Fluffy Vegan Silver Dollar Pancakes: The Ultimate Easy Recipe for Families
Silver dollar pancakes are a delightful, universally loved breakfast that brings smiles to every face at the table, from the youngest eaters to the most seasoned brunch enthusiasts. These miniature marvels are celebrated for their irresistibly soft and fluffy texture, making them perfect for soaking up generous drizzles of maple syrup and a variety of delicious toppings. Beyond their deliciousness, their small size makes them incredibly fun and engaging, especially for little hands.
If you’ve ever found yourself struggling with the art of flipping large, unwieldy pancakes, often resulting in a messy or unevenly cooked outcome, then it’s time to discover the magic of silver dollar pancakes. These charming mini pancakes are practically fail-proof. Their compact size makes them incredibly easy to maneuver with a spatula, eliminating the stress of breaking them apart. Moreover, their smaller surface area means they cook through much faster and more evenly, ensuring they’re perfectly golden and rarely undercooked when you flip them. This rapid cooking time makes them an ideal choice for even the busiest morning routines, allowing you to whip up a satisfying breakfast in a flash.
Our vegan silver dollar pancakes recipe takes convenience and kid-friendliness to the next level. Not only are they quick and effortless to prepare, but their perfectly proportioned size is also exceptionally well-suited for toddlers and young children. They are excellent for promoting self-feeding, a significant developmental milestone for little ones, and they empower kids to enjoy their meal independently. As an added bonus for parents, there’s no need for the tedious task of cutting larger pancakes into bite-sized pieces—these come pre-sized for instant enjoyment, giving you a much-deserved break!
Why You’ll Love This Silver Dollar Pancake Recipe
- Light and fluffy. Achieving perfectly light and airy pancakes is simple with this recipe, thanks to the dynamic duo of baking powder and apple cider vinegar. The acid in the vinegar reacts with the baking powder, creating a chemical reaction that produces abundant air bubbles within the batter. This process mimics the effect of buttermilk and eggs, making this combination an outstanding vegan egg substitute that guarantees an incredibly tender and cloud-like texture for your pancakes.
- Kid-friendly. The small size of these pancakes isn’t just adorable; it’s incredibly practical for children. They are easy for little hands to hold and manage, reducing mess and making mealtime more enjoyable for everyone. Their simple, comforting flavor profile is a guaranteed hit with picky eaters, and they serve as a wonderful vehicle for healthy fruits or other toppings.
- Quick and easy. This silver dollar pancake recipe is designed for efficiency, coming together from start to finish in just about 15 minutes. This makes it an excellent choice for bustling weekday mornings when time is of the essence, as well as for relaxed weekend brunches when you want minimal fuss but maximum flavor. The straightforward steps and common ingredients ensure a stress-free cooking experience.
- Dietary Inclusive. Being naturally vegan, these pancakes cater to those with dairy or egg allergies, or anyone following a plant-based diet. They are also easily adaptable for gluten-free diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious breakfast.
Notes on Ingredients
Understanding the role of each ingredient will help you achieve the perfect batch of silver dollar pancakes. Scroll down to the recipe card to find the exact ingredient quantities and detailed recipe instructions.
- All-purpose flour – This forms the base of our pancakes. For the lightest, fluffiest results, it’s crucial to measure flour correctly. Lightly spoon the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with a straight edge. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can compact the flour and lead to a denser pancake due to excess flour. For a slightly healthier option, you could experiment with whole wheat pastry flour.
- Granulated sugar – We add just enough sugar to ensure these pancakes have a pleasant sweetness on their own, making them enjoyable even without copious amounts of syrup. You can adjust the amount to your preference; reduce it for a less sweet pancake or slightly increase for a sweeter treat.
- Baking powder – This is our primary leavening agent, responsible for those beautiful air bubbles and the fluffy texture. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal lift.
- Salt – A touch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors in the pancakes, preventing them from tasting flat.
- Cinnamon – This spice adds a subtle, warm, and comforting flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly. You could also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
- Plant milk – Use an unsweetened, unflavored variety of plant milk such as almond, soy, oat, or cashew milk. The type of plant milk can slightly alter the final flavor, but any unsweetened version will work well to create the liquid base for the batter.
- Apple cider vinegar – This acidic component is key to activating the baking powder and creating our “vegan buttermilk.” If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, plain white vinegar will work just as effectively.
- Vanilla extract – For the best flavor, always opt for a high-quality, pure vanilla extract rather than imitation versions. It adds a foundational sweet and aromatic note.
- Almond extract – This is our secret ingredient for an extra special touch! Almond extract provides a wonderfully unique aroma and a sophisticated, slightly nutty flavor that truly elevates these silver dollar pancakes. While you can substitute with extra vanilla extract, we highly recommend trying the almond for that gourmet twist.
- Vegetable oil – A small amount of oil in the batter ensures the pancakes are moist and tender. Plus, a little extra is used to grease the pan, preventing sticking and promoting a beautiful golden crust. Neutral-flavored oils like canola or grapeseed oil are ideal.
Topping Ideas
Silver dollar pancakes are a blank canvas for your favorite toppings! Here are some ideas to get you started, ranging from classic to creative:
- Maple syrup: The quintessential pancake topping. A generous drizzle of pure maple syrup is always a winner.
- Vegan yogurt: A dollop of creamy vegan yogurt (plain or flavored) adds a nice tang and creamy texture. Try it with a sprinkle of granola for crunch.
- Fresh berries, sliced bananas, diced peaches, or other fruit: Fresh fruit adds natural sweetness, vibrant color, and essential nutrients. Think blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or seasonal fruits like mango or kiwi.
- Vegan butter: A pat of vegan butter melting into warm pancakes is pure comfort.
- Jam or preserves: Your favorite fruit jam or preserves can transform these pancakes into a delightful sweet treat.
- Coconut whipped cream: For an indulgent, dessert-like experience, a swirl of fluffy coconut whipped cream is divine.
- Cashew cream: A rich and smooth cashew cream can add a luxurious touch and a boost of healthy fats.
- Nut or seed butter: A swirl of peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter adds protein and a delightful nutty flavor.
- Chocolate sauce or sprinkles: For a truly celebratory breakfast, especially for kids (or kids at heart!).
How to Make Silver Dollar Pancakes
Making these adorable mini pancakes is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for perfect, fluffy results every time.
- Combine the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisking ensures that all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for uniform rise and flavor in your pancakes.
- Add the wet ingredients. In a separate smaller bowl, you can briefly whisk together the plant milk and apple cider vinegar to allow the “vegan buttermilk” to slightly curdle, which enhances the leavening reaction. Then, add this mixture along with the vanilla extract, almond extract, and vegetable oil into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir just until the ingredients are combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine; overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, chewy pancakes instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Prepare the pan. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. This is a critical step; if the pan is too hot, the pancakes will burn on the outside before cooking through, and if it’s too cool, they won’t brown properly or become fluffy. Once hot, lightly grease the pan with a small amount of vegetable oil. You can use a paper towel to wipe off any excess, ensuring a thin, even layer.
- Cook the pancakes. Pour several 1-tablespoon portions of batter into the hot, greased pan. Make sure to leave ample space between each pancake, as they will spread slightly. Cook the pancakes on the first side until you see small bubbles forming on the surface and the edges appear slightly set and dry. This usually takes 1-2 minutes. Then, carefully flip them with a small spatula and cook the other side for an additional 15-20 seconds, or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat this process with the remaining batter, ensuring to re-grease the pan lightly if needed between batches.
- Serve. Once cooked, immediately transfer the warm pancakes to a plate. Serve them piping hot with a generous pour of maple syrup, a medley of fresh berries, or any other desired toppings you and your family enjoy.
Tips for Success
Achieving consistently perfect silver dollar pancakes is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Look for the bubbles. This is your most reliable indicator for when to flip. As the pancakes cook, small bubbles will form on the surface. When these bubbles start to pop and leave tiny holes, and the edges of the pancake look dry and slightly firm, it’s the perfect time to flip. Flipping too early can cause the batter to spread and flatten, while flipping too late can result in overcooked or burnt pancakes.
- Don’t overmix. Overmixing the pancake batter is a common mistake that leads to tough, rubbery pancakes. Once you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no dry streaks of flour remain. A few small lumps in the batter are actually desirable and indicate you haven’t overmixed. Overworking the batter develops gluten, which negatively impacts the texture.
- Keep them warm. If you’re cooking a large batch of pancakes for a crowd, it can be tricky to serve them all warm at once. To solve this, preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 200°F (95°C). As each batch of pancakes finishes cooking, transfer them to a baking sheet and keep them in the warm oven until all the batter is used up. This ensures every pancake is warm and ready to enjoy simultaneously.
- Use a non-stick pan or griddle. A good quality non-stick surface is essential for easy flipping and ensures your pancakes don’t stick, resulting in beautifully browned and intact mini pancakes.
- Maintain consistent heat. Uneven heat can lead to burnt pancakes or undercooked centers. Take the time to properly preheat your pan to medium heat before adding any batter, and try to keep the temperature consistent throughout the cooking process. Adjust the heat as needed if you notice they are cooking too quickly or too slowly.
- Portion accurately. For perfectly uniform silver dollar pancakes, use a tablespoon measure or a small cookie scoop to pour the batter. A squeeze bottle can also be very helpful for creating consistent, neat rounds.
Variations
This basic silver dollar pancake recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations to customize your breakfast:
- Add chocolate chips. For a touch of indulgence, sprinkle mini chocolate chips or finely chopped pieces of your favorite vegan chocolate bar onto the pancakes immediately after pouring the batter into the pan and before flipping. The heat will slightly melt them, creating gooey pockets of chocolate.
- Make them gluten-free. Easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets by swapping the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for blends that specifically state “cup-for-cup” or “for baking” to ensure the best texture and consistency. A good quality gluten-free blend often contains xanthan gum for structure.
- Fold in some fruit. Boost the natural sweetness and nutritional value by folding finely chopped fruits into the batter. Diced apples, small pieces of strawberries, mashed bananas, or blueberries are excellent choices. Add them to the batter just before cooking to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Spiced pancakes. Enhance the warm flavor profile by adding a bit more spice. A pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or allspice along with the cinnamon can create a comforting, aromatic pancake perfect for cooler mornings.
- Lemon zest twist. For a bright and zesty flavor, finely grate the zest of one lemon into the wet ingredients. This adds a lovely, refreshing aroma that pairs wonderfully with fresh berries.
- Nut/seed butter swirl. For a fun visual and taste, drizzle a thin swirl of thinned-out peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter onto each pancake after pouring the batter but before the first flip. Use a toothpick to gently swirl it into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Silver dollar pancakes aren’t just for breakfast at home; their convenient size makes them incredibly versatile for various meals and occasions.
These mini pancakes make adorable and delicious “sandwiches” perfect for school lunches or picnics! Simply spread a layer of sunflower seed butter (or your preferred nut butter) and a dollop of jam between two pancakes instead of using traditional bread. This creates a fun, easy-to-eat meal that kids will love.
They are also fantastic as a grab-and-go breakfast when you’re rushing out the door. If you’ve added chocolate chips or fruit to the batter, they’re often sweet enough on their own that you won’t even need syrup, making them a mess-free option. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a full vegan breakfast spread, complete with plant-based sausage, a tofu scramble, or fresh fruit salad. They’re also great for a light dessert with a scoop of vegan ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
Having leftover silver dollar pancakes is a true gift for future busy mornings! To store them properly, first allow the pancakes to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming in the container, which can make them soggy. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you have a few reheating options: pop them in the microwave for 20-second intervals until they are warm throughout, or for a slightly crispier edge, toast them in a toaster oven or even a regular toaster on a light setting until heated and lightly golden.
Can I Freeze This Recipe?
Absolutely! Silver dollar pancakes are excellent for meal prepping and freezing. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze them without sticking, arrange the cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until solid. This “flash freezing” step prevents them from clumping together. Once solid, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When reheating from frozen, follow the same instructions as for refrigerated pancakes – use the microwave or toaster oven – but increase the heating time slightly until they are thoroughly warmed.
More Vegan Pancake Recipes
If you loved these silver dollar pancakes, be sure to explore more of our delicious vegan pancake creations:
- Pumpkin Pancakes
- Gluten-Free Vegan Strawberry Pancakes
- Vegan Gingerbread Pancakes
- Easy Vegan Blueberry Pancakes
- Fluffy Vanilla Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce
Enjoy these delightful silver dollar pancakes, friends! They are truly a treat that simplifies breakfast while maximizing flavor and fun. If you make this easy vegan silver dollar pancakes recipe, we would absolutely love to see your creations! Please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram. Your feedback means the world to us, so please also consider leaving a comment below and giving the recipe a rating. Thank you so much for your support!
Silver Dollar Pancakes
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Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, 240 grams
- ¼ cup granulated sugar, 50 grams
- 1 tablespoon baking powder, 14 grams
- ½ teaspoons salt, 3 grams
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 grams
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons plant milk, 503 ml
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 30 ml
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 5 ml
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract, 1 ml
- 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more for the pan), 22 ml
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh berries, for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Whisk the plant milk, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and vegetable oil into the dry ingredients. Do not over-mix.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and grease the pan with vegetable oil. Pour several 1-tablespoon portions of batter into the pan, leaving plenty of space between them. Allow the pancakes to cook until they bubble slightly and just start to set around the edges. Flip and cook for an additional 15-20 seconds before removing them from the pan. Repeat this process until you are out of batter.
- Serve warm with maple syrup and/or fresh berries.
Notes
To freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze silver dollar pancakes for up to 3 months. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag and reheat them according to the instructions above.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.