Kefir Pancakes – Fluffy, Sweet and Delicious

Kefir Pancakes (aka oladi) are fluffy, sweet and so delicious! If you’re looking for something new and fun to up your breakfast game, look not further! This recipe is super easy and very customizable. Add eggs and bacon for a filling breakfast, or berry sauce and whipped cream for a delightful dessert.

These Fluffy Kefir Pancakes are something in between traditional American pancakes and Russian oladi. They are light and fluffy pancakes with a very unique flavor. You gotta give these a try!

As an Amazon associate, I make a small commission if you use any of the affiliate links below to purchase a product. Other links might be affiliate too. I only recommend products I love. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Ingredients and Substitutions

What makes these pancakes unique? Milk Kefir is the key ingredient here! It makes these pancakes extra fluffy without adding any yeast.

Milk Kefir

Milk Kefir is a fermented milk product, packed with probiotics, calcium and protein. It has a tangy flavor and smooth runny consistency. Click here to find more fun facts about kefir.

Kefir helps the pancakes fluff up and gives our breakfast lots of health benefits.

Try using a fruit variety of kefir for a fun flavor. Here’s my favorite kefir choices:

• Plain (what I’m using for this recipe)
• Blueberry
• Vanilla
• Strawberry
• Mango
• Peach

There’s so many more flavors LifeWay Kefir offers, and it is definitely my favorite brand at the moment (not sponsored in any way). Check my Instagram page for more delicious recipes, using their products.

And if you can’t find kefir, simply substitute for buttermilk or liquid whey (left after making tvorog).

Egg

Egg adds protein and healthy fats to this breakfast dish. It also works as a binding agent in the batter.

Flour

For the fluffiest pancakes, I recommend using regular all purpose flour. For a more nutritious option, you can substitute half of the flour amount with whole wheat flour.

I haven’t experimented with gluten-free flowers for this recipe. Please let me know if you do. I’d love to hear!

Salt

Add just a pinch of salt for a well-balanced flavor.

Sugar

For a sweet version of these kefir breakfast pancakes, add about 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Add less if servings with savory sides, such as eggs and bacon.

Feel free to substitute with coconut sugar or monkfruit sweetener for a healthier alternative.

Baking Soda and Baking Powder

These two ingredients will make sure our kefir pancakes fluff up properly.

I like to use the mixture of both, baking soda and baking powder. In my experience, this combination results in the fluffiest, most delicious breakfast pancakes.

How to make Fluffy Kefir Pancakes

It is super easy to make these Kefir Pancakes:

1. Whisk up kefir with the eggs until well combined. Optional: warm up kefir for about 20-30 seconds in the microwave beforehand.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix just until combined. Some lumps are totally ok. Do NOT over mix!
3. Preheat a non-stick pan over low-medium heat. Spray with a non-stick spray or add a little bit of butter.
4. Spoon out the batter, making small pancakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden in color and cooked through. Lower the heat if pancakes are browning too quickly.
5. Serve warm with your favorite toppings or let cool completely and freeze for a future use.

Kefir Pancakes – Serving Ideas

Do you prefer a savory or sweet breakfast? I got you covered! Sweet or savory, these kefir pancakes taste delicious.

Here’s my favorite savory combintations:

• eggs and turkey bacon
• sour cream and everything but the bagel seasoning
• smoked salmon and salad
• breakfast sausage and sweet tomatoes

And if you got a sweet tooth like me, here comes the fun part – the sweet options.

Sweet kefir pancakes toppings:

• homemade blueberry sauce (recipe)
• salted caramel sauce (recipe from my Instagram)
• chia jam (recipe)
• sugar-free chocolate or caramel sauce (buy online)
• peanut butter
• vanilla skyr and fresh berries
• maple syrup or honey
• yogurt and granola
• calorie-free pancake syrup

I think I can go on and on with my sweet toppings list. Please share your ideas in the comments below.

For healthy topping ideas, check out my Spinach Pancakes recipe.

Secrets to the Fluffiest Pancakes

• Warm up you kefir – it gives the best reaction with the baking soda, but this step is totally optional.
• Do NOT over mix the batter – some lumps are totally fine.
• Cook pancakes uncovered – over low to medium heat.
• Use more oil for cooking- if you like Russian oladi flavor – this gives the pancakes almost a donut-like texture.

More Breakfast Recipes

Coconut Milk Chia Pudding – perfect for make-ahead breakfast.

Oats Omelette – a very unique breakfast idea.

Farmer’s Cheese Casserole – Russian style cheesecake.

Ricotta Fritters – protein packed pancakes.