Pancake Day is loved across the world. Even if you're not usually a morning person, or even a breakfast person, the idea of hopping out of bed a bit earlier, warming up a pan, soothingly whisking batter, watching a batch of pancakes bubble and sizzle at the edges, and dousing the result in your favourite toppings, is enduringly enticing.
Amazingly, in the UK more than 100 million pancakes are gobbled up on Pancake Day - yes that's right, over 100 million!
If you ‘do’ Pancake Day in your house, it pays to be armed with a few golden tips to help you reach peak flipping perfection.
What's the best pan for making pancakes?
Any flat frying pan will do, of course, but if you have the budget for one, we highly recommend investing in a non-stick crepe pan or special pancake pan. They don't have to cost the earth. What makes them the right tool for the job is their slender, shallow edges (easier to flip with) and totally flat surface, which naturally prevents sticking.
Wash with soapy water after using, and lightly grease with a neutral oil, and you'll have a pan that will reward you for years.
How do I make perfect pancakes?
You'll see some recipes and topping suggestions below to inspire you, but here are some basics.
1 - Prepare the batter in advance. You can even do this the night before, ensuring you seal/cover the mixture well to prevent discolouration. This allows the liquid to plump up the flour. If you're making American-style pancakes, or any kind that include a raising agent, don't add this to the pre-mix, stir it in 10 minutes before cooking, otherwise it loses its power.
2 - To make your batter super smooth, whisk the eggs with the flour first. Mix out any lumps, and add the milk very slowly and gradually. This method will ensure perfection every time.
3 - Heat your pan slowly, on a low temperature, before turning it up for cooking. This will ensure there aren't any ‘hot spots’ in the pan which will make your pancakes stick in places. It's always worth making a ‘dummy’ pancake first - because, let's face it, that first go is never perfect.
4 - Buy a silicone pancake/crepe turner. It's like a big, circular, flexible fish slice and is invaluable for flipping!
How do I make thin, crepe pancakes?
Combine 120g plain white flour with 2 large eggs until smooth. Slowly whisk in 240ml milk and a pinch of salt. Allow to rest overnight or at least for 10-15 minutes. Brush a frying pan or pancake pan lightly with oil or butter and ladle in a thin layer of the mix. Cook on a medium to high heat until it starts to look set around the edges. Loosen the edges with a pancake turner, fish slice or palate knife. When you can see the underneath is looking set, give it a jiggle and either flip, or turn with your implement of choice. Cook for a few seconds more on the other side.
How do I make thick, fluffy, American-style pancakes?
Whisk together 1 large egg and 120g plain flour until smooth. Slowly whisk in 120ml milk, again, continuing until smooth. Now leave covered in the fridge overnight or add 1tsp baking powder and leave to one side for 10-15 minutes. Brush your frying or pancake pan with oil or butter and drop 2 tbsp dollops of the mix onto it. When it starts to bubble, lift the edges with a palette knife, pancake turner or fish slice. As the top looks a bit more set, turn it over and cook for another 30 seconds or so on the other side.
How do you toss pancakes?
Obviously this takes practice and skill. Definitely don't attempt it for the first time at someone else's house, or near children or pets! Using a proper pancake pan will make the task easier, as the pancake is less likely to get caught on the edge (like it might in a frying pan). Don't toss a pancake if there's lots of butter or oil visible in the pan - it will be unsafe. If you've loosened your pancake well, can get a turner all the way underneath, and are able to freely shuffle and move the pancake in the pan, it's ready. Deftly tip the pan forwards, sliding the pancake to the front of the pan, and toss it up powerfully, getting ready to catch it on the flipside.
What's the best way to keep pancakes warm?
Pancakes are best eaten straight away, dishing them up to each greedy family member or friend as they're ready. If you cook them too far in advance they can go rubbery - and no one wants a rubbery pancake! If you're cooking for a crowd though, they can be wrapped in a clean tea towel and kept in a low oven. Or, if you're a true pancake devotee, invest in a pancake warmer.
What are the best toppings for pancakes?
Lemon and sugar or bacon and maple syrup are classics. But, of course, we'd like to suggest some Great British Food Award winners for slathering over your Pancake Day pancakes. How about?
A grating of Juthan Chocolate
A drizzle of Bermondsey Street Bees honey
A dollop of Cottage Delight Passion Fruit & Mango All Butter Curd
The Pickled Shop Sweet & Saucy Chilli Jam with crispy bacon or eggs
Radnor Preserves Raspberry & Crushed Cardamom Preserve
What are some of the best pancake recipes for Pancake Day?
We like to think we know a thing or two at Great British Food about delicious food - try one of these recipes to make Pancake Day this year the most flavoursome yet.
Swiss Chard Pancakes with Lemon Berbere Butter | Great British Food Awards
Fluffiest-ever American Pancakes with Bacon, Maple Syrup & Avocado | Great British Food Awards
Cornmeal Chorizo Pancakes | Great British Food Awards
