A light, fluffy, and citrus-packed pancake that combines the zing of lemon with the crunch of poppy seeds. Perfect for a refreshing breakfast or brunch, and totally gluten-free and vegan!

These Lemon Pancakes with Poppy Seeds are a perfect way to start your day with a burst of citrus freshness. The pancakes are soft and fluffy, with a delicate balance of tart lemon and a subtle crunch from the poppy seeds. Whether you’re following a vegan and gluten-free diet or just looking for something light and fresh, these pancakes will quickly become a favorite in your breakfast rotation!

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Pancakes:

• 150g gluten-free flour blend (make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution for regular flour)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (mixed with 3 tablespoon water to create a flax egg)
• 2 tablespoon coconut sugar or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 240ml unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk of choice)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Coconut oil or vegan butter, for cooking

For the Lemon Syrup (Optional):

• 2 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest

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🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Flax Egg

1. In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens and forms a gel-like consistency.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds.
2. Stir in the lemon zest for that citrusy punch.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, combine the flax egg, almond milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and coconut sugar (or maple syrup).
2. Mix well until all the wet ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Make the Pancake Batter

1. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until combined. Be careful not to overmix—it's okay if there are a few lumps.
2. Let the batter sit for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

1. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with coconut oil or vegan butter.
2. Pour about 2-3 tablespoons of pancake batter onto the pan for each pancake.
3. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip carefully to avoid splattering.
4. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Step 6: Make the Lemon Syrup (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
2. Drizzle the syrup over your pancakes for an extra zing of lemony goodness!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve the pancakes warm, topped with your lemon syrup (if using), fresh fruit, or a dollop of coconut yogurt.

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🔢 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 190 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 150mg

For a lower-sugar version, omit the maple syrup or coconut sugar in the pancakes and syrup.

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🧠 Tips & Tricks

• Make ahead: You can prepare the pancake batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before cooking in the morning.
• Crispier edges: For pancakes with a bit more crunch on the outside, use a bit more coconut oil or vegan butter in the pan.
• Toppings galore: Top these pancakes with fresh berries, a dollop of coconut cream, or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.
• Fluffier pancakes: If you want extra fluffy pancakes, you can add an extra ¼ teaspoon of baking powder to the dry ingredients. Just be mindful that gluten-free flour can be a little more delicate.

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🧡 A Little Extra From Me

These Lemon Pancakes with Poppy Seeds are a beautiful balance of refreshing citrus, creamy texture, and delicate crunch. The poppy seeds add a little surprise with every bite, while the lemon shines through in both the batter and the syrup. Not only are these pancakes completely vegan and gluten-free, but they’re also light and fresh, making them a great way to start the day on a wholesome note.

Plus, the bonus of being able to drizzle over the lemon syrup adds that extra layer of flavor that elevates these pancakes into something truly special. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, these pancakes are sure to leave everyone feeling satisfied!