Best Farro Substitutes for Pancakes & Waffles

Choose alternatives that hold batter consistency and help keep a light interior. These batters are sensitive to liquid ratios and acidity, both of which affect fluffiness and browning.

Reviewed by the CupOrGram Editorial TeamSources: King Arthur Baking, USDA FoodData Central, in-house testingMethodology

Can I make pancakes or waffles without farro?

Yes. Start with Pearled Barley at 1:1, then adjust liquid or bake time in small steps after a test batch.

Top Recommendation

Pearled Barley

Use 1:1

Similar chew and cook time. Slightly stickier when cooked.

View full adjustment notes →

How much does 1 cup of farro weigh?

On CupOrGram, 1 cup of farro is treated as 192 grams. Use the conversion page if you want the original ingredient weight before choosing a substitute.

Farro cups to grams →

Alternative Options for Pancakes & Waffles

Common Questions for Pancakes & Waffles

Can I make pancakes or waffles without farro?

Yes. Start with Pearled Barley at 1:1. Similar chew and cook time. Slightly stickier when cooked.

What can I use instead of farro for pancakes?

Top options are Pearled Barley (1:1) plus Bulgur (1:1) and Quinoa (1:1).

Best farro substitute for pancakes?

Pearled Barley is the top pick here. Use 1:1 and adjust only after a test bake.

How do I substitute farro in pancake and waffle batter?

Replace using 1:1, mix as usual, then tune liquid and bake time in small steps if needed.

More Recipe Contexts