Coconut Pancakes
Fluffy, golden pancakes infused with creamy coconut milk and studded with toasted shredded coconut. These pancakes have a delicate sweetness and a hint of tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh mango, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a squeeze of lime. Ready in under 30 minutes, they bring a little island sunshine to your breakfast table.
For 4 servings
- mix · ~1 min
Whisk the dry ingredients.
1.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, 0.5 cup shredded coconut, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 0.5 tsp baking soda, and a pinch of salt.2.Whisk well to distribute the leavening agents evenly. - mix · ~1 min
Whisk the wet ingredients.
1.In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, 1 cup coconut milk, 2 tbsp melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.2.Whisk until smooth and fully combined. - mix · ~1 min
Combine wet and dry ingredients.
1.Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients.2.Gently fold everything together with a spatula until just combined—small lumps in the batter are fine and make for fluffier pancakes.3.Do not overmix; stop as soon as no dry flour streaks remain.TIPA few lumps are your friend here. Overmixing develops gluten and makes pancakes tough. - rest · ~5 min
Rest the batter.
Let the batter sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. This allows the baking powder to activate and the shredded coconut to hydrate slightly, yielding taller, fluffier pancakes.
- fry · ~2 min
Heat the griddle and grease it lightly.
Place a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, lightly grease the surface with butter, wiping away any excess with a paper towel.
TIPThe pan is ready when a drop of water dances across the surface before evaporating. - fry · ~4 min
Pour and cook the pancakes.
1.Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the hot griddle, leaving space between each.2.Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2 to 3 minutes.3.Flip carefully with a spatula and cook the other side until golden brown, another 1 to 2 minutes.TIPKeep heat at medium; too hot and the coconut will scorch before the center cooks through. - serve
Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate and keep warm in a low oven if needed. Repeat with remaining batter, greasing the pan lightly between batches. Serve stacked, topped with toasted coconut flakes, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of warm maple syrup or honey.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the fluffiest texture, let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking — this activates the leavening.
- 2Toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet for 2 minutes before adding to batter for deeper flavor.
- 3Use full-fat coconut milk for richness; light coconut milk yields thinner, less tender pancakes.
- 4Cook over medium heat — too high and the delicate coconut will scorch before the center is done.
- 5Grease the pan lightly with butter between batches to prevent sticking without making pancakes greasy.
- 6Make ahead: cook all pancakes, let cool, and freeze in a single layer; reheat in a toaster or oven.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) and use coconut oil instead of butter for a fully plant-based version.
gluten freeGluten-free
Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend; add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn't include it.
low sugarLow-sugar
Reduce sugar to 1 tablespoon or omit entirely; top with fresh mango and a drizzle of honey for natural sweetness.
pancake wafflesPancake waffles
Use the same batter in a preheated waffle iron — cook until golden and crisp, about 4 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Healthy Fats from Coconut
Coconut milk and shredded coconut provide medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digested and may support energy metabolism.
Calcium from Coconut Milk
Coconut milk contains small amounts of calcium and magnesium, contributing to bone health when part of a balanced diet.
No Artificial Additives
Made from pantry staples with no preservatives or artificial flavors, this recipe gives you full control over ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
Overmixing the batter develops gluten, causing tough pancakes. Fold just until no dry flour remains; lumps are fine.







