Zucchini Pancakes Recipe

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This zucchini pancakes recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients. They are fluffy, moist and flavorful with hints of vanilla & cinnamon. A delicious recipe to sneak some vegetables into your day.

Zucchini Pancakes on a plate with maple syrup

I've often remarked that if I ever wrote a cookbook I'd need a en entire chapter dedicated to zucchini. I love making recipes - like these Zucchini pancakes - loaded with zucchini that my entire family enjoys (like zucchini bread, chocolate zucchini cake, corn & zucchini fritters, etc.).

These zucchini pancakes are fluffy, moist, flavorful and so delicious they're sure to become a family favorite. They're a simple way to use up garden-fresh zucchini.

syrup being poured onto a stack of 6 Zucchini Pancakes

Zucchini Pancakes: Ingredients & Substitutions

overhead photo of the ingredients in this Zucchini Pancakes recipe

All-purpose flour. use unbleached, organic all-purpose flour for the best results.
Whole wheat flour. Use white whole wheat flour, or whole wheat pastry flour, or simply replace it with additional all-purpose flour.
Salted butter. Unsalted butter, ghee or coconut oil are all good substitutes for salted butter.
Granulated sugar. white sugar, organic cane sugar and coconut sugar all work well in this recipe.
Whole milk. you can use 2% milk, but nothing else with lower fat content.
Greek yogurt. sour cream or another thick yogurt are a good substitutes.
Zucchini. Use freshly grated zucchini. To use frozen zucchini, thaw it in a colander then lightly squeeze out any excess water (but not all the water) and use in this recipe.
Butter for cooking. please do not skip this step. Cooking pancakes in butter takes them to the next level! I'm sure you can use cooking spray or another oil if desired, but really the taste of a buttery exterior on the pancake is just so delicious.

a fork holding a bite taken out of a stack of 6 Zucchini Pancakes

How to make Zucchini Pancakes

Let's walk through this recipe step-by-step, and don't forget to watch the video.

Begin by preheating an electric griddle to 350 degrees F or heat a nonstick fry pan, cast iron skillet, etc. over medium heat on the stove.

Make the pancake batter

Then, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt and cinnamon, in a large bowl and set it aside to use later.

How to Make Zucchini Pancakes - combining dry ingredients

Then, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl.

Next, add the eggs, sour cream and vanilla and whisk until smooth.

two photos showing How to Make Zucchini Pancakes - combining wet ingredients

Then, whisk in the milk.

two photos showing How to Make Zucchini Pancakes - before and after adding milk

Once the batter is smooth, whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is uniform throughout.

Then, fold in the shredded zucchini.

two photos showing How to Make Zucchini Pancakes - after adding dry ingredients & adding zucchini

Cook the zucchini pancakes

Once the batter is ready to go, melt 1 tablespoon of butter onto the preheated griddle and spread it out with a spatula to ensure it’s evenly distributed over the surface.

Then, pour batter in ¼ cup portions onto the pre-heated, buttered griddle. Cook the zucchini pancakes on the first side for about 2-3 minutes or until the middle begins to bubble and the sides look set.

Zucchini Pancakes cooking on the first side on an electric griddle

Then flip the pancakes and cook them for 1-2 more minutes until the second side is browned and the pancakes puff slightly.

Repeat until all the batter has been used, melting fresh butter onto the griddle with each new batch of pancakes.

zucchini pancakes cooking on the second side on an electric griddle

To keep zucchini pancakes warm

If you'd like to keep the pancakes warm in between batches (to serve all at once), preheat your oven to 200 degrees F.

As the zucchini pancakes come off the griddle, transfer them to a large baking sheet or dish and put them in the oven to stay warm.

Zucchini Pancakes in a large white serving dish

Serve

Serve these zucchini pancakes warm with a dollop of butter and a glug of maple syrup. We also like to serve them with some homemade cinnamon honey butter or homemade whipped cream.

I suggest serving them alongside some of our other favorite breakfast dishes like this egg casserole, frittata, and the best quiche recipe.

syrup being poured onto four Zucchini Pancakes on a plate

Store

Store any leftover zucchini pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to freeze zucchini pancakes

Put leftover zucchini pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze. Once they're frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or ziplock bag.

Reheat in the microwave or toaster and you have an easy, delicious breakfast ready in seconds.

Zucchini Pancakes on a plate with bites taken out of them and a fork holding a piece of pancake

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen zucchini to make this recipe?

Yes, I often freeze and shred zucchini in the summer to use all year long. to use frozen, shredded zucchini:
1. Thaw the zucchini in a colander in the sink to drain the water that's released while thawing.
2. Use a tea towel to ring out any excess water.
3. Use the zucchini in this recipe.

What makes pancakes fluffy?

In this recipe the leavening agents baking powder and baking soda, along with the eggs, make the pancakes light and fluffy.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, I actually double it all the time since we have a large family. Click the "2X" button in the recipe card.

Does zucchini have to be blanched before freezing?

No, zucchini can be shredded and frozen without blanching.

How do you get water out of shredded zucchini?

1. Shred the zucchini.
2. Use a tea towel or heavy-duty paper towel and put the shredded zucchini inside.
3. Fold the towel over the zucchini and wring it out to squeeze out the water.
4. Repeat until the water is out!

Do you peel zucchini before shredding?

Nope! Wash and dry the zucchini thoroughly, then trim the ends and peel it with the skin on.

a stack of 7 Zucchini Pancakes with syrup

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Zucchini Pancakes