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Home » breakfast » Everyday

How to Make Homemade Fluffy Pancakes Without Milk (Dairy-Free)

Published on August 23, 2023 - Updated on March 15, 2025 by Chahinez 10 Comments

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This pancake recipe without milk is the perfect staple for whenever you are out of milk but still want super fluffy pancakes. It is made with other pantry staples that you probably have on hand for a quick no-fuss breakfast that your whole family will enjoy! Try it out today and let us know what you think.

Since you are here, check out these pumpkin pancakes, these super fluffy almond pancakes, these blueberry ricotta pancake recipe, this brioche french toast, this how-to-make boxed pancake mix better,  as well as this buttermilk waffle recipe.

fluffy pancakes without milk

This is the best pancake recipe without milk!

When it comes to milk-free pancakes I got you covered with this simple recipe that yields perfect pancakes with very minimal ingredients. 

I know that most of us are usually looking for more of those traditional pancakes when making this simple staple breakfast so I try to stay as close to the original version but without using any regular milk, or even non-dairy milk. 

Instead, I used plain water and some other delicious flavoring agents like melted butter to really add that depth of flavor to our pancakes and make them that much more enjoyable!

Why you need to make this recipe!

  • This recipe yields fluffy pancakes without needing any milk!
  • It is perfect for whenever you don’t have milk and don’t have time to go grocery shopping for it. 
  • This is a budget-friendly recipe! We get to avoid the additional cost of milk and still make great-tasting pancakes.
  • It is a one-bowl recipe, AKA less mess to clean up before you get to enjoy your delicious dairy-free pancake recipe!
  • This is the perfect weekend breakfast. 
Ingredients on the counter

Ingredients for this dairy-free pancakes recipe

The following ingredients are what you will need to make these no milk delicious pancakes. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements. 

  • Flour- Regular all-purpose flour works great for this pancake recipe.
  • Granulated sugar or white sugar
  • Baking powder– A baking powder without aluminum is best used in this recipe.  
  • Salt
  • One whole egg
  • Water
  • Butter- You can also use vegetable oil, coconut oil, or even olive oil instead. I always prefer using butter because it adds so much more flavor.
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cooking spray of extra butter or oil for the hot griddle
  • Maple syrup for topping the pancakes

​Can I really use water instead of milk in my pancakes?

Yes! You really can but not without a few tweaks to really bring out that delicious pancake flavor out. Because milk adds a great amount of deliciousness to our pancakes in this recipe we are making up for it by using butter, a little extra salt, and vanilla extract. 

If you want a little extra flavor in your pancakes, don’t be afraid to add mix-ins like chocolate chips, berries, sliced bananas, nuts, or even cinnamon chips!

Do pancakes taste different without milk?

Pancakes without milk taste slightly different, but not by much. Milk adds a bit of creaminess and sweetness, while using water makes the flavor more neutral. If you’re skipping dairy, adding vanilla or cinnamon helps boost the taste. Non-dairy options like almond or oat milk work great too. Bottom line? Your pancakes will still be just as delicious!

How to make fluffy homemade pancakes without milk

This is how you can make these no-milk pancakes. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions! 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In a large bowl whisk the water, vanilla extract, egg, and vegetable oil or butter until combined. 
  3. Pour the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients and mix to combine. 
  4. Make sure to not overmix the pancake batter so that they don’t turn out flat, a few lumps here and there are fine. 
  5. Heat up a nonstick skillet over medium heat then melt some butter on there. 
  6. Add about ¼ cup of batter in the center and cook until you notice some bubbling happening in the batter. 
  7. Check to see if it is golden brown at the bottom and flip to cook the other side. 
  8. Cook for another 2-3 minutes and serve with maple syrup!
Wet ingredients in a bowl
pancake batter in a bowl
Fluffy pancakes without milk on a pan
Fluffy pancakes without milk in a fork

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

How do you get that crispy edge on pancakes?

To get the perfect crispy edges on pancakes make sure to heat up your pan well and use some butter or oil on it. This will almost fry your pancakes and give them the perfect texture and flavor!

How to store these no-milk pancakes 

You can store these pancakes once they cool down in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 

Can I freeze these pancakes?

You can also freeze these pancakes for later! So do so, flash freeze them on a baking sheet then transfer to an airtight container or a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. 

How to reheat pancakes?

If you have any leftover pancakes and need to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds and enjoy!

You can also reheat them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a 325F oven for about 5 minutes or so. 

no milk pancake stack

Can I use a different milk instead of water in my pancakes?

If you don’t want to use water you can definitely use nondairy products or milk like:

  • Almond milk
  • Soy milk
  • Oat milk
  • Coconut milk 
  • Cashew milk
  • Pistachio milk
  • Hemp milk
  • Rice milk

What are other ways to add more flavor in my no milk pancakes?

For great-tasting pancakes you might want to add one of a few of these!

  • Dash of cinnamon
  • Vanilla extract
  • Almond extract
  • Butter flavoring
  • Maple extract
  • Lemon zest or any other citrus zest

Flavor Variations Beyond Basic Mix-Ins:

  • Lemon zest + poppy seeds – Bright, citrusy, and pairs well with honey.
  • Cocoa powder + chocolate chips – For rich, chocolatey pancakes.
  • Mashed bananas + cinnamon – Naturally sweet and perfect with nut butter.
  • Pumpkin puree + pumpkin spice – A cozy fall twist.
  • Crushed Oreos + vanilla extract – A cookies-and-cream pancake experience.
  • Chopped apples + cinnamon – Apple pie vibes!

What to Serve with Pancakes?

  • Scrambled eggs or fried eggs – Adds protein.
  • Turkey bacon or chicken sausage – A lighter alternative to traditional bacon.
  • Fresh fruit – Strawberries, bananas, or mixed berries for extra freshness.
  • Smoothies or fresh juice – A healthy, refreshing side.
No milk pancakes with maple syrup on top

Pancake recipe without milk

no milk pancake stack

How to make homemade fluffy pancakes without milk

These homemade fluffy pancakes are made with no milk for those days where you don't have milk and don't want to go out and shop.
4.88 from 8 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 354 Calories

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 & ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 & ½ tablespoon baking powder Yes, tablespoons!
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 & ¼ cup water
  • ⅓ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
    1 & ½ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 & ½ tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt
  • In a large bowl, whisk the water, oil or butter, egg, and vanilla extract togehter. Pour the dry ingredients over the wet mixture and whisk until combined. Don't overmix trying to get rid of all the lumps or your pancakes will be flat. Some lumps in the batter are okay.
    1 egg, 1 & ¼ cup water, ⅓ cup melted butter, 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Grease a skillet over medium loaf heat. Then start cooking your pancakes about ⅓ cup of batter at a time.
  • Cook on one side until you start seeing slight bubbles in the batter. Once that happens check if the bottom is golden and flip the pancake. Cook some more for 2-3 minutes then serve immediately. Repeat with the rest of the pancakes and grease your skillet as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 354CaloriesCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 6gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 967mgPotassium: 77mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 736IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 286mgIron: 3mg
Keyword fluffy pancakes without milk, no milk pancake recipe, pancakes without milk
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lee

    July 06, 2024 at 11:44 am

    5 stars
    very good. I’ve made these twice, tips below. I don’t eat pancakes often, maybe 4 times a year. Pancakes always hurt my stomach until I was out of milk, and tried this recipe. I’m guessing the milk was an issue with most pancakes. I figure if I’m eating the bad stuff, make them to a little more to my taste. I don’t like syrup much so I make them a little sweeter, put butter on top with a very light drizzle of syrup. I double the sugar, and add an extra tsp of vanilla. kind of makes them taste like funnel cake. I also made a double batch but I did not double the baking powder. It was actually an accident but I was going I cut it down a little. They are still perfectly fluffy. I’ve made with oil in the recipe and with real butter, the ones made with real butter, make this recipe absolutely the best pancakes ever. I love mine with crispy edges so I use a little oil in a skillet (griddle doesn’t trap the heat) and make sure the oil is hot. fire between med. & highor 7-8, put the batter down and you should see the edges immediately bubble just a little. leave it for 15 seconds or so, turn the fire down to medium. when the top has a lot of little bubbles, flip. that’s when I add butter on the top. yes, I do this for every single pancake adjusting the fire up and down but it makes the perfect pancakes.

    Reply
    • Chahinez

      February 09, 2025 at 3:45 pm

      Thank you so much for sharing all your tips and modifications — I love how you’ve made the recipe your own! The extra vanilla and sweeter pancakes sound delicious, and I can see why the butter version is your favorite! Your method for getting crispy edges and perfect fluffiness is fantastic, and I’m so glad you found a way to make pancakes that work for you. I appreciate you taking the time to share your process. Happy cooking!

      Reply
  2. Derek

    April 21, 2024 at 8:51 am

    5 stars
    These were amazing! There was so much baking powder that the batter was literally rising in the mixing bowl lol

    Reply
    • Chahinez

      May 03, 2024 at 4:55 pm

      That’s what makes them so fluffy!

      Reply
  3. Rebekah

    February 07, 2024 at 8:50 pm

    4 stars
    This is one of the best milkless pancake mix I’ve tried I used the oil instead of butter for the recipe and greasing and replaced the water with creamy oat milk.

    Reply
    • Chahinez

      March 18, 2024 at 6:08 pm

      I’m glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  4. Precious

    December 20, 2023 at 4:56 am

    I’ve been trying to get this… I tried your recipe and I got me some fluffy pancakes..
    thanks 😊

    Reply
    • Chahinez

      December 29, 2023 at 3:47 am

      You’re welcome!

      Reply
  5. Christy Lee

    November 26, 2023 at 9:38 pm

    5 stars
    I followed the recipe to a T. I doubled mine, used warm water, and chose the vegetable oil option because I was out of butter. TMI BUT, I MOANED to these pancakes. They were THE BEST pancakes I have EVER had. And I will never buy store bought mix again.

    Reply
    • Chahinez

      March 13, 2024 at 5:49 am

      I honestly love to hear that! So glad you enjoyed them.

      Reply
4.88 from 8 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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Hey there! My name is Chahinez, and I’m the brains behind the blog, Lifestyle of a Foodie. LOAF was started back in 2018 during my last semester ...

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