The Ultimate Family Pancake Day Recipes
As Pancake Day quickly approaches, there’s no better time to dust off your frying pan, grab a mixing bowl and embark on a culinary adventure that promises to serve a treat for you and the whole family.
From sweet crepes to savoury pancakes, we’ve got a stack of filling recipes that can be served as breakfast or dinner this Shrove Tuesday. Keep reading for our recipe recommendations for the best pancakes ever!
Why do we have Pancake Day?
Pancake Day, otherwise known as, Shrove Tuesday, is a British tradition that signifies the beginning of the 40 days leading up to Easter, referred to as Lent.
Looking at its origin, historically, Shrove Tuesday was the last opportunity people had to make use of eggs and fats before beginning their Lenten fast. This is where the pancake recipe was born, as it provided a last chance to use ingredients to create a sweet or savoury snack.
Since then, the Pancake recipe has taken many forms. From buttermilk pancakes, fluffy pancakes and the American classic to vegan pancakes, pancakes with chocolate chips and even the savoury pancake.
Pancakes aren’t just made for eating, you can get active and take part in a lively race! In these races, participants run while flipping pancakes in a frying pan with some friendly competition to bring communities together. People of all ages join in, and some races are organised as charity events to raise funds for various causes. The goal is not only to win the race but also to successfully flip the pancake in the pan while navigating the course.
When is Pancake Day 2024?
Shrove Tuesday, traditionally falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, signalling the beginning of the Lenten season. However, the date varies from year to year between February 3rd and March 9th. In 2024, Pancake Day will occur on February 13th.
How to get the kids involved this pancake day
Make Pancake Day a fun-filled family occasion by getting the kids engaged in the pancake-making extravaganza. Pull out the non-stick frying pan into a pancake playground, especially with the convenience of ready-made and gluten-free options. Here are some fun ways to celebrate Pancake Day:
Pancake stack challenge: Challenge your kids to see who can create the tallest pancake stack without it toppling over. This adds an element of friendly competition and keeps them engaged.
Pancake toppings bar: Lay out an assortment of toppings in small bowls, including healthy options like spinach, ham, blueberries, smoked salmon, cheese, to customise their pancakes with their favourite flavours.
Pancake shapes: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes with the pancakes. Kids can choose their favourite shapes, and you can use ready made pancakes for added convenience.
Pancake Day Ideas to Enjoy Shrove Tuesday as a Family
Classic Pancakes
Ingredients:
100g plain flour
2 eggs
300ml semi-skimmed milk
Pinch of salt
1tbsp sunflower/vegetable oil
Butter for frying
Bowl
Whisk/fork
Frying pan
Ladle
Classic toppings for your simple pancakes such as lemon and sugar
Instructions:
1. Take a bowl and pour in the milk and oil, then break in the eggs. Take your whisk or fork and mix the ingredients together to make a frothy mixture.
2. Take another bowl and mix together the flour and a pinch of salt.
3. Now slowly pour the liquid into the middle of the flour mixture, whisking all the time, until the batter becomes runny.
4. With the help of an adult, warm the frying pan to a medium heat, then add a little butter. Once it’s melted, ladle in enough pancake mix to cover the bottom of the frying pan, then tilt it in a circular motion so the mix spreads evenly.
5. When your pancake starts to turn golden brown underneath, hold the pan handle in one hand, slide the spatula under the pancake and flip it over, then add your classic toppings like lemon and icing sugar! To get more fluffy, support soft pancakes, add a pinch of baking soda!
Savoury Pancake Day Recipes
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 large egg
1/2 cup shredded cheese
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
6 – 8 strips of bacon
Butter
Instructions:
1. Whisk together the flour, milk and egg until you have a smooth batter.
2. Stir in the cheese, bacon and chopped spinach until well combined.
3. Pour ladleful’s of batter onto the pan to form pancakes, cook and flip until golden brown on both sides.
4. Serve for everyone to enjoy your savoury pancake recipe, a brunch favourite.
Super Soft Sweet Pancakes
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ingredients from the classic pancake recipe above.
2. Pile the pancakes on a plate and serve them warm.
3. Some of our favourite sweet combinations for our pancake recipes are:
- Fruit and golden syrup.
- Streaky bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Berries and cream.
- Nutella and strawberries.
Savoury pancake recipes, sweet pancake recipes or classic pancake recipes, we trust that we’ve sparked some inspiration to help you make the perfect pancake recipe for any occasion: Pancake Day, brunch or breakfast! Explore additional insights in our Knowledge Hub at Premier Education.
