Can I make these pancakes vegan?

Yes. Use flax eggs in place of the eggs and choose a dairy-free milk that fits your allergy needs. Let the batter rest briefly so the flax can hydrate.

Why are my gluten-free pancakes dense?

The batter may be overmixed or the pan may be too hot. Stir gently, leave a few lumps, and cook over medium heat so the inside has time to set.

Can I make the batter ahead?

It is best fresh, but you can whisk dry ingredients ahead and dice the apple shortly before cooking. Prepared batter may thicken as it rests.

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Holiday & Seasonal

Gluten-Free Holiday Cinnamon Apple Pancakes

Name: Gluten-Free Holiday Cinnamon Apple Pancakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum); 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any dairy-free milk); 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option); 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced; Coconut oil or butter for cooking; Maple syrup, for serving

By Freeflourish Test KitchenReviewed by Freeflourish Editorial TeamPublished Apr 7, 2026 · Updated Jun 30, 2026

American 25 mins glutenfreedairyfreeoptionsvegetarianholidayclassicseasonalfamilyfriendlyeasy30minutesorlessbreakfast

Celebrate the holidays with these fluffy gluten-free cinnamon apple pancakes, made dairy-free and vegetarian-friendly. Perfect for a quick and festive breakfast or brunch, these pancakes combine fresh apples and warming cinnamon in a family-friendly recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Gluten-Free Holiday Cinnamon Apple Pancakes

Prep 10 min

Cook 15 min

Total 25 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine American

Ingredients

Servings 4

1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any dairy-free milk)
2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced
Coconut oil or butter for cooking
Maple syrup, for serving

Measured gluten-free ingredients for FreeFlourish cinnamon apple pancakes

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the almond milk, eggs, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Fold in the diced apple pieces gently into the batter.
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with coconut oil or butter.
Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set.
Flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer pancakes to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter, greasing the skillet as needed.
Serve warm topped with maple syrup and additional cinnamon if desired.

Cinnamon apple gluten-free pancake batter poured onto a skillet for FreeFlourish

Tips

Allergen Overlap Note

Use a certified gluten-free flour blend and check baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla, dairy-free milk, and maple syrup for gluten-free labeling. If serving nut-free eaters, choose rice milk, soy milk, or another safe milk instead of almond milk, and cook on a clean skillet that has not touched wheat pancakes.

Texture Expectations

These pancakes should be fluffy and tender with small soft apple pieces throughout. Leave a few lumps in the batter, cook over medium heat, and flip only once bubbles form and the edges look set so the centers cook through without becoming dense.

Dining With Non-GF Family Note

Cook gluten-free pancakes first on a clean griddle or use a dedicated skillet. Serve them on a separate platter with clean tongs and a fresh syrup pourer so crumbs from regular pancakes or toast do not transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these pancakes vegan?: Yes. Use flax eggs in place of the eggs and choose a dairy-free milk that fits your allergy needs. Let the batter rest briefly so the flax can hydrate.
Why are my gluten-free pancakes dense?: The batter may be overmixed or the pan may be too hot. Stir gently, leave a few lumps, and cook over medium heat so the inside has time to set.
Can I make the batter ahead?: It is best fresh, but you can whisk dry ingredients ahead and dice the apple shortly before cooking. Prepared batter may thicken as it rests.

Ingredient Replacements

This recipe for Gluten-Free Holiday Cinnamon Apple Pancakes is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian. Here are some substitutions to customize for your dietary preferences or needs:

Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs by mixing 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons water; let sit 5 minutes before adding.
Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives: Use oat milk, rice milk, or soy milk instead of almond milk to fit allergies or taste preferences.
Oil Alternatives: Swap coconut oil for avocado oil or light olive oil for a neutral flavor or nut-free choice.
Sweetener Variations: Use maple syrup or agave nectar in the batter instead of coconut or brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
Nut-Free Adjustments: Use sunflower seed milk or rice milk to maintain nut-free status.
Whole30 & Paleo Compliance: Substitute the gluten-free flour blend with cassava flour or approved paleo flours; replace eggs with compliant egg replacers if needed. Note maple syrup topping is generally not Whole30 compliant.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves for extra holiday warmth without altering core ingredients.

These swaps keep your pancakes allergen-friendly and delicious for any festive occasion or family breakfast.

Storage and Reheating

Store cooled pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment if needed.

Freeze pancakes in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster oven or clean skillet until warm and soft.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Gluten-Free Holiday Cinnamon Apple Pancakes

Recipe Details

Ingredients

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