Easy Pancake Day Recipes

We are lucky to live in a country that recognises so many different cultural traditions and celebrations from around the world, and we like to tell you about as many as we can! Pancake Day will be celebrated this year on Tuesday February 13. Officially known as Shrove Tuesday, Pancake day was traditionally a day of fun and feasting before the fasting required during 40 days of Lent in the Christian calendar.

So to mark the tasty occasion, we’ve put together 10 easy pancake recipes that you can make at home. The kids will love helping to whip up the batter and having a go at the all important flipping. First, follow our simple recipe to make a basic pancake batter, then take some inspiration from our tempting topping ideas, with everything from sweet, savoury, creative, and traditional.

Happy Pancake Day everyone!

How to make basic pancake batter

Use this recipe to make enough basic batter for 12 small pancakes:

Ingredients:

100g plain flour
150ml milk
150ml water
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon olive oil (plus extra for greasing the pan)

Method:

  1. Sift the flour into a big mixing bowl and make a small well in the middle
  2. Break the egg into the well, and gradually add the milk, stirring gently as you go
  3. Stir in the water and oil, and beat with a whisk for one minute or until the mixture is smooth
  4. Heat a drop of oil in a non-stick frying pan. Wait until the pan is really hot, and pour in about three tablespoons of batter. Cook the batter for around one minute, using a spatula every so often to make sure that it’s not sticking to the pan
  5. Now for the best bit- you’re ready to flip your pancake! Once you’ve managed to turn the pancake over, cook the other side for just 15 seconds

If you’re not ready to eat your pancakes straightaway, keep them warm by putting them in the oven on a very low heat, stacking them between sheets of greaseproof paper to stop them sticking together or burning

For those with a sweet tooth

Sticky Banana
Sticky banana pancakes delicious served with a big dollop of ice cream! Simply peel and cut 4 bananas length-ways and caramelise in a pan for a few minutes using 2 knobs of butter and 3 tablespoons of caster sugar

Apple & Chocolate
This filling is best when spooned directly into wrapped pancakes. Peel 4 eating apples and chop into cubes. In a pan of water, boil the apples for 15-20 minutes with 50g of caster sugar. Once the apples are fluffy, drain the water and mix with 50g of melted chocolate

Millionaires Shortbread
These pancakes are super easy to make and taste just like millionaire’s shortbread! Simply crumble shortbread biscuit over your pancake and cover with spoonfuls of melted chocolate and ready-made caramel sauce

Hot Chocolate 
Inspired by hot chocolate, the kids will love getting messy making these simple pancakes. Add chocolate ice cream, ready-made chocolate sauce, chocolate sprinkles, and mini marshmallows on top of your pancakes, and finish with a generous helping of whipped cream

Something savoury

Cheese & Broccoli 
This is an easy way to get kids to eat more greens. Very simply, make a classic cheese sauce, spread it over the pancakes, and fill the middle with pieces of steamed broccoli. You can also use leeks or mushrooms for an easy variation of this recipe

Salmon 
This is a great recipe for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Pan fry salmon with button mushrooms, and stir in hollandaise sauce, black pepper, and fresh dill. Drizzle over pancakes and enjoy!

Chicken & Leek
A new take on a traditional family-favourite pie. Make a basic white sauce and add 225g of diced cooked chicken and two teaspoons of mustard. Add to the middle of your pancake, roll, and serve with a crunchy green salad

Banana, Beef Bacon & Maple Syrup
A firm brunch favourite, grill the beef bacon for 5-7 minutes and add to the top of your pancakes. Add 2-3 slices of banana ad drizzle with maple syrup

Healthy (ish!) pancakes

Mexican Vegetable
This is an easy way to get your 5 a day! Just stir fry your favourite vegetables (we usually use kidney beans, peppers, onions, mushrooms and carrots) with some fajita seasoning. Serve on your pancakes, sprinkled with cheese, and with generous helpings of guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and lettuce

Mango with Coconut & Lime
When making your pancake batter, add one diced mango to your whisked mixture before popping it in the pan. To make the topping, mix another diced mango with two zested limes, and pour over your pancakes. Top with a dollop of coconut flavoured yoghurt, a drizzle of maple syrup and four table spoons of coconut shavings

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