Gluten-Free Buttermilk Buckwheat Pancakes with Caramelized Pears

Buckwheat pancakes are my new go-to breakfast and brunch recipe. These fluffy pancakes are made with oats and buttermilk, are naturally sweetened (no refined sugar!) and absolutely delicious. Did I mention they’re pretty darn easy to whip up too?

This modern, healthified take on the classic pancake recipe will redefine your opinion of pancakes. Don’t suffer through bland, flat pancakes any longer. Save some sought after cupboard real estate by ditching the boxed mix and opting for this homemade version that’s made with clean, whole ingredients and warm spices.

Plus, you can’t go wrong with the caramelized spiced pears either.

Are buckwheat pancakes gluten-free?

These pancakes are gluten-free! If you or someone you’re cooking for follows a gluten-free diet, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.

In general, oats are always gluten-free, it just comes down to whether or not they were processed in a plant that also processes foods that contain gluten. So if it’s a serious allergy, make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Can buckwheat pancakes be frozen?

These pancakes freeze wonderfully, which makes them a great addition to your weekly meal prep. 

Right before you head out the door, pop a few in the toaster, spread on some almond butter, and top with a few apple slices or strawberries. Breakfast is served!

To freeze pancakes:

1. Cook as directed
2. Cool completely on wire racks
3. Transfer to a zipper-lock bag
4. Freeze

Can you make Blini with this batter?

Blini are mini buckwheat pancakes (usually made with a yeasted-batter) hailing from Russia. Typically served with sour cream and caviar or smoked salmon, blini are a classic no-fuss appetizer.

Although blini batter is usually made with yeast and buckwheat flour only, this modernized version relies on baking soda and powder as the leaveners and a bit of oat flour to create a light and fluffy pancake.

To cook blini, use 1 tablespoon of batter at a time and cook over medium-low heat for 1–2 minutes per side.

Are buckwheat pancakes healthy?

These pancakes are definitely healthier than most packaged mixes. Per two 4-inch pancakes, they have less calories, carbs and sodium and more fiber and protein than packaged varieties. Plus, they’re free of refined sugars and grains and only use whole, clean ingredients.

How do you make buckwheat pancakes taste good?

The key to making buckwheat pancakes and waffles flavorful lies in using spices. Using a variety of warm spices and a splash of vanilla extract will greatly enhance these tender flapjacks.

You know I love cardamom, but nutmeg and cinnamon also add a ton to the party. If you’re an allspice or ginger lover, add those. Use what you like, just be sure to add some spices!

Using pure maple syrup is also key. The fake stuff just doesn’t compare. And to be completely blunt, if there’s one thing in your kitchen I would throw away right now, it would be fake maple syrup. It’s c.o.r.n syrup. NOT maple syrup. Get rid of it.

Lastly, top them with some fresh fruit (berries, sautéed apples or pears, clementines), nut butter, coconut butter or straight up buttah—yum!

Can you make these buckwheat pancakes vegan?

If you follow a vegan diet, no worries, you can still enjoy these pancakes!

Swap the buttermilk for vegan buttermilk.

Here’s how to make vegan buttermilk:

1. Combine 1 cup unsweetened almond or soy milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar.
2. Let the mixture rest for 5–10 minutes until curdled.
3. Use as directed in the recipe.

Swap the egg for a flax or chia egg.

Here’s how to make a flax or chia egg:

1. Grind 1 tablespoon flax or chia seeds in a spice grinder.
2. Combine ground flax or chia with 3 tablespoons water and let rest 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Use as directed in the recipe.

What to serve with buckwheat pancakes:

These buckwheat pancakes are delicious topped with the caramelized pears listed in the recipe. However, to make them seasonal, serve them with whatever fruit is in season. Depending on the time of year, fresh berries are always a great option.

If you’re looking for something a little more decadent you can stir in some mini chocolate chips or top with your favorite nut butter.

These buckwheat pancakes are featured in my Winter Pancake Brunch Menu alongside a blood orange mimosa that couldn’t get any more gorgeous or easy to make!

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Buckwheat Pancakes with Caramelized Pears

★★★★★ 5 from 1 review

• Author: Lauren Grant of Zestful Kitchen
• Prep Time: 10 minutes + 20 minutes rest time
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 10 pancakes (4-inch) 1x
• Category: Breakfast / Brunch
• Method: Stove top
• Cuisine: American

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Ingredients

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Buckwheat Pancakes:

• ½ cup buckwheat flour (2⅝ ounces; 74 grams)
• ½ cup oat flour (*see recipe notes) (1¾ ounces; 51 grams)
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼  teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ⅛ teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoon coconut sugar or sugar in the raw
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Caramelized Spiced Pears

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 each D‘Anjo and Bosc pears, cut into ½-inch thick slices
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch grated fresh nutmeg
• Pinch salt
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Greek yogurt and pure maple syrup for serving

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Instructions

Buckwheat Pancakes:

In a large bowl, whisk together buckwheat flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cardamom and nutmeg.

In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, sugar, and vanilla.

Whisk buttermilk mixture into flour mixture until combined; let rest 20 minutes.

Heat oven to 200°F. Set a rack inside a baking sheet and set in oven.

Caramelized Spiced Pears:

Meanwhile for the pears, melt butter over medium-high heat in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet. Add pears in a single layer and cook, without flipping, until browned, 4 minutes. Flip pears, reduce heat to medium and cook until starting to brown, about 4 minutes.

Add maple syrup, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce has thickened, 2–3 minutes. Off heat, stir in vanilla.

Buckwheat Pancakes:

Heat griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes. Decrease heat to medium-low and coat with nonstick spray.

Using a ¼-cup measure, scoop batter onto griddle and cook until edges are set, bottoms are golden brown, and bubbles on surface burst and don’t fill in, 2–2½  minutes, flip and cook until golden brown, 1½–2 minutes.

Serve pancakes immediately with caramelized pears, yogurt (if using) and pure maple syrup, or transfer to wire rack in oven to keep warm.

Repeat cooking with remaining batter.

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Notes

*To make oat flour:

Process old-fashioned rolled oats in a food processor until a fine meal is formed. If needed, make sure the oats are certified gluten-free.

The amount of oats you use yields the same amount of flour, so you’ll need ½ cup oats for this. I like to grind a few cups at a time and store the remaining for future use, it saves time down the road!

As you should with any flour, make sure to fluff the flour before spooning it into your measuring cup to avoid packing and over measuring.

Equipment you’ll need:

• Griddle or cast-iron skillet
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 pancakes
• Calories: 121
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 182mg
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Gluten-Free Breakfast, Healthy Brunch, Gluten-Free Pancakes, Buckwheat

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