Fluffy Pancakes Without Baking Powder

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Last Updated on October 24, 2023 by Toya

Are you looking for a simple recipe for pancakes without baking powder? If you are, then you need to learn how to make these super easy, fluffy pancakes without baking powder.

Pancakes without baking powder

When it comes to making fluffy pancakes, many people think they need to use baking powder in order to make the batter rise. However, if you’re out of baking powder or just don’t want to use it, there are ways to make fluffy pancakes without using any baking powder.

The best part is you don’t have to sacrifice taste or texture as these no baking powder pancakes are fluffy, tender, and have great flavor!

In fact, these taste, look, and feel like regular pancakes so no one will even know they were made without baking powder as a leavening agent.

And, if you want some other pancake recipes made with substitute ingredients you can check out these fluffy no milk pancakes, or maybe these easy evaporated milk pancakes. You also need to try out these easy condensed milk pancakes for breakfast or brunch!

Is it important to add baking powder to pancakes?

Baking powder or another such leavening agent is important to help pancakes become thick or fluffy. Without any leaving agent, pancakes tend to remain very flat after they are cooked, like crepes. 

What can I substitute for baking powder in pancakes?

Many people don’t mind having thin pancakes, but, if you want fluffy pancakes without baking powder, here are some ideas to consider:

Cream of tartar: Cream of tartar can be used in place of baking powder and it helps to boost the strength of air bubbles and make pancake batter creamier.

To substitute, for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder in the recipe, replace with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar. 

Baking soda: Baking soda and vinegar can also be used as a leavening agent for pancakes.

To substitute, for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder, replace with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar. 

Buttermilk: Buttermilk combined with baking soda is also great for replacing baking powder in pancake recipes. 

To substitute, for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder replace with 1/2 a cup of buttermilk and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.

Note: Decrease the other liquids in the recipe to maintain the consistency of the pancake batter. Too much additional liquid will cause a very runny pancake batter. (For example if you use 1 cup of buttermilk in the pancake recipe below, reduce the milk by half to 1 cup)

Notes for recipe

• The amount of baking soda and vinegar used in this recipe (1 teaspoon and 2 teaspoons, respectively) is used to substitute 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
• This recipe makes 8 large pancakes, so they were cooked for a full minute on each side to ensure they were cooked through. 
• I use whole milk in the recipe, but you can just as easily use another easy milk alternative for pancakes instead.

Ingredients for pancakes with no baking powder

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups whole milk 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 
• 2 teaspoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

How to make pancakes without baking powder

To make, gather all the ingredients in one place.

Then mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl with a whisk.

Next, add the milk, the egg yolks, and the olive oil into the dry ingredients to the bowl.

Then crack the eggs, whisk, and add to the bowl.

Mix the batter well until smooth.

To make the pancakes, spray a heated nonstick skillet, cast iron skillet, or griddle with cooking spray. 

To cook each pancake, add 6 tablespoons of pancake batter with no baking powder to a hot skillet and cook for 1 minute on each side or until they are golden brown.

Repeat the process until all pancakes are cooked. This recipe makes 8 pancakes measuring 5 – 6 inches each.

Serve with your favorite pancake toppings.

Or, you can make them without baking powder and without baking soda

Can you make pancakes without baking powder or baking soda? You sure can. If you want to make pancakes without any of them then follow the steps below.

These pancakes will be less fluffy than pancakes that contain baking powder or baking soda, but they’ll still taste great! For this version, you will need a mixer. Here’s how to make pancakes with no baking powder or baking soda:

• Gather all the ingredients Then mix the dry ingredients into a bowl and whisk. Next add all the the wet ingredients, leaving the eggs out. 
• Mix the ingredients together to combine.
• Next, separate the egg whites from the yolk, then add the yolks to the batter and mix.
• Carry the egg whites to the mixer and whisk the egg whites for 3 minutes until firm peaks form. Whisk on low for the first minute, then on high for the last two minutes.
• Pour the whisked egg whites into the rest of the pancake batter, mix, then make the pancakes. 
• Serve with toppings, syrup, or whipped cream.

Topping for no baking powder pancakes 

Here are some delicious toppings to help brighten pancakes:

• Maple Syrup
• Chocolate chips
• Fresh fruit like bananas
• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries

Finally, if you like this recipe, then check out my yummy fried dough recipe without baking powder or these quick egg and cheese chaffles too!