If you are in love with the fluffiness of pancakes that melt in your mouth, you will go for them anywhere. But what if you are a vegan and still want those velvety soft pancakes? The softness of vegan souffle pancakes and their light and airy texture comes through a secret ingredient called xanthan gum.
So let’s discover some ways to make fluffy vegan pancakes using xantham gum as the key ingredient to achieve the light texture but before that we need to know what soufflé pancakes are:
Souffle pancakes have gained immense popularity in recent times. Thanks to their unique taste and fluffiness. Typically, it is a combination of pancake and soufflé that are a bit thicker than conventional pancakes but the inner texture is light and soft and above all tremendously satisfying. Usually, these pancakes require whipping of pancakes to achieve fluffiness and allow them to rise significantly. However, vegans won’t have pancakes made with eggs. However, the fantastic substitute in place of eggs is plant-based fluffy pancakes made using xanthan gum. While the outer texture of these pancakes looks thick, the inner core is soft like pillows.
Are you wondering why using xanthan gum in pancakes is absolutely important? It is a natural thickening agent that is an integral part of the vegan baking process and gluten-free recipes. Typically, it is a polysaccharide that is produced by fermenting sugar with bacteria. It is commonly used in foods like salad dressings, sauces, and various baked goods to provide structure to the items and prevent them from separating easily.
You can buy xanthan gum online to give structure and stability to the pancakes and helps in binding the ingredients together. It also traps air bubbles and contribute to the cushiony texture that makes soufflé pancakes unique. So, why choose anything else when you can incorporate xanthan gum to make those light and airy pancakes and skip the dairy products or other complex ingredients. By trapping air bubbles, xanthan gum makes the pancakes airy and soft.
Preparing vegan souffle pancakes involve the perfect balance of the right techniques and the best ingredients. Well, the eggless souffle pancakes are no less soft and flavorful compared to the ones made using dairy and eggs. Here is a glimpse of souffle pancake made without eggs:
Equipment
Fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes aren’t off-limits for vegans anymore—thanks to the power of xanthan gum. This magical ingredient plays a crucial role in binding and aerating the batter, making it possible to enjoy the signature souffle texture without using eggs or dairy. Whether you're a seasoned vegan baker or just starting your plant-based journey, these light and airy pancakes are a must-try. With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have a stack of dreamy vegan soufflé pancakes ready to impress!
Xanthan gum is a plant-based thickening agent and stabilizer made by fermenting sugar with bacteria. In vegan pancakes, it acts as a binder and helps trap air bubbles, creating a fluffy, soufflé-like texture.
While xanthan gum is ideal for its binding and aerating properties, you can try alternatives like chia seeds, flaxseed meal, or guar gum. However, the fluffiness may vary slightly.
Ring molds help shape the pancakes and maintain their thickness while cooking. If you don't have molds, you can use metal cookie cutters or try cooking the batter slowly and carefully shaping it with a spoon.
Not by default, as the recipe uses all-purpose flour. To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend along with xanthan gum to maintain structure and fluffiness.
Cooking on low heat and covering the pan allows the pancakes to rise slowly and evenly without burning, which is essential for achieving the souffle-like texture.
Yes! Let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
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About the Author Ed is the founder of Cape Crystal Brands, editor of the Beginner’s Guide to Hydrocolloids, and a passionate advocate for making food science accessible to all. Discover premium ingredients, expert resources, and free formulation tools at capecrystalbrands.com/tools. — Ed |