The Best Pancake Day Recipes
Pancake Day is hands down one of my favorite food holidays. The excuse to eat pancakes for dinner with zero judgment? Yes please. Whether you’re a crêpe purist, a fluffy stack kind of person, or somewhere in between, I’ve got the perfect pancake recipe for you.
Over the years I’ve tested more pancake recipes than I can count, and these are the ones that have earned a permanent spot in my kitchen. From paper-thin crepes to thick, fluffy buttermilk stacks, there’s something here for everyone.
The Recipes
The Best Crêpes
If you’ve never made homemade crêpes, this is the recipe that’ll convert you. Thin, delicate and perfectly golden with slightly crisp edges, these are everything a crêpe should be. I’ve tried countless crêpe recipes over the years and this is genuinely the best one I’ve ever come across. Serve them sweet with cinnamon sugar (South African Pannekoek-style), lemon and sugar, Nutella and banana, dulce de leche or fresh berries and cream. They work beautifully as savory crêpes too.
Classic Buttermilk Pancakes
Thick, fluffy, and perfectly golden, these buttermilk pancakes are the real deal. The buttermilk gives them an incredible tang and lightness that regular pancakes just can’t match. Stack them high, add a generous pat of butter and drown them in maple syrup. Pancake Day perfection.
Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Because sometimes you just need chocolate for breakfast and nobody should argue with that. These fluffy chocolate chip pancakes are a firm favorite with kids and adults alike. Crispy edges, melty chocolate chips, and the fluffiest interior – these disappear fast.
Healthy Banana Oat Pancakes
If you want to keep things a little lighter on Pancake Day, these banana oat pancakes are the answer. Naturally sweetened with ripe banana, packed with oats and incredibly satisfying, they taste indulgent without the guilt. They’re also gluten-free, making them perfect for the whole family.
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
These lemon ricotta pancakes are next level. Incredibly light, fluffy and creamy with a bright lemon flavor that makes them feel fresh and special. The ricotta creates the most incredible texture. Once you try these, regular pancakes will never be the same.
Caramelized Apple Crêpes
Take your crêpe game to the next level with these caramelized apple crêpes. Tender crêpes filled with buttery caramelized apples and a drizzle of caramel sauce. They feel fancy enough for a dinner party but simple enough for Pancake Day at home. These are absolutely worth the extra effort.
Tips for the Perfect Pancake Day
Rest your batter. Whether you’re making crêpes or pancakes, resting the batter for at least 30 minutes makes a noticeable difference in texture. Plan ahead if you can.
Get your pan temperature right. This is the most important factor in great pancakes. Too hot and they’ll burn before cooking through, too cool and they’ll be pale and flat. A medium heat is your sweet spot.
The first one is always the test pancake. Don’t be discouraged if your first pancake isn’t perfect – it never is. Think of it as the chef’s treat while you get the pan temperature just right.
Use a good non-stick pan. A quality non-stick pan or crêpe pan makes all the difference, especially for crêpes. No sticking, no tearing, just perfect results every time.
Keep them warm. If you’re making pancakes for a crowd, keep finished pancakes warm in a 100°C/210°F oven on a baking sheet while you cook the rest.