Delicious & Easy Gluten-Free Buckwheat Oat Cinnamon Pancake Mix in a Jar: The Perfect Homemade Gift
Are you searching for a thoughtful, unique, and incredibly useful gift that caters to modern dietary needs? Look no further! This delightful buckwheat, oat, and cinnamon pancake mix, beautifully presented in a mason jar, is not only delicious but also naturally gluten-free. It uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. Imagine the joy of gifting a cozy breakfast experience! For more creative and heartfelt DIY gift ideas, be sure to explore our handmade gifts page.
Whether you’re making this for friends or family with gluten sensitivities, or simply looking for a wholesome, naturally gluten-free option for your own kitchen, this recipe is a fantastic choice. This buckwheat, oat, and cinnamon pancake mix takes the beloved qualities of our classic Cinnamon-Oat Pancake & Waffle Mix and enhances them by incorporating the wonderful benefits of naturally gluten-free buckwheat. It’s an ideal alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture, providing a rich, satisfying breakfast experience every time.
One of the most appealing aspects of this pancake mix recipe is its simplicity. There are no exotic or hard-to-find ingredients required. In fact, if you’re already familiar with baking with buckwheat (it’s surprisingly good added to recipes like our Amazing Whole Wheat Flaky Biscuits!), you might discover that you already have most, if not all, of the necessary components right in your pantry. This makes it an incredibly convenient and accessible project for anyone, regardless of their baking experience.
The beauty of a “gift in a jar” lies in its presentation and ease of assembly. Simply layer the dry ingredients artfully into a clean mason jar, attach one of our accompanying printable tags and optional labels, and you’ve created a stunning, inexpensive, and deeply personal gift in just minutes. We’ve seen this mix bring smiles during various occasions, from thoughtful Christmas presents (especially when paired with an easy homemade berry syrup) to a comforting pick-me-up for families in need. It makes a delightful teacher appreciation gift, a unique Father’s Day or Mother’s Day surprise for foodies, or a perfect hostess gift. The possibilities are truly endless for this versatile and heartwarming present.
What Exactly is Buckwheat? Debunking the Wheat Myth
Despite its name, buckwheat is not related to wheat at all, and thus it is completely gluten-free. This often comes as a surprise to many! A few years ago, I was fascinated to learn that buckwheat is actually a pseudocereal, derived from a seed. It’s botanically related to rhubarb and sorrel, which seems like an unusual connection, but highlights its unique characteristics. This botanical classification is precisely why buckwheat is a safe and excellent choice for those avoiding gluten, whether due to celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or simply a preference for gluten-free grains.
The most important takeaway for bakers and cooks is that buckwheat is naturally gluten-free. This makes it an invaluable ingredient for recipes where you’d typically use wheat flour, especially those relying on leavening agents like baking soda and baking powder. Its earthy, slightly nutty flavor adds depth to dishes and works wonderfully in pancakes, waffles, and even biscuits, providing a hearty texture and robust taste. Beyond its gluten-free status, buckwheat is also packed with nutritional benefits, including a good source of fiber, plant-based protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and manganese. Incorporating buckwheat into your diet can contribute to heart health, blood sugar regulation, and overall well-being. It’s truly a powerhouse ingredient that brings both flavor and health benefits to your table.
Crafting Your Buckwheat, Oat & Cinnamon Pancake Mix
Presentation Matters: Designing Your Gift Tags and Labels
In the world of DIY gifts, presentation often enhances the thoughtfulness of the present. While there are countless talented bloggers creating elaborate labels and printables, sometimes I feel my own simple labels pale in comparison. However, I want to strongly encourage you to embrace simplicity! A straightforward computer-printed label, perhaps glued onto a piece of cardstock with the recipe tucked inside, is absolutely perfect. It still looks charming, serves its purpose beautifully, and most importantly, it conveys your personal effort and care. Remember, the recipient is going to enjoy the delicious pancakes, and the tag will likely be recycled afterward.
Instead of investing time in overly complex labels, I focused on making the jar itself look irresistible. I opted for a vintage zinc lid, which adds a touch of rustic elegance, and then adorned it with a simple jute tie and a small clothespin. This approach is not only incredibly easy – truly “easy as pie” (though, on second thought, pie can be quite a challenge! Where did that phrase even come from?) – but it also allowed me to utilize items I already had on hand. This minimalist yet charming presentation perfectly complements the wholesome, homemade nature of the pancake mix inside.
To make gifting even easier, you have a few options for the recipe tags. You can use the printable recipe provided directly below for a single tag. Alternatively, for those who are preparing multiple gifts, you can CLICK HERE to download a convenient page containing four recipe tags. This downloadable sheet also includes labels for the mix name that you can easily cut out and glue onto your jars, just as I did. This offers flexibility whether you’re making one special gift or several for a group.
Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Your Mason Jar Gift
Crafting this beautiful pancake mix gift in a jar is a simple and rewarding process. The key is to carefully layer the ingredients to create an appealing visual effect. Here are a few important notes to ensure your gift turns out perfectly:
- The layers described in the recipe below may appear slightly different from what is shown in some of the older photos. When I initially photographed this recipe, I started with an amount that I thought would fit but later realized I needed to increase the recipe to adequately fill a quart jar, resulting in extra layers visible at the top in some images. Please follow the ingredient amounts and layering order listed below for the correct proportions.
- If you prefer to keep this delicious mix for your own pantry rather than gifting it, you can simply combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, mix them thoroughly, and store the complete mix in an airtight container. This ensures easy access for quick pancake mornings! Update: If you’re eager to enjoy these pancakes right away, we have a wonderful companion recipe based on this mix, but sweetened with maple syrup for immediate enjoyment.
Ingredients and precise layering order to perfectly fill one quart jar (remember to gently press each layer with the back of a spoon to create neat, level lines):
Layer 1:
- 1 cup buttermilk powder (For a dairy-free option or if buttermilk powder isn’t available, you can substitute with dry milk powder or simply omit it. While buttermilk powder contributes to more tender pancakes, the mix will still be delicious without it.)
Layer 2:
- 2 1/4 cups buckwheat flour (ensure it is 100% pure buckwheat flour for gluten-free purposes)
Layer 3:
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (Strategically place the cinnamon just around the edges of the jar. This creates a beautiful visual ring that truly pops against the lighter ingredients.)
Layer 4:
- 3/4 cup rolled oats, briefly powdered in a blender or food processor. The goal here isn’t fine flour; you want some texture, so aim for a coarse grind where you can still see distinct, partial oat pieces. Ensure you use certified gluten-free oats if gifting to someone with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.
Layer 5 (These fine ingredients should be carefully mixed together before adding as the final layer):
- 1 1/2 tablespoon coconut sugar or light brown sugar (coconut sugar offers a slightly healthier, less refined option, but brown sugar works perfectly too)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (fresh baking soda ensures proper leavening)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (again, fresh is best for optimal rise)
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (or regular table salt, to balance the flavors)
Mastering Buckwheat Pancakes: A Simple Cooking Tip for Lighter Results
When cooking with buckwheat flour, I’ve discovered a simple yet highly effective technique that significantly improves the texture of the pancakes, making them wonderfully light and fluffy. This is especially helpful for gluten-free pancakes, which can sometimes be denser than their wheat-based counterparts. The secret lies in one additional step: briefly whipping the egg whites.
Before combining the wet and dry ingredients, separate your egg and use a hand whisk to beat the egg white until it becomes frothy and at least half of it forms soft peaks. This process incorporates air into the batter, which is crucial for achieving that desired lightness. I’ve made sure to include this vital instruction in the recipe directions, so whoever receives this thoughtful pancake mix gift will have all the guidance they need to create exceptional gluten-free pancakes. Taking these few extra moments to whip the egg white ensures pancakes that are remarkably similar in texture and airiness to traditional wheat flour pancakes, making for a truly enjoyable breakfast experience.
Instructions to attach to the jar (as a reminder, you can print your own below or click here to download a sheet with 4 recipe tags and optional labels):
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Gluten Free Buckwheat, Oat & Cinnamon Pancake Mix Gift in a Jar
Ingredients
To use mix:
- Empty contents of quart jar into a bowl and mix well.
- Remove 1 cup for every batch of pancakes.
- Store the remainder in the jar for up to 3 months.
To make 1 batch pancakes:
- 1 cup pancake mix
- 1 egg separated
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted OR oil to keep diary free
- 1 cup water
Instructions
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Place the 1 cup of pancake mix into a medium sized bowl.
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In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolk, butter, and water together.
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Use a hand whisk to beat the egg white until frothy (at least half should froth- do as much as you can by hand to add lightness to the pancakes).
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Stir the yolk mixture into the dry mix, just until combined. Then fold in the frothy egg white.
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Prepare griddle or pan. Use 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake and cook over medium heat until holes form in the tops of the pancakes. Flip and cook until done, about a minute more.
Notes
Each 1 cup batch makes 6 to 8 four-inch pancakes.
Nutrition
Other Easy Handmade Food Gifts You May Love:
Once you’ve experienced the joy and simplicity of creating this gluten-free pancake mix gift in a jar, you might be inspired to explore other delightful homemade food gifts. These options offer the same personal touch and charm, perfect for any occasion:
- Hearty Red Beans And Rice Gift In A Jar {+ Free Printable Tags}: A comforting and savory meal mix that’s easy to prepare and a welcome gift for busy weeknights.
- Rustic Rosemary Focaccia Bread: Handmade Gift In A Jar {+ Printable Tags}: For the bread lovers, this mix delivers a fragrant and delicious focaccia with minimal effort.
- Charming Rustic DIY Wooden Box Gift Idea Filled with Hot Sauces {or whatever…}: While not a mix, this idea provides a template for assembling a themed gift box, which can easily include your homemade pancake mix alongside other breakfast favorites.
- Classic Gift in a Jar: Cinnamon Oat Pancake-Waffle Mix: Our original beloved mix, a fantastic option for those without gluten sensitivities.
- Fun DIY Ice Cream Sundae Kit Gift + Free Printable Tags: A sweet and playful gift for any age, ensuring a delightful treat.
Creating homemade gifts like this Gluten-Free Buckwheat, Oat, & Cinnamon Pancake Mix in a Jar is a wonderful way to show you care. It’s practical, delicious, and caters to specific dietary needs, making it a truly thoughtful present. Enjoy the process of layering these wholesome ingredients and bringing joy to those you cherish with a wholesome, cozy breakfast experience!