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Substitute for Milk in Pancakes

Updated on April 9th, 2023

Pancakes must be somewhere at the top of the list of fun breakfasts. They are easy to throw together and are made with ingredients you typically already have. Plus, they are easy to change up with different mix-ins and toppings. Pancakes are a simple, versatile breakfast sure to satisfy all! Pancakes can be prepared with simple, everyday ingredients, which you probably already have in your kitchen. These ingredients are good ‘ol flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, butter, and vanilla.

Pancakes are so easy to make and very fast, too – you could make yourself a pancake breakfast before leaving for work even if you woke up late. Like magic, you can prepare pancakes with these easy steps: separately combine wet and dry ingredients; add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients; heat the pan; cook your pancakes; flip; and finally, enjoy the warm, delicious glory.

Pancakes Nutrition Facts

Pancakes Nutrition Facts

Fun Ways to Serve Pancakes

Pancakes are not only glorious in taste but also very versatile. Whether you stuff them with chocolate chips, drown them in maple syrup or bury them in a wintry pile of powdered sugar, pancakes are downright indulgent, endlessly customizable, and ever so filling.

Here are a few ideas of how to serve and enjoy pancakes

  • Chocolate banana pancake with a casserole
  • Pancakes with blueberry compote
  • Cinnamon-pecan pancake casserole
  • Wholegrain caramel apple oven pancake
  • Greek yogurt pancake
  • Sausage and cheese pancake
  • Oatmeal cookie pancakes

Substitute for Milk in Pancakes

Who said vegans can’t enjoy fluffy and delicious pancakes? Or those who are lactose intolerant? Who said you can’t make your favorite pancake recipe just because you have run out of milk?

There are a number of milk substitutes you can use for cooking and baking.

Almond Milk

Califia Farms - Shelf Stable Almond Milk, Unsweetened

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Almond milk is a plant milk manufactured from almonds with a creamy texture and nutty flavor, although some types or brands are flavored in imitation of dairy milk. Almond milk contains Calories, Protein, Carbs, Calcium, and many more good minerals. Thankfully, some almond milk brands are flavored like dairy milk; this type will not alter your pancake taste profile. In addition, almond milk has closer consistency to that of milk. Use the same amount of almond milk as milk required.

Rice MilkRice milk

 

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Rice milk is derived from whole rice. This milk is very vegan and best for those with lactose intolerant. If you don’t want any extra flavors in your pancake recipes, the best option is rice milk since it is closest in taste to cow’s milk. Bear in mind that rice milk is thinner than cow’s milk, so the texture of your flapjacks will probably be different than you’re used to.

Oat Milk

Oat milk

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Oat milk is simply rolled oats and water blended together then strained to leave the pulp behind. Oat milk is dairy-free, low in fats, and high in vitamins and fiber. Oat milk is very creamy, making it a perfect substitute for milk in pancakes because it has almost the same consistency as liquid milk. This substitute will not change the texture of your pancake but might slightly affect the taste. Use the same amount of oat milk as milk required.

Water

Essentia Water, Ionized Alkaline Bottled Water

Water can be used instead of milk, but there will be certain changes in taste and texture. Your flapjacks will probably not be as soft and fluffy, and they’ll get tasteless creamy as those made with milk. It is best to add one tablespoon of butter for each cup of water you use to make up for the fat lost with milk exclusion. If you’re vegan, you can use nut butter for this purpose. Consider adding chocolate chips, berries, or vanilla extract to the pancake batter to add some extra flavor.

Half and Half Plus Water

Mini Moo's Half and Half

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Half-and-half is exactly what it sounds like, equal parts whole milk and light cream. It contains about 12 percent fat, making it richer than whole milk (which contains 3.5 percent fat). Mixing half and half with water reducing the milk value and makes it a suitable substitute for whole milk. This substitute makes your pancake much more even inconsistent, smoother, and healthier.  Replace the mixture with the required milk quantity.

Soy Milk

Soy milk is a plant-based non-dairy beverage, often consumed as an alternative to milk. It’s made from soybeans, and many brands fortify their soy milk with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and calcium.  There are so many types of soy milk on the market, and the number of calories and added sugar will differ depending on what you buy. Always check the nutrient facts label on your brand of choice. Unsweetened soymilk is best because this will not change the taste of your pancake. Like milk, soymilk is creamy and will give your pancake a smoother feel. Use this substitute like you would milk.

Heavy Cream Plus Water

Sometimes called heavy whipping cream, it’s made from the high-fat part of fresh milk. When fresh milk is left to stand, a heavy cream rises to the top and can be scraped off. Like half and half, you can mix heavy cream with water in a 50:50 ratio and use it as a milk substitute for your pancake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you make pancakes fluffier?

This can be achieved by separating and beating the egg white. This process will make your pancakes fluffy & soufflé-like! Add the egg yolks to the wet ingredients and once it’s combined with the dry ingredients, let it rest without the egg whites. Right before cooking, fold in the egg white peaks into the batter; it’s like folding in clouds!

Why are my pancakes not Brown?

Oftentimes, people underestimate the temperature needed to cook a pancake. As a result, your pancakes don’t cook all the way through or don’t get browned on the outside. To prevent this from happening, be sure to turn your stove’s heat on before putting your pancake batter on it.

Are undercooked pancakes dangerous?

Pancakes made from scratch have egg in the batter too. As long as you don’t drink the batter, or more realistically, leave an uncooked bit in the middle of the pancakes, you’re totally safe.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to make dietary changes due to a food allergy, wanting to be more mindful about how your food choices impact the global community, or simply looking to make healthy changes to the foods you love without going on a strict diet, these substitutes for milk in pancakes will help you make the best choice for your situation.

Substitute for Milk in Pancakes