Fluffy Gluten-Free Pancakes with Caribbean Cassava Flour

There's nothing quite like waking up to the smell of fresh gluten-free pancakes on a Sunday morning. For years, our family has been perfecting this recipe using traditional Caribbean cassava flour, just like our grandmothers did. These fluffy gluten-free pancakes are so delicious, no one will ever know they're made without wheat flour. Whether you're avoiding gluten for health reasons or simply exploring new flavors, cassava flour creates the perfect texture—light, airy, and absolutely irresistible. This easy gluten-free pancake recipe comes together in just 20 minutes and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups Azure's Carib Cassava Pancake Mix (or substitute: 1¼ cups Azure's Carib Cassava Flour + ¼ cup sweet potato flour)

• 2 tablespoons sugar (coconut sugar or cane sugar)

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy alternatives like almond or coconut milk)

• 2 large eggs

• 3 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil (plus more for cooking)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon for warmth

Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Azure's Carib Cassava Pancake Mix (or cassava flour blend), sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using. Make sure there are no lumps.

2. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.

3. Create the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a spatula. Mix until just combined—a few small lumps are okay. Overmixing can make pancakes dense.

4. Rest the batter: Let the batter sit for 5 minutes. This allows the cassava flour to absorb the liquid and creates fluffier pancakes.

5. Preheat your griddle: Heat a non-stick griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Add a small pat of butter or a drizzle of oil.

6. Cook the pancakes: Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot griddle. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set.

7. Flip and finish: Carefully flip each pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown on both sides.

8. Keep warm: Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm while you finish cooking the remaining batter.

9. Serve immediately: Stack your fluffy gluten-free pancakes high and serve with your favorite toppings: maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Cooking Tips

• For extra fluffy pancakes: Separate your eggs. Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter at the end. This incorporates air and makes pancakes incredibly light.

• Don't overmix: Cassava flour behaves differently than wheat flour. Gentle folding creates tender pancakes, while overmixing develops a gummy texture.

• Perfect heat: Medium heat is key. Too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too cool and pancakes become dense. A properly heated griddle will make a drop of water sizzle and dance.

• Make-ahead option: Prepare the dry ingredients the night before and store in an airtight container. In the morning, just add the wet ingredients for quick breakfast prep.

• Freezer-friendly: These gluten-free pancakes freeze beautifully. Layer cooled pancakes between parchment paper, store in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the toaster for quick weekday breakfasts.

Nutritional Highlights

Our gluten-free pancakes made with Azure's Carib Cassava Flour are not just delicious—they're nutritious too. Cassava flour is naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and nut-free, making it perfect for those with multiple food sensitivities. Unlike some gluten-free flours that can be heavy or gritty, cassava flour has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and creates a tender crumb similar to traditional wheat pancakes.

Cassava is rich in resistant starch, which supports digestive health and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. It's also a good source of vitamin C and folate. When combined with eggs and milk in this recipe, you're getting a balanced breakfast with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to fuel your morning.

These pancakes are also paleo-friendly, making them a versatile option for various dietary needs. Whether you're following a gluten-free, grain-free, or paleo lifestyle, you can enjoy a comforting stack of pancakes without compromise.