As comedian Jim Gaffigan observed, pancakes are kind of an oversight when it comes to breakfast. The difference between cake and pancakes? Pancakes are fried, and we cover them with syrup. Waffles are in the same boat. Still, they’ve managed to become a staple of the American breakfast, rubbing shoulders with the likes of toast, eggs, and the ever-popular bacon. And the fact is that we all know why pancakes and waffles enjoy such widespread acceptance: they’re inexpensive, they’re quick, and they taste amazing.

But did you know that there’s a whole Wonderland of pancake-and waffle-possibility beyond buttermilk? It’s true; quite a few of them even manage to subvert the ‘unhealthy’ image that pancakes and waffles can sometimes generate. Take a few moments, and allow us to show you what you’re missing with these six blender-friendly pancake and waffle recipes.

1. Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Buckwheat Blender Pancakes

These days, a lot of people are reexamining their diets, and discovering that there are a lot of things that could stand to be cut. Those with gluten sensitivities are finding that the benefits of a gluten-free diet may be worth the hassle of having to eat much more selectively.

This recipe, from Heather at YumUniverse.com, eliminates gluten and dairy from the mix, making it a delicious and filling choice for those who may not get to enjoy pancakes very often.

Ingredients

Serving Size 2 pancakes | 5 Servings | 190 Calories

1 cup buckwheat flour (organic)

1 tbsp flax seeds (ground)

¼ tsp baking soda

½ tsp baking powder

3 Medjool dates (pitted)

1½ cups water

¼ cup cashews (raw, organic)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 pinch of fine ground sea salt

1 pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Coconut oil (for cooking)

Fresh fruit of your choice (for topping)

Directions

Place a drop of coconut oil in a large pan or skillet. Heat to medium-high heat. Combine all other ingredients (aside from the fresh fruit) in a Blendtec blender, and blend until completely mixed. Pour pancake batter directly into the heated skillet. Pour only a small amount at a time, so that the resultant pancake is the desired size. Flip the pancakes when air bubbles begin to form. Allow the pancakes to brown on the other side, and then remove them. Repeat this process until you’ve used all of your batter. Serve topped with fresh fruit, or allow them to cool and enjoy them cold as a snack.

2. Pecan Blender Waffles

For a nutty, nutritious breakfast that will keep you satisfied throughout the day, these pecan blender waffles are just what you need. They go great topped with syrup, fresh fruit, butter, or even just by themselves.

And, they can be frozen and stored, so make enough to last yourself throughout the week. Special thanks to Merry from MerryAboutTown.com for sharing the recipe.

Ingredients

Serving Size 1 waffle | 7 Servings | 280 Calories

1½ cups 1% milk

2 eggs

¼ cup butter (melted)

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp sea salt

3 tbsp granulated sugar

¼–½ cup pecans (shelled, finely chopped)

Directions

In a Blendtec blender, combine milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Blend until completely mixed. Set aside. In a bowl or mixer, combine flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Mix together. Pour mixture from bowl into blender. Blend until the batter is uniform and thick. Pour batter into a warmed waffle iron, being careful not to allow the batter to overflow. Sprinkle pecans over the top of the batter in the waffle iron. Close the waffle iron, and allow the waffles to cook. Repeat with remaining waffle batter.

3. Banana Oat Blender Gluten-Free Pancakes

Kelly at MountainMamaCooks.com has created another dairy-and-wheat-free breakfast delight. Her banana oat pancakes are fluffy and hearty, and are downright simple to make. And, if you’re not as concerned about avoiding gluten, you can even use regular oats in place of the gluten-free ones.

Ingredients

Serving Size 2 pancakes | 6 Servings | 180 Calories

2 cups gluten free oats (or regular oats)

1 ¼ cups vanilla almond milk

1 large banana (ripe)

½ tsp cinnamon (ground)

1 tbsp honey (heaping)

¼ tsp sea salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 ½ tsp baking powder

1 egg (large)

1–2 tsp coconut oil or butter (for cooking)

Directions

In a Blendtec blender, combine oats, almond milk, banana, cinnamon, honey, salt, vanilla, and baking powder. Blend until fully mixed and smooth. Add the egg, and pulse blender until the egg is fully mixed in with the rest of the ingredients. If the batter becomes too thick, you can thin it by adding a small amount of almond milk. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt coconut oil or butter (to help prevent the pancakes from sticking). Pour pancake batter directly into the heated skillet. Pour only a small amount at a time, so that the resultant pancake is the desired size. Flip the pancakes when air bubbles begin to form. Allow the pancakes to brown on the other side, and then remove them. Serve hot with syrup of your choice.

4. Whole-Wheat Pancakes

Taking a distinct turn away from the gluten-free direction of many of these other recipes, these whole-wheat pancakes (sometimes known as ‘Pioneer Pancakes’), are wholesome and filling—the perfect combination for when you’re trying to cut down on food intake. These pancakes are best when paired with peach butter and Blendtec’s Raspberry-Maple Syrup.

Ingredients

Serving Size 2 pancakes | 6 Servings | 210 Calories

1½ cups milk (low-fat)

1 cup wheat berries

2 tbsp canola oil

2 large eggs

2 tbsp sugar (granulated)

1 tbsp baking powder

½ tsp kosher salt

Directions

In a Blendtec blender, combine wheat berries and milk. Mix until smooth. Add all remaining ingredients. Pulse blender until mixture is uniform. Allow batter to sit for 5 minutes. Pour some batter into a greased skillet on medium-high heat. Pour only a small amount at a time, so that the resultant pancake is the desired size. Flip the pancakes when air bubbles begin to form. Allow the pancakes to brown on the other side, and then remove them. Repeat until all of the batter has been used. Serve immediately or keep warm in oven at 200°F, loosely wrapped in foil.

5. Apple Cinnamon Blender Pancakes (or Waffles)

Apple and cinnamon are two flavors that just seem to go perfectly together. They’re also a flavor combination that breakfasters have been enjoying for a very long time. So, it only makes sense to take advantage of this natural pairing and throw together some delicious apple cinnamon waffles. Lindsay at TheLeanGreenBean.com provides us with this winning recipe.

Ingredients

Serving Size 2 pancakes/1 waffle | 6 Servings | 260 Calories

1 egg

1 cup flour (white whole wheat)

1 cup oats

1 cup milk

2 tsp baking powder

1 cup apples (chopped)

2 tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp canola oil

2 tbsp granulated sugar

2 tbsp peanut butter

Peanut butter, choc chips, yogurt, fruit, etc (optional, for topping)

Directions

In a Blendtec blender, combine all ingredients, except the optional toppings. Blend until smooth. For pancakes: Pour some batter into a greased skillet on medium-high heat. Pour only a small amount at a time, so that the resultant pancake is the desired size. Flip the pancakes when air bubbles begin to form. Allow the pancakes to brown on the other side, and then remove them. For waffles: pour the batter into a warmed and greased waffle iron, being careful not to allow the batter to overflow. Cook until waffle is browned, but not burnt. Repeat steps until all of the batter is used. Serve warm, and topped with your choice of toppings.

6. Basic Blender Pancakes

With all of these amazing variations, we feel as though we’d be doing a disservice to our readers if we didn’t also include a basic pancake recipe for those who aren’t interested in any of the ‘bells and whistles.’ Additionally, this recipe makes a great ‘blank page’ on which you can invent your own pancake masterpieces, so feel free to experiment by adding a few of your own favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

Serving Size 2 pancakes | 6 Servings | 280 Calories

2 cups 1% milk

2 eggs

½ cup sugar (white)

1 tsp vegetable oil

½ tsp vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1½ tbsp baking powder

Directions

In a Blendtec blender, combine all ingredients. Blend until smooth. Pour some batter into a greased skillet on medium-high heat. Pour only a small amount at a time, so that the resultant pancake is the desired size. Flip the pancakes when air bubbles begin to form. Allow the pancakes to brown on the other side, and then remove them. repeat process until all of the batter has been used. Serve hot, and top with toppings of your choice.

Did we miss anything? Use the comments section to share your own favorite blender pancake/waffle recipes!