Copycat IHOP Pancake Recipe (Without Buttermilk)
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If you love IHOP pancakes but need a dairy-free version, you’re in the right place! This copycat IHOP pancake recipe without buttermilk delivers fluffy pancakes every time.
Keep reading, and I’ll show you how to make these light, airy, and golden brown pancakes —just like the real deal from the International House of Pancakes!
Before I lost 125 pounds, I could put away a massive stack of pancakes with a side of bacon and a big glass of orange juice. Now that I enjoy a plant-based diet and know better, I eliminated the dairy and eggs from these pancakes. I also save them for special occasions, and let me tell you, they are worth the wait!
Before I show you how to make this IHOP pancake recipe without buttermilk, please take a quick second to subscribe to the Intentionally Eat newsletter. It contains tips and recipes to help you live your healthiest life, plus you’ll get a free acid/alkaline chart to show you which foods you should eat for optimum health.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fluffy and airy pancakes – No one will guess they’re dairy-free!
Easy pantry staples – You probably have all the ingredients already.
Great for a large crowd – Make a big hit at your breakfast table.
Perfect round shape – Simple tricks to get those perfect circles just right.
Ingredients
For the copycat IHOP pancakes without buttermilk, you’ll need the following:
Dry Mix:
- All-purpose flour (or ½ whole wheat + ½ all-purpose)
- Sugar or your favorite sugar substitute like allulose
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Wet Mix:
- White vinegar or apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- Unsweetened plant milk (soy, almond, oat, etc.)
- Vanilla extract
* See the recipe card below for a detailed list of ingredients and measurements.
How To Make Copycat IHOP Pancakes Without Buttermilk
RECIPE RUNDOWN
- Step 1 – Prepare the vegan buttermilk
- Step 2 – Mix the batter
- Step 3 – Let the batter rest
- Step 4 – Cook and enjoy!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1 – Prepare the vegan buttermilk
- In a bowl, prepare buttermilk alternative by mixing one cup of plant milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice. Let sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
Step 2 – Prepare the batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt).
- Add vanilla extract to the vegan buttermilk.
- Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix, or you will have dense pancakes.
- Let the pancake batter rest for 5 minutes for fluffy pancakes.
Step 3 – Cook to perfection
- Preheat a medium-low heat non-stick pan or griddle. Lightly grease with oil.
- Pour ¼ cup batter onto the pan, forming 5-inch circles. * See the pro tip below for making perfect circles.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on top.
- Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 4 – Serve and Enjoy!
- Transfer pancakes to a baking sheet and keep warm in a 200°F oven while cooking the rest.
- Serve with warm syrup, crunchy plant based granola, fresh berries, or peanut butter drizzled on top of the pancake.
Pro Tips for the Best Pancakes
- Batter Rest: Letting the batter sit enhances the texture.
- Medium-Low Heat: Prevents burning while ensuring a soft, airy center.
- Fresh Fruit: Top with bananas, strawberries, or this blueberry compote.
- Vegan Buttermilk: Allow the buttermilk alternative to sit and curdle for more flavorful pancakes.
- Sift Flour: For even fluffier pancakes, sift the flour before mixing and let the batter rest longer.
- Perfect Circles: Lightly grease a 5-inch round cookie cutter or egg ring, place it on your skillet, and pour the pancake batter inside. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, then gently lift the ring to let the batter spread slightly and continue cooking. This ensures evenly shaped, round pancakes just like IHOP!
FAQs
Can I Make Pancakes Ahead of Time?
Yes! Cooked pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They can also be reheated in the toaster or oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Can I Freeze Pancakes?
Absolutely! Place pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen.
If you don’t want to mess with leftover pancakes check out this pancake recipe for one no milk no eggs!
What’s the Secret to IHOP’s Fluffy Pancakes?
It’s all about the baking powder, baking soda, and vinegar combo—plus letting the batter rest! This trick creates light, fluffy pancakes every time.
Do Pancakes Have Eggs?
Yes, traditional recipes usually contain eggs, which help bind the ingredients and create a fluffy texture. However, you can easily make egg-free pancakes using egg substitutes like these.
If you tried this Copycat IHOP Pancake Recipe Without Buttermilk or any other recipe at Intentionally Eat, please leave a ⭐star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝comments below. Thanks for visiting, and be sure to get instant access to new recipes, weight loss tips, plus a FREE alkaline food chart here.
Copycat IHOP Pancake Recipe (Without Buttermilk)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Vegan Buttermilk – In a medium bowl, mix plant milk and vinegar to prepare buttermilk alternative. Let sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt).
- Prepare Batter – Add vanilla extract to the vegan buttermilk. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until combined. Let the pancake batter rest for 5 minutes.
- Cook – Preheat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease with oil. Pour ¼ cup batter onto the pan, forming 5-inch circles. * See the pro tip below for making perfect circles. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on top. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy! -Transfer pancakes to a baking sheet and keep warm in a 200°F oven while cooking the rest. Serve with warm syrup, crunchy plant based granola, fresh berries, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, vegan powdered sugar, jam, or peanut butter drizzled on top of the pancake.
Notes
Tips for Making IHOP Pancakes Without Buttermilk
- Batter Rest – Letting the batter sit enhances the texture.
- Medium-Low Heat – Prevents burning and gives you a soft, airy center.
- Vegan Buttermilk – Allow the buttermilk alternative to sit and curdle for more flavorful pancakes.
- Perfect Circles: Lightly grease a 5-inch round cookie cutter or egg ring, place it on your skillet, and pour the pancake batter inside. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, then gently lift the ring to let the batter spread slightly and continue cooking. This ensures evenly shaped, round pancakes just like IHOP!
How to Store Pancakes
To store pancakes properly and keep them fresh, follow these steps:- Refrigerate: Store cooked pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Place pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for an hour, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: In the toaster or oven at 350 degrees for 5 minutes for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve these Copycat IHOP pancakes with a variety of toppings. Here are a few ways I enjoy them:-
- Warm syrup or this blueberry compote
- Plant-Based Granola
- Fresh fruit like this dragon fruit, pomegranate, or this fruit salad
- Vegan powdered sugar or monk fruit sweetened powdered sugar
- Drizzled with peanut butter
- With a glass of grapefruit juice, strawberry acai refresher, or this dragon fruit refresher
Nutrition
Before I say goodbye, I encourage you to take a moment to find out how I went from obese to 125-pound lighter -and how you can reach your goals, too!
Hungry for more?
How to Make a Smoothie Bowl Without a Banana
About The Author
Although Cindy has lost 125 pounds, her path to success was not easy. Go here to read her incredible story, “From Morbidly Obese to Losing 125 Pounds and Becoming a Health Coach.” If you want to send Cindy a quick message, visit her contact page here.
Pin this for later
I hope you enjoyed this recipe for Copycat IHOP Pancake Recipe Without Buttermilk and found it delicious!
It’s a must-try for anyone looking for a dairy-free version of the classic. It’s the best copycat recipe, made with simple ingredients, and perfect for any breakfast lover. Whether it’s your first time making homemade pancakes or you’re an experienced home cook, this recipe delivers perfect pancakes every time.
Next time, try adding sugar-free chocolate chips or a handful of nuts for extra flavor. Enjoy your fluffy pancakes, and let me know how it turned out!
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
These pancakes look just delicious! But I have celiac disease and must be gluten-free. Do you think your recipe will work with gluten-free flour?
Thanks
I haven’t tried it, but I think it would work. Please let me know if you try it!