Hello, it’s Sarah again! Today I’m going to show you how to make light, fluffy, and delicious pancakes—without using eggs. Once you try this recipe, you might not want to go back to the traditional version.
I used to think pancakes without eggs or milk weren’t possible, but it turns out they’re just as good—crispy on the outside and soft inside. The best part? You don’t need anything fancy, just simple swaps you probably already have at home.
Over time, I’ve experimented with different egg substitutes, and I’ll share both my favorite method and a few other options you can try. Whether you’re out of eggs, vegan, or just curious, these pancakes are a tasty alternative that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Ingredients
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2 Tbsp vegan butter
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1 Tbsp chia seeds
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1 ¼ cups plant-based milk
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¼ cup applesauce
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2 Tbsp agave nectar (or maple syrup)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 ¼ cups whole wheat flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
Instructions
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Prepare Wet Ingredients
Melt the vegan butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds. Stir in the applesauce, plant-based milk, chia seeds, agave, and vanilla. Set aside for a few minutes so the chia seeds can begin to thicken the mixture. -
Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. -
Combine Batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix. A few lumps are perfectly fine. -
Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly coat it with a little oil or vegan butter. Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown. -
Serve
Stack the pancakes on a plate and serve warm with maple syrup, vegan butter, fruit jam, or fresh fruit.
Make Ahead & Freezer-Friendly Tips
These pancakes are great for making ahead of time:
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Make Ahead: Prepare the batter the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. In the morning, give it a quick stir and cook as usual.
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Freeze Cooked Pancakes: Let the pancakes cool completely, then layer them between parchment paper and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm in a toaster, skillet, or microwave until heated through. The toaster keeps them slightly crisp on the outside, while the microwave makes them soft and fluffy.
What Can Replace Eggs in Pancakes?
There are several great substitutes for eggs in pancakes. Here are some of the most reliable ones:
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Mashed bananas
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Chia seeds (soaked in water)
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Ground flax seeds
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Applesauce
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Whipped silken tofu
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Store-bought egg replacers (like Ener-G)
In the recipe below, I use a combination of applesauce and chia seeds, which gives the pancakes a perfect balance of texture and flavor. But feel free to experiment—each substitute works well in its own way.
Can You Use Store-Bought Pancake Mix?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to read the label carefully to confirm it doesn’t contain eggs or milk. If the mix calls for eggs, replace them with your chosen substitute. For example:
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2 eggs on the box → 1 chia or flax egg + ¼ cup applesauce
This will give you the right texture and binding without eggs.
If you’ve liked this egg-free recipe, be sure to check How to make Burgers Without Eggs