Buckwheat Mulberry Pancakes (Vegan + GF)

Let’s make buckwheat mulberry pancakes together! The nutty, earthy flavor of buckwheat is spiced with cloves and nutmeg. The pancakes are fluffy and light, with a crisp crust. Inside they are studded with juicy, wild, summer mulberries. They are the perfectly simple, perfectly summery way to start your morning.

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How to Forage for Mulberries

In the United States, mulberry trees are primarily found in urban or settled areas. With the exception of one native species, most mulberries were brought over from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East by former enthusiasts who planted them. As a result, mulberry trees can often be spotted in the vicinity of old houses, dotting the edges of roads, or discreetly nestled at the periphery of parking lots. However, it is rare to encounter them in the depths of the woods.

During the months of June and July, the ground surrounding these trees becomes adorned with the dark red stains of fallen and squashed mulberries. In fact, casting your gaze downward can be an effective method for locating mulberry trees. While the berries on the branches may be obscured by neighboring foliage, the telltale mulberry-stained concrete can serve as your starting point. Once you spot one tree, you’ll be surprised to discover how many mulberry trees are hidden in your neighborhood, brimming with juicy little berries just waiting to be picked.

Harvesting mulberries often results in stained hands, but they wash clean before long. Since ripe mulberries are prone to bursting, I’ve developed a technique to minimize this risk. With one hand holding a large container underneath a branch, I gently tap the berries with my other hand—something akin to a brush or a tickle—causing the ripe berries to fall and be caught in my container, while the unripe ones remain on the tree.

Disclaimer- use caution when foraging wild edibles, and always be certain of your identification. While I assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided on this site, I can’t responsible for the accuracy of your information. Consult multiple websites, books and local experts, and when it doubt, do without.

There are over 10 different species of mulberry, each possessing its own unique appearance and flavor. If you happen to stumble upon several different trees, I highly recommend conducting a tasting session to identify the berries you enjoy most. If you’ve noticed fallen berries, take a closer look at the leaves. Mulberry leaves are single and lobed, resembling a somewhat heart-shaped, light green structure. While some mulberry trees can reach heights of up to 80 feet, smaller trees are more commonly found. The berries initially appear white or greenish and are technically comprised of multiple tiny berries. Once fully ripe, mulberries come in three colors: black (as pictured here), red (which is native to North America and primarily found on the East Coast), and white (which takes on a pale lavender hue when ripe). Their sizes vary, ranging from almost round to moderately elongated. It’s important to note that mulberries are not suitable for consumption when they are green, so be sure to pick the berries that fall easily from the branches.

Looking for Vegan Pancake Recipes? Try one of these!

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How to Make Buckwheat Mulberry Pancakes

If you’ve made an early morning forage to your local mulberry tree and come back with a couple cups full of bounty, these mulberry pancakes will be the perfect next step in your day. Start by giving your berries a quick clean and dry, making sure to be very gentle since they will happily smoosh and stain your clean kitchen towel.

The pancake batter can be easily made in a single bowl- start with the dry ingredients (the buckwheat flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices). Give it a quick whisk, and then add the wet ingredients. You’ll need apple sauce, vegetable oil, and a plant-based milk. Mix it together. Unlike traditional pancakes, you don’t have to be careful not to overmix because these pancakes have no gluten in them. So go ahead and mix those lumps out, and set the batter aside.

Heat up a non-stick skillet. I’ve recently started using a crepe pan which works really well. Heat the pan up to a medium heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil, and then drop about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. If your skillet is large enough you should be able to make several pancakes at once. Top each pancake with mulberries before flipping. After the edges look cooked and show bubbles, give the pancakes a flip. Cook on the second side for another couple minutes, until slightly browned. And that is it!

I topped mine with maple syrup, and to some added vegan whipped cream, and to all I added an extra handful of fresh mulberries. Eat up, and enjoy the rest of your summery day.

Buckwheat Mulberry Pancakes (Vegan + GF)

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