare K. R. Miller says
Hi! These sound yummy but I'm confused about the amount of baking powder. It says "3-4" making me think you want three or four teaspoons--but should that be 3/4, i.e., three-quarters of a teaspoon? 3-4 sounds like a LOT!
Michelle says
I have made this recipe many times and it is always a huge hit! I am getting ready to make it for a large group (50) are there any adjustments I need to make in the recipe for such a big batch? Thanks!
rickie says
sorry about Nelly. My cat lived to 21 years. Before i learned about quality cat foods. Raw pet foods and frozen chicken necks, Avoid any Pet foods who use Farmed salmon, the most toxic meat supplied. You can see it on their ads, brightly dyed orange flesh with thick lines of fat that harbour the toxins and diseases. As with humans, know your foods to avoid diseases. Look forward to trying your recipe...
Inga says
Sorry I just want to double check, 3-4 TEASPOONS of baking powder?
amy says
My boyfriend made me these as a surprise for Christmas breakfast. They were fantastic!
Kathy Patalsky says
That's awesome! He's a keeper 😉
Kimberly Rogers Masso says
Fantastic! Even my non vegan husband loved them. I used the banana and used vinegar instead of lemon juice and they were delicious! Thanks!
Sophie says
I made these tasty beauties & used whole meal spelt flour in them! They came out perfect! MMMM!
Zete Tresor says
These are amazing! I'm not a vegan or even vegetarian, but I have found that researching vegan, raw and vegetarian recipes adds loads of healthy and really yummy meal options to our diet. Expands the horizon. 😀 Thumbs up for this one. 🙂
Sarah F. says
OHMYLAWD. These pancakes taste AMAZING! I didn't have actual lemons (used them in dinner last night -- whoops!) but I had bottled lemon juice. Also, no vanilla haha so I used a bit of maple syrup instead....I also had to use a waffle maker as my new pans apparently don't like pancakes. But for all the tweaks I had to make, these are lovely! I'm serving them with your citrus carrot scramble (omg -- yum) for me and my husband and we're beside ourselves. Thank you AGAIN for another completely wonderful recipe! Congrats on your new kitties!
Mary Ciulla says
I'm so sorry about Nelly, it's so difficult to lose our furbabies. But I'm happy about the new little lives that will help you heal.
Mary Ciulla says
My prayers and good energy for Nelly. Poor baby, having to have more medications. Here's hoping her health improves quickly.
Kathy Patalsky says
Thank you, sadly this was an old post. Sweet Nelly left us November 2014. Very sad. But we happily have two beautiful new kittens now. 🙂 xo
Lara Abdelmalek says
Hi can you use water instead of soy milk? Thanks 🙂
K Elizabeth says
I was searching for some tasty gluten-free and vegan options and came across this recipe. Yummy! I love lemons! I was curious how the recipe would work using coconut flour (first preference) and quinoa four. Has anyone used these types of flours with this recipe?
Olivia Welte says
I made these pancakes this morning - oh my, they were an amazing success! I love lemon zest flavours. Also, it was sooo helpful to read your pancake making tips because often when I make pancakes only the last two in the batch come out well. So thank you for that 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
Aw thanks! So glad you liked them Sol! HM, I think a chopped walnut would be lovely. Or a few chia or poppy seeds even for a lemon poppyseed feel! Happy breakfast! 🙂
Sol Aldrete says
I just had this pancakes this morning and they were so good. I usually make pancakes every Sunday and I have tried several recipes out there, but this one left me with a big smile and a happy tummy. Your tips are so helpful (I had learn some of them the hard way already)
I also noticed that your recipe is a little different from others I have tried, most of them advice against whipping the batter too much, or mixing first dry and liquid ingredients separately. and less baking powder… but I'm definitively doing this recipe again!
Which nut would go well with this lemon pancakes?
Kathy Patalsky says
Smoothies was my first cookbook... Stay tuned for a #2 (hoping to do soon!)
Julia Ralston says
Kathy, tried these for the first time a couple of weeks ago, they are now our go-to pancake recipe. So yummy, have you thought about making a cookbook? I'd so buy it.
Marissa Rath says
I have never been able to make pancakes without completely ruining them. I always burn them or they aren't fluffy etc. your tips really helped. My pancakes turned out perfectly and tasted amazing. Thank you!
Alisa Simonson says
I can't wait to try these. I have missed yummy, fluffy pancakes since going vegan 2 years ago. I have tried soooo many recipes that have failed that my kids think they don't like pancakes. Will try this soon!
Millie Hunt Fain says
Amy- I love the combination of lemon and blueberry!
Millie Hunt Fain says
The pancakes sound and look really good. But more important- hugs and prayers to you and Nelly. I don't have any experience with liver problems with my current or previous cats so I can't give you any advice there. But please keep us informed about her treatment and how she is doing! Now I want pancakes! For dinner! A breakfast dinner 🙂
disqus_60SPTWlK9b says
Your blog looks soooo very yummy! Great Recipes. So, I read about your kitty's issues and I do know of a really great supplement for liver health for animals. There is a company called Standard Process, and they do have a line of supplements for animal health. The supplement is called Hepatrophin. Basically it is protomorphogen extracts (liver cell extracts) which help heal and strengthen the liver. It is a very benign and gentle treatment, but it is effective. Many people have used these with success. And the pill is able to be broken up and put into food...has a liver taste. This is a very reputable company. Antioxidants are good for inflammation, so looks like your vet is on the right track. Hope this helps. Good luck with you kitty!
K
MelissaRatti says
Kathy, I made these today and I used all your tips. The pancakes turned out so lovely! I used a whole wheat flour and for getting them fluffy, used electric beaters; even with the whole wheat flour, they were airy and light. I and my tummy thank you 🙂
Varsha says
Sending positive vibes to Nelly. I don't know if it is an option for you
to do liquid medication instead of pills. With a dropper, liquid
medication can be easier than pills. She's quite a beautiful girl!
ChessiePique says
In case it helps to hear this, I had a cat with serious liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) and when it was first discovered the vet said the best thing would be to put her to sleep. I wasn't having that! My lovely girl went through a couple of surgeries and some rough times, but she was a strong soul and lived happily (and was spoiled rotten) for another six years.
pd workman says
Did they give you a pill popper to get the pills to the back of Nelly's throat? Much easier that way. (Google image search for what I'm talking about if they didn't.)
I always found it much easier to give my kitty shots than pills. He was much happier. If you're already giving Nelly insulin shots, you'll probably agree. Can you give it as an injection instead?
Samantha says
These are the best pancakes I have ever had. Thank you so much! I hope Nelly is doing well.
Green Solution Collective says
This pancakes really looks good. Can you give me a step by step instructions and recipe on these vegan pancakes?
Jenna says
The pancakes look amazing and I think I may just have to have a 2nd breakfast for dinner night this week (I don't think my husband will mind, the man is mad for breakfast goodies). As for Nelly, no advice other then cuddle her lots and try to not stress. Hard to do I know, but out furbabies pick up on how WE feel and she needs to know you are okay. I have 4, but my oldest, Pandora, I got at the worst time in my life and she became a touchstone towards getting out of that place. Because of that, as much as I love all my cats, she is my Baby and whenever she gets sick, I get a bit nutty. Loads of good thoughts and crossed fingers for you both!
McKel Hill, MS, RDN, LDN says
This is such a unique flavor for pancakes, it kind of reminds me of lemon poppy seed muffins... Brilliant!
jodi mollard says
Hi there, I just made a double batch of these with flaxseed meal and they were so light and fluffy and delicious, so thank you for another wonderful recipe that will become a staple in our household!
Alyse Benenson says
I will keep you and your kitty in my thoughts! By the way, I find it incredible that you make time to blog even in the midst of a family crisis. You are always inspirational, but today I am in awe!
Kelly Christensen says
I only recently started reading your blog, but my heart goes out to you and Nelly as I read this post. I echo the other comments: she's very lucky to have you and I'm sure she feels loved. I hope you hear good news for her health soon.
Chatelaine says
So sorry to hear about Nelly. Research Milk Thistle. I frequent dog message boards and whenever there's talk of liver problem they always recommend Milk Thistle. I've read great stories of liver recovery with Milk Thistle! Good luck 🙂
Jennie says
I'm so sorry about your kitty. This past April I lost my beloved 18-year-old cat to liver cancer. I had him for 14 years and he was my constant companion. I know that's not the successful liver treatment you wanted to hear, but I do want to share my empathy with you. Our animals become such important parts of our families. Good luck with your precious kitty.
Heather McClees says
I ADORE lemon!! These look fabulous Kathy!! Pancakes were always such a favorite dish for me growing up!:)
Marcia says
Nelly is so lucky to have you for a Mother. I know with my baby, I often wish he could talk and tell me what he needs but he's the strong silent type. Her doctor sounds like she is on the ball and doing what needs to be done, thank goodness. I've got everything crossed (fingers, toes, and so on) that Monday will bring good news. You and Nelly will remain in my thoughts. Sending you both strength and positive thoughts.
Cricket Desmarais says
hugs to you & Nelly. have you ever used coconut oil in her food? some cats will lick it right off the spoon (mine did). coconut oil is great for inflammation. & as a medium chain fatty acid, it doesn't get stored in the liver but is used immediately for energy. just a half teaspoon or less to start. it also helps with digestion. i don't want to assume authority- but it has been VERY helpful in the past with our pets, taken internally or topically. & for us humans, too. 🙂
LOVE the recipe. i know what im making next sunday for breakfast! thank you! xoxoxo
slywlf says
Sending healthy happy thoughts for Nellycat and you as well ♥
These pancakes sound so yummy!!! I will have to try these soon! This might be my new favorite 😉 My old favorite came about as the result of an inexplicable sudden craving for peach fritters. I diced up peaches right into my pancake batter, and mixed some of the juice 50/50 with the warmed maple syrup (I was using canned in juice). The result was delectable, and even my ailing husband found enough appetite to finish his share 😉
Evelyn Reyna Castagna says
Prayers for Nelly.
Emerald says
I just made pancakes for my kiddo's first day of school this morning and they turned out so dense! It was my no-fail pancake recipe so I'm thinking that my baking powder was too old to be effective. I'm going to pick up an new can this afternoon and we'll be trying these tomorrow - probably with some blueberries added!
#prayersforNelly
Amy says
I am sorry to hear you and your kitty are going through a rough time- I'm not an animal expert by any means but I do teach human anatomy and physiology and the liver has an incredible capacity to regenerate and repair itself following injury, so I have hope that everything will work out for Nelly and her liver! If all else fails and you can't keep it together, just keep making pancakes, they don't mind being cried on 🙂 Lemon-blueberry are my favorite.
Feel better Kathy and Nelly!
Rachel de Vries says
I'm so sorry to hear about Nelly. As a cat lover I always utterly enjoy all the Nelly shots. I hope she gets well soon! Sending you and Nelly lot's of love! Btw love the recipe, great idea to put lemon in the pancakes.
Julia @ Basket of Juls says
Sorry to hear about Nelly. Sending thoughts and prayers her way and yours!
Lisa @ The Meaning of Me says
Poor kitty! I can't imagine how I'd feel if one of our Rotten Cats was so sick. We all wish you and Nelly the best.
coconutandberries says
So sorry to hear about Nelly. Sending her get well wishes and you a reassuring hug 🙂 I agree with you totally on pancakes as the ultimate comfort food- your lemon ones do sound simply lovely! Thanks for all your tips too.