What better wintertime breakfast could there possibly be? The best part of this recipe, in my opinion, is that it delivers on all your gingerbread fantasies in a quick and easy way that sidesteps the comparative fuss of pulling together a full gingerbread loaf. Sheepishly, I’ll admit it here and now: I have been known, on occasion, to abandon the maple syrup and instead douse these with vanilla frosting or glaze . . . for breakfast. Give me the benefit of the doubt before you judge, please, and try it for yourself.

　　

Ingredients

makes 12 to 14

　　2 cups Bob’s Red Mill All-Purpose Gluten-Free Baking Flour

　　2 teaspoons baking soda

　　2 teaspoons baking powder

　　1 tablespoon ground ginger

　　1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

　　1 teaspoon salt

　　1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum

　　1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

　　1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

　　2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

　　1/2 cup melted refined coconut oil or canola oil, plus more for the pan

　　1/3 cup agave nectar

　　1/3 cup dark molasses

　　2/3 cup rice milk

　　2 tablespoons vanilla extract

　　Agave Maple Syrup (page 38)

　　

Step 1

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, salt, xanthan gum, cardamom, and cloves. Add the applesauce, 1/2 cup coconut oil, agave nectar, molasses, rice milk, and vanilla and stir with a rubber spatula until the batter is smooth.

　　

Step 2

In a large nonstick skillet or on a griddle over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Working in batches, pour 1/4 cup pancake batter into the pan for each pancake. Using the back of a rubber spatula, spread the batter to make a 4-inch pancake. Cook for 2 minutes, then flip and cook on the other side for 2 minutes more, or until the center bounces back when tapped and the edges are browned. Transfer the pancakes to a warm plate and repeat with the remaining batter. Serve with the Agave Maple Syrup.

　　Reprinted December 9, 2011, with permission from Babycakes Covers the Classics by Erin McKenna, © 2011 Clarkson Potter. Buy the full book at Penguin Random House, Amazon, or Bookshop.