Fluffy No Milk Pancakes You’ll Crave Every Morning

Picture this: you’re craving a tall, golden stack of pancakes, but there’s no milk in the fridge. That used to mean no pancakes for me — until I discovered this foolproof recipe for fluffy no milk pancakes that taste every bit as good as the classic version.

These dairy-free pancakes without milk are everything you want in a breakfast: pillowy soft inside, slightly crisp on the edges, and ready in minutes. Whether you’re avoiding dairy, ran out of milk, or just want a lighter option, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite. If you love trying different fluffy pancake recipes, you’ve got to check out my perfect blueberry buttermilk pancakes for another breakfast worth waking up for.

And the best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients — just everyday pantry staples.

Now, I find myself making these even when I do have milk. They’re that good.

Fluffy No Milk Pancakes You’ll Crave Every Morning

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Print Recipe

These fluffy no milk pancakes are light, soft, and full of flavor — made without any dairy but still delivering that classic breakfast comfort. Perfect for mornings when you’re out of milk or want a dairy-free option, this quick and easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to make a stack of golden pancakes everyone will love.

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 pancakes 1x

Ingredients

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• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 cup water (or plant-based milk)

• 1 large egg

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (plus extra for cooking)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

• In another bowl, combine water, egg, oil, and vanilla extract.

• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (a few lumps are fine).

• Heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.

• Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form and edges look set, about 2 minutes.

• Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.

• Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Notes

• Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking for extra fluffy pancakes.

• Use plant-based milk for richer flavor or stick to water for a lighter texture.

• Avoid overmixing — this keeps pancakes tender.

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 pancakes
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Why You’ll Love These Fluffy No Milk Pancakes

• Dairy-free but still delicious — Perfect for anyone avoiding milk or looking for vegan pancake options (just swap the egg if needed).
• Simple pantry ingredients — No rushing to the store for milk; you already have what you need.
• Light, fluffy texture — These pancakes rise beautifully without feeling heavy.
• Versatile breakfast — Pairs perfectly with maple syrup, fruit, nut butter, or savory toppings.

These aren’t just pancakes without milk — they’re the ultimate proof that breakfast can still be indulgent and satisfying without dairy.

The Secret to Perfect No Milk Pancakes

The magic is in the liquid swap and the batter rest. Instead of milk, you can use water, plant-based milk, or even juice for a flavor twist. Resting the batter for 5–10 minutes before cooking lets the flour fully hydrate and the baking powder activate, which is key for getting that light, airy texture.

Another secret? Cooking on medium-low heat. Without milk’s natural sugars, these pancakes can brown too fast if the heat’s too high. Keeping the temperature steady ensures golden, even cooking every time.

Pro Tips for the Best Dairy-Free Pancakes

1. Use fresh baking powder — Old baking powder loses its power, and you’ll end up with flat pancakes.
2. Don’t overmix — Stir until just combined; a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
3. Grease the pan right — A mix of oil and butter gives you the best flavor and prevents sticking.
4. Wait for the bubbles — Flip only when bubbles form across the surface and edges look set.
5. Stack and cover — Keep pancakes warm under a clean kitchen towel so they stay soft until serving.

Fun Variations to Try

• Cinnamon & Sugar Pancakes — Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a sprinkle of sugar for warm, cozy flavor.
• Lemon Blueberry Pancakes — Fold in fresh blueberries and a splash of lemon juice for a tangy twist. For more inspiration, take a peek at these Greek Yogurt Blueberry-Lemon Pancakes – Bright Flavor & Fluffy Texture that will make your mornings even better.
• Banana Pancakes Without Milk — Mash a ripe banana into the batter for natural sweetness and extra moisture.

Final Thoughts

These fluffy no milk pancakes prove you don’t need dairy to enjoy a breakfast worth waking up for. They’re soft, golden, and endlessly customizable — perfect for busy weekday mornings, lazy weekends, or any time you want comfort on a plate.

The next time you think you can’t make pancakes because you’re out of milk, remember this recipe. You’ll not only get your pancake fix, but you might just discover your new go-to breakfast.