Healthy, Dairy-Free & No Added Sugar – Light, fluffy gluten-free pancakes with no dairy or added sugar. A healthy, ADHD-friendly breakfast kids love – ready in just 15 minutes! – Our Sunday Staple Breakast.
Sunday mornings in our house feel different. No school run, no frantic “Where are my shoes?” and no racing out the door. Just a slower start, a fresh cup of coffee in my hand, and the smell of Lucía’s pancakes sizzling on the pan.
Lucía is lactose intolerant, so over time we’ve perfected a dairy-free pancake recipe that’s just as fluffy, delicious, and satisfying as any traditional version — maybe even better. They’re also gluten-free (great for little tummies) and contain no added sugar, which makes them a perfect ADHD-friendly breakfast too.
The natural sweetness comes from blending a ripe banana or a sweet red apple into the milk mixture. It adds flavour, nutrients, and just the right amount of sweetness — no refined sugar needed.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for healthy weekend breakfast ideas or just want a guilt-free Sunday treat, these pancakes are a must-try.
🌱 Why We Make Them Dairy-Free
When we first realised Lucía was lactose intolerant, breakfasts didn’t feel like they needed a major overhaul — it wasn’t a huge surprise. My husband is also lactose intolerant, so over the years I’ve become pretty good at adapting any recipe to a dairy-free version.
And to be honest, I’ve never been a big fan of milk myself… the smell of warm milk makes me a bit icky. 🥴 That’s probably why I love making my own nut milks (and sometimes tigernut milk too — recipes coming soon!).
Now, instead of missing out on classics, we’ve learned to make them even better — like these fluffy dairy-free pancakes. Using homemade nut milk or plant-based options like oat or soya, plus a splash of apple cider vinegar, creates that perfect “buttermilk” effect, without the dairy.
👉 If your family is exploring lactose-free or dairy-free living, keeping a few key swaps in the kitchen makes life so much easier:
- Plant-based milk – soya, oat, or almond (look for fortified versions)
- Dairy-free yogurt for toppings (we like Greek-style coconut yogurt or Kefir Cocos yoghurt https://cocos-organic.com/organic-coconut-kefir/
- Lactose-free spreads for cooking or spreading on pancakes
These small switches make it possible to enjoy all your favourite recipes — without discomfort, and without sacrificing flavour.
🥞 Ingredients (Makes 6–8 Pancakes)
Dry ingredients:
- 200g gluten-free plain flour (we love Doves Farm https://welleasy.co.uk/products/doves-farm-freee-plain-white-flour-gluten-free-1kg?variant=42882727674108
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 orange (organic, unwaxed if possible)
Wet ingredients:
- 180ml unsweetened soya milk (or almond/oat milk)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (with the mother)
- (Optional) 1 small ripe banana or 1 red apple — blended into the milk for a fruity twist
👩🍳 Method
- In a small jar or cup, mix the soya milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes — it will slightly curdle to create a dairy-free “buttermilk.”
- If adding banana or apple, blend it into the milk mixture until smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and orange zest.
- Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined (the batter should be smooth, like cake batter).
- Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat with a little coconut oil.
- Pour a small ladle of batter for each pancake. Cook for 2 minutes until bubbles form, flip, then cook for 1–2 more minutes until golden.
- Serve warm with your favourite toppings: banana slices, fresh berries, nut butter, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup, coconut nectar, dairy-free ice cream… the choice is yours!
💡 Tips for Perfect Pancakes
- Keep the batter slightly thick for extra fluffy gluten-free pancakes.
- These pancakes store well — make a batch, refrigerate, and pop them in the toaster for busy mornings.
- Pair with protein-rich toppings like nut butter or Greek-style coconut yogurt for a more balanced breakfast.
Why These Pancakes Are Perfect for ADHD-Friendly Families
- No added sugar helps keep energy levels steady.
- Gluten-free & dairy-free for sensitive tummies.
- A relaxing Sunday breakfast that still feels quick and easy.
✨ Love Plant-Based Treats?
I’m obsessed with making my own nut milks and nut butters — think creamy almond milk, silky hazelnut butter, and even a healthy plant-based gianduja (chocolate + hazelnut heaven!). 🍫 Recipes are coming soon, so you can whip up these delicious, dairy-free goodies at home. Stay tuned — your blender is about to become your new best friend!
👉 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board or share it with another parent looking for healthy, family-friendly recipes!
