18 Ultimate Pancake Day Recipes to Elevate Your Shrove Tuesday Feast
Shrove Tuesday has arrived, bringing with it the cherished British tradition of pancake flipping and the familiar sight of plastic lemon juice bottles. While the classic sugar and lemon crêpe remains a beloved staple, its simplicity, akin to a margherita pizza, offers competence without true culinary ambition. This year, however, presents a golden opportunity to transcend the ordinary and embrace a more adventurous approach to your Pancake Day feast.
For those seeking a substantial offering, American-style buttermilk pancakes, perhaps paired with chorizo, or the cloud-like Japanese soufflé pancakes promise a truly indulgent experience. Health-conscious diners need not miss out, with options ranging from gluten-free and vegan creations to a savoury spinach and ricotta pancake that could easily serve as a main course. And for a sophisticated twist on toppings, consider swapping traditional syrup for vibrant pomegranate and lime, the on-trend blend of matcha and white chocolate, or the exotic notes of Thai-inspired banana and cinnamon, guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds.
In short, it’s time to up your game. Frying pans at the ready – this collection is worth the wrist workout.
Buttermilk Pancakes and Cornflake Fried Chicken
This hearty dinner for six combines fluffy buttermilk pancakes with crispy cornflake fried chicken. If you prepare the batter and marinate the chicken the day before, this meal can be hot on the table in just 30 minutes. Serve with sriracha mayonnaise, rocket, kimchi, and fried eggs for a complete feast.
Fluffy Pancakes with Chorizo, Streaky Bacon and Golden Syrup
Proof that pancakes aren’t just for breakfast, this recipe features savoury pancakes loaded with chorizo, spring onions, and mature cheddar, topped with crispy bacon, chilli jam, and a generous drizzle of golden syrup. Makes 12 pancakes.
Smoked Salmon Crepes with Thyme
French elegance meets a Sunday brunch hangover cure in these delicate crepes filled with smoked salmon and creme fraiche, topped with a drizzle of golden syrup and fresh spring onions. Makes 12 crepes.
Classic American Pancakes
Big, fluffy, and ready to be drowned in maple syrup, these classic American pancakes are a timeless favourite. Serve with berries for a delightful twist. Recipe includes simple ingredients like flour, baking powder, milk, eggs, and melted butter.
Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes
The reason your frying pan now has a lid, these light and airy Japanese soufflé pancakes are cooked slowly under cover to achieve their signature height. Serve with cream and maple syrup or whipped coconut cream with passion fruit.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Banana and Berry Pancakes
Virtuous yet delicious, these pancakes are made from jumbo oats, oat milk, and ripe banana, topped with coconut yoghurt, berries, pecans, and desiccated coconut. Makes 8 pancakes.
Salmon and Avocado Crêpes
Feel like you’ve made an effort with these elegant crêpes topped with spinach, smoked salmon, avocado, plain yoghurt, chilli flakes, fresh coriander, and lemon juice. Use gluten-free flour if preferred.
Fresh Lemon Pancakes and Breakfast Blinis
Zesty lemon pancakes made with almond milk and plant-based butter, paired with banana blinis for a delightful breakfast or brunch option.
Silver Dollar Pancakes
Small, fun-to-stack American-style pancakes perfect for a Shrove Tuesday morning treat, served with maple syrup. Recipe from Sandia Chang of Kitchen Table.
‘Puffy’ Pancakes
Thick and fluffy pancakes made with buttermilk, ideal for serving with yoghurt, roasted rhubarb, and sweet dukkah, or simply with butter and jam. Makes 9 large or 14 small pancakes.
Thai-Inspired Banana and Cinnamon Pancakes
Exotic and sweet, these pancakes feature Thai cinnamon and mashed banana in the batter, topped with caramelised bananas, condensed milk, and crushed peanuts. Serves 2-3.
Dutch Baby Pancake with Mixed Berries
A puffed-up pancake similar to a Yorkshire pudding, baked in the oven with berries and served with icing sugar and vanilla ice cream. Serves 2 and takes 30 minutes.
Sour Cherry, Sweet Ricotta and Honey Pancake
An Italian-inspired twist with sour cherry conserve, sweetened ricotta, flaked almonds, and a drizzle of honey. Serves 2 with a prep time of 10 minutes and cook time of 5 minutes.
Matcha, White Chocolate, Raspberry and Pistachio Layered Crepe Cake
A sophisticated crepe cake layered with matcha-infused white chocolate ganache, topped with whipped cream, raspberries, and pistachios. Serves 10 and requires some advance preparation.
Porridge Pancakes with Caramelised Banana and Pecans
Use leftover porridge to make these oaty pancakes, topped with caramelised bananas, pecans, maple syrup, and Greek yoghurt. Serves 4.
Buckwheat Pancake Cannelloni
A savoury dinner option where pancakes replace pasta tubes, stuffed with a creamy spinach, lemon, and thyme filling, baked with cheese. Serves 4 and takes 40 minutes.
Pomegranate, Lime and Coconut Pancakes
Fresh and fruity pancakes made with coconut flour, topped with pomegranate seeds and served with maple syrup. Makes 8 in just 15 minutes.
Buckwheat, Spinach and Ricotta Pancakes
Nutritious and savoury, these buckwheat pancakes are filled with spinach and ricotta, baked with parmesan and pine nuts. Makes 6 and takes 10-15 minutes to prepare.
With these 18 diverse recipes, from viral sensations to classic comforts, your Shrove Tuesday is set to be a culinary adventure. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, traditional or innovative, there’s something here to delight every palate. Happy flipping!
