Pancake Day falls on the 16th of February this year and, as always, it’s the night before the beginning of Lent. Pancake Day is the perfect opportunity to indulge and go all out with the sugar and chocolate leading up to Easter.
Here’s our complete guide to pancake day, featuring 5 easy recipes and 5 suggestions for delicious toppings.
5 Pancake Recipes:
1. The classic pancake
If you’re a thin crepe kind of person, and want to nail the perfect light, fluffy pancake this pancake day, then look no further than our Perfect Pancake Mix recipe. This recipe is simple and quick to make, so even a novice can make the perfect pancake this Shrove Tuesday.
You’ll need 100g plain flour, 1 large egg, 300ml milk, melted butter or oil for frying and a pinch of salt. They’re incredibly simple to make too, simply sift the flour and salt into a bowl, make a well in the centre and break the eff and pour in half the milk. Whisk together gradually incorporating the flour to make a smooth thick batter. Beat to remove lumps and then stir in the remaining milk.
Heat the oil or butter in a medium frying pan, then tip the excess into a bowl. Pour around 2 tablespoons of batter into the pan, tilting as you pour until the batter thinly coats the base. Cook over medium heat for around 30 seconds to one minute until golden brown on the underside. Flip over (using a palette knife if you don’t want to risk your pancake ending up on the floor) and cook the other side until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
2. Fluffy Pancakes
If you prefer fluffier, thicker American pancakes on Shrove Tuesday then, by all means, go for it. Like the basic pancakes above, they are straightforward to make and will have your family coming back for more. Here’s an easy to follow recipe from Jamie Oliver.
3. Vegan Peanut butter and banana pancakes
If you’re looking for a fluffy pancake recipe that’s also vegan, you can stop the search. These plant-based pancakes are made with bananas and peanut butter, which makes them light and naturally sweet, then topped with strawberries. They already have our mouth-watering. Check out the full recipe here.
4. The savoury option
There is no other day in the year where it is acceptable to eat pancakes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, but pancake day itself. Drizzle your crepes in melted cheese, meats, veggies, even baked beans for a delicious dinner using your favourite pancake recipe. This is great for those who don’t want to overload with sugar in the evening.
Check out this savoury pancake recipe from BBC Good Food.
5. Chocolate pancakes
If your little ones have a sweet tooth (or you like to use that as an excuse to over-indulge) then we love going for a chocolatey treat! Try these delicious chocolate pancakes from BBC Good Food with cocoa powder and chocolate chips in the batter for an extra indulgent treat this pancake day.
5 Pancake toppings
1. Maple Syrup
You can’t beat the classic maple syrup stack of pancakes. By drizzling this soft and sticky syrup all over those warm pancakes, you can’t go wrong! Drenched in maple syrup, perfection will be promised for every pancake bite.
Try adding some crispy streaky bacon for a sweet and savoury mash-up, an all-American classic.
2. Fresh Fruit
Want a refreshing topping for hot pancakes? How about some fresh fruit? And it doesn’t even matter what fruit you pick. Whether it’s slices of sweet bananas, juicy peaches, or tart kiwi, fruits and pancakes are always a hit. A great way to use up some of the fruit lying around your house, and get at least 1 of your 5 a day in for you and your kids.
For something a little more exotic, why not try these coconut pancakes with rum-roasted pineapple topping, or something a little lighter with this strawberry and ricotta topping. If you have some apples to use up, this apple cinnamon topping is perfect too.
3. Nutella
Now, this one’s a no-brainer! Sweet, creamy, and hazelnutty, Nutella is one of the easiest ways to elevate your pancakes. Spreading it all over your pancakes will make the most stunningly sweet breakfast-dessert! If you are not a fan of Nutella then melt some chocolate for a just as delicious pancake.
Try your pancakes with a spreading of Nutella and some ice cream, and sprinkle on some strawberries or crush up some of your favourite chocolates for a really indulgent treat – we love crushed Ferrero Rocher or Kinder Bueno.
4. Full English
Combine two of your favourite breakfasts in one with this Full English crepe recipe. The perfect way to start your day, or a delicious brunch option, make your desired pancakes and then top with bacon, eggs and tomatoes. If you’re feeling really hungry why not add some sausages, mushrooms and black pudding too?
If you’re a vegan, try this vegan tomato and mushroom topping for your breakfast pancakes.
5. Lemon and sugar
A classic but it will never disappoint. Lemon and sugar give a sweet but sour taste everyone craves! It’s perfect if you’ve left the pancake day food shop to the last minute as most people have sugar and a stray lemon lying around the kitchen.
We hope there is a recipe for you whether you have a sweet tooth or not, Pancake Day is a great way for everyone to indulge and get the whole family cooking together.
For more delicious pancake ideas, head to Swan’s Pancake Day Pinterest board.
Happy Pancake Day and good luck flipping those pancakes!
