Carob Buckwheat Waffles or Pancakes: A Gluten-Free Delight

The aroma of warm waffles always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She wasn’t one for fancy ingredients, but her breakfasts were legendary. While these carob buckwheat waffles are a far cry from her classic buttermilk version, they evoke the same feeling of comfort and home. I created this recipe when exploring options that were both delicious and mindful of dietary needs. The slightly nutty, almost chocolatey flavor of carob combined with the earthy buckwheat creates a truly satisfying start to the day, proving that gluten-free and dairy-free doesn’t have to mean flavor-free!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: varies
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: 4-6 waffles or 12-15 pancakes
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (if using nut milk)

Ingredients

• 1 cup buckwheat flour
• 2 1/2 tablespoons tapioca starch or potato starch
• 1/2 cup carob flour (powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup walnuts (optional) or pecans, chopped (optional)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

For the Nut Milk:

• 1/2 cup raw nuts (almonds, cashews, or walnuts work well)
• 2 cups boiling water, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin C powder (unbuffered, corn-free) – see notes
• 1/3 cup walnut oil (or other neutral oil like avocado or coconut)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs, separated (optional)

Note regarding Vitamin C Powder: If you don’t have vitamin C powder, you can substitute with 1 1/2 teaspoons of aluminum-free baking powder, in addition to the amount of baking soda already in the recipe.

Equipment Needed

• Blender
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Small Mixing Bowl (if using eggs)
• Whisk
• Rubber Spatula (if using eggs)
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Waffle Iron or Griddle
• Measuring cup to pour batter

Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle iron. If making pancakes, preheat a griddle over medium heat.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the buckwheat flour, tapioca (or potato) starch, carob powder, salt, and chopped nuts (if using). Whisk to combine.

3. Prepare the nut milk. In the blender, grind the raw nuts to a fine meal. Stop the blender and scrape down the sides and bottom of the jar. Add 1 3/4 cups of boiling water, vitamin C powder, oil, and vanilla extract. Blend for one minute until smooth and creamy.

4. If using eggs: Separate the eggs. Mix the egg yolks (if desired) into the blended nut milk mixture. In a separate, small bowl, beat the egg whites to soft peaks using a whisk or electric mixer.

5. Pour the liquid nut milk mixture over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Whisk lightly until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.

6. If using egg whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites, as they will help create a lighter and fluffier waffle or pancake.

7. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of boiling water with the baking soda. It will foam up – this is normal. Stir to dissolve the baking soda, then immediately whisk the mixture into the batter.

8. For waffles: Use a measuring cup to pour about 1 cup of batter into the preheated waffle iron, or according to your waffle iron manufacturer’s instructions. Cook until the waffle is golden brown and crisp, usually 3-5 minutes, depending on your waffle iron.

9. For pancakes: Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the preheated griddle for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip when bubbles start to form on the surface.

10. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Nut Milk Variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts for the milk. Almonds create a slightly sweeter milk, while cashews result in a very creamy texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will develop the gluten in the buckwheat flour (though buckwheat itself is gluten-free, the flour is often processed on shared equipment and may contain trace amounts), leading to tougher waffles or pancakes. Mix only until just combined.
• Baking Soda Activation: Make sure to add the baking soda and boiling water mixture right before cooking. This activates the baking soda and provides lift to the batter.
• Waffle Iron Temperature: Every waffle iron is different. Adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed to achieve perfectly golden waffles.
• Stevia: If you desire a sweeter batter, add Stevia drops to the nut milk mixture before adding it to the dry ingredients.
• Flavor Boost: Enhance the carob flavor by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the carob buckwheat waffles or pancakes immediately while they’re warm and fresh. They pair well with a variety of toppings such as fresh fruit (berries, bananas, sliced apples), a drizzle of maple syrup (if not candida-sensitive), a dollop of dairy-free yogurt or whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

Leftover waffles or pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toast the waffles in a toaster or toaster oven until crisp, or warm the pancakes in a skillet over medium heat. You can also freeze them for longer storage (up to 2 months). To freeze, place the waffles or pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a toaster, oven, or microwave.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	350 kcal	18%
Total Fat	20g	31%
Saturated Fat	3g	15%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	350 mg	15%
Total Carbohydrate	35g	12%
Dietary Fiber	5g	20%
Sugars	2g	4%
Protein	8g	16%

Variations & Substitutions

• Different Flours: If you don’t have buckwheat flour, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but be aware that the texture and flavor will change.
• Sweeteners: If you’re not concerned about Candida, you can use maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar instead of Stevia or other sugar substitutes.
• Oil Options: Walnut oil adds a nice flavor, but you can substitute with other neutral oils like avocado oil, coconut oil, or even melted dairy-free butter.
• Vegan Option: Omit the eggs for a completely vegan version. The waffles or pancakes may be slightly less fluffy, but still delicious. You can also try adding 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water (let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken) as an egg replacer.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dry ingredients and the nut milk separately ahead of time. Just combine them right before cooking, along with the baking soda mixture.

Q: Can I use regular milk instead of nut milk?
A: Yes, if you’re not dairy-free, you can substitute regular milk for the nut milk. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q: What is carob powder and what does it taste like?
A: Carob powder is a natural sweetener and chocolate substitute made from the carob bean. It has a slightly sweet, nutty, and malty flavor, often compared to chocolate but without the caffeine or bitterness.

Q: My waffles are sticking to the waffle iron. What am I doing wrong?
A: Make sure your waffle iron is properly preheated and lightly oiled. If the batter is still sticking, try adding a little more oil to the batter.

Q: Can I freeze the waffles or pancakes?
A: Yes, these waffles and pancakes freeze well. Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster, oven, or microwave.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy these carob buckwheat waffles or pancakes as much as I do! They’re a wonderful way to start the day with a nutritious and flavorful breakfast that caters to various dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature version. And if you make this recipe, I’d love to hear your feedback and see your creations! Share your thoughts and photos with me. Consider pairing these waffles with a warm cup of herbal tea or a refreshing fruit smoothie for a complete and satisfying breakfast experience. Bon appétit!