Freshly milled buckwheat is fragrant, nutty, and pleasantly earthy. Blending it with a smaller portion of hard white wheat gives these pancakes enough structure to rise while keeping buckwheat unmistakably in charge.
At the Appalachian table
Buckwheat has a long foothold in Appalachian and upland cooking because it grows quickly and tolerates lean, cool conditions. Buckwheat cakes may be yeasted, soured overnight, or mixed as a quick batter; this buttermilk version is designed for an easy morning griddle.
Ingredients
Batter
- 200 g fresh-milled buckwheat flour
- 100 g fresh-milled hard white wheat flour
- 12 g baking powder
- 4 g baking soda
- 5 g fine salt
- 420 g buttermilk, plus more as needed
- 2 large eggs
- 30 g sorghum syrup, honey, or brown sugar
- 40 g melted butter, plus more for the griddle
Method
- Whisk buckwheat flour, wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Whisk buttermilk, eggs, sorghum, and melted butter in a second bowl.
- Pour wet into dry and fold only until no dry pockets remain. Rest 10 minutes so the fresh flour can hydrate.
- Heat a lightly buttered griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium. The surface is ready when a drop of water dances briefly.
- Use about 60 ml batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles open across the surface and the edges look set, 2–3 minutes. Flip once and cook 1–2 minutes more.
- Serve immediately with butter, maple syrup, apple butter, or warm fruit.
Fresh-milled notes
Good to know: Buckwheat contains no gluten; the wheat portion gives the cakes lift and makes flipping easier.
Good to know: Fresh flour thickens during the rest. Add buttermilk one tablespoon at a time if the batter no longer spreads gently.
Good to know: Keep the heat moderate. Buckwheat browns quickly before the center has set.
Appalachian Grain Table
Eight recipes where fresh-milled grain meets the foodways of home, season, and place.
Recommended tools
A grain mill capable of milling buckwheat, digital scale, balloon whisk, and cast-iron griddle are the useful essentials.
OXO 11-lb Digital Food Scale
Reliable gram weights for flour, liquid, and equal portions.
View on Amazon ↗Stainless Bench Scraper
Useful for dividing dough, cutting butter, and cleaning the work surface.
View on Amazon ↗Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are selected for practical usefulness.
Keep learning
Use the Fresh-Milled Flour Guide, consult the hydration guide, troubleshoot dense bread and sticky dough, and browse the recommended tools guide.