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Pancake Day Made Easy: Perfect Pancakes for Every Taste

Pancake Day is one of the UK’s most-loved food traditions, and Shrove Tuesday 2026 is just around the corner. Whether you’re keeping things traditional or want to get the whole family involved, our tips and tricks will make sure you flip the perfect stack to keep everyone happy.

What Is Shrove Tuesday?

Why we celebrate Pancake Day

Shrove Tuesday traditionally marks the day before Lent begins in the Christian calendar. Historically, it was a time to use up ingredients like milk, eggs and butter before a period of fasting – which is how pancakes came to exist.

How Pancake Day is marked in the UK

Today, Pancake Day is celebrated across the UK. This year, it’s on the 17th of February 2026. From classic crêpes to fluffy American-style stacks, Pancake Day 2026 is all about using up cupboard and fridge essentials in a fun and delicious way.

 

How to Prepare the Perfect Pancake Batter

A simple, classic pancake recipe

If you’re wondering how to prepare a pancake, this foolproof recipe is a good place to start (even for kids).
Ingredients (makes 12):

Method:

1. Whisk the flour and eggs together in a bowl

2. Gradually add the milk and whisk until smooth

3. Stir in the melted butter and rest the batter for 30 mins (if you have time)

4. Pour into in a buttered or oiled pan using half a ladle of batter per pancaked

5. Cook for one minute on each side or until golden brown on both sides and able to flip

6. Have fun with flipping but make sure you’re careful of the hot pan

7. Decorate with your favourite pancake toppings


Want a breakfast-appropriate pancake recipe that won’t spike your blood sugar or have the kids bouncing off the walls? Check out our recipe for healthy banana oat pancakes instead.

Tips for smooth batter and even cooking

Sifting your flour, letting the batter rest before cooking and using a steady, medium heat can all help to make this pancake day recipe create the most delicious pancakes possible.

Common pancake mistakes to avoid

Try to avoid over-mixing the batter, cooking on too high of a heat or adding too much butter or oil to the pan, as these are all easy mistakes that can affect the quality of the pancakes.

fruity pancake toppings

Classic Pancake Toppings Everyone Loves

Lemon and sugar

Lemon and sugar are timeless toppings. Fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of sugar make for a simple yet tangy pancake day recipe.

Golden syrup and honey

For those with a sweet tooth, golden or maple syrup is an indulgent and delicious topping. Looking for a healthier sugar alternative? Top your pancake with local honey and fresh fruit.

Jam and butter

Jam and butter are an old-school option for pancake toppings, and works best on warm, freshly flipped pancakes straight from the pan.

 

Indulgent Pancake Day Treats

Chocolate spread and banana

A guaranteed modern crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike; top with chocolate spread and fresh banana for an indulgent chocolate pancake day recipe.

Berries with whipped cream

Lean into Pancake Day 2026’s British heritage with fresh seasonal fruit and whipped cream.

Salted caramel and nuts

For more-adult pancake toppings, try a salted caramel sauce with a sprinkling of roasted nuts such as pecans or almond nuts.

chocolate pancakes

 

Plant-Based and Allergy-Friendly Pancakes

Dairy-free batter swaps

Replace cow’s milk with oat, almond or soy milk and use plant-based spreads instead of butter.

Vegan topping ideas

Nut butters, fruit compotes, maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate spreads are all vegan pancake toppings that work well, no matter what time of year.

Gluten-free options

Gluten-free doesn’t mean missing out! Swap wheat flour for gluten-free flour blends in the same ratio for an easy dietary swap.

 

Chef-Style Pancake Twists

Savoury pancakes with cheese and veg

While pancake day is often an excuse to indulge our sweet tooth, savoury toppings work well too. Top with grated cheese, spinach or mushrooms for a pancake day recipe that works as a more balanced dinner.

Feeling adventurous? Check out our recipe for a Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Pancake Bake – the ultimate savoury pancake day recipe.

Crêpe-style rolls and stacks

Hosting for pancake day 2026? Take inspiration from the French and opt for crêpes or pancakes rolled up and sliced to create a show-stopping centrepiece.

Pancake boards for sharing

Prepare the pancakes ahead of time and serve on a large sharing platter with different topping options available for your guests to customise to their own tastes.

 

Everything You Need for Pancake Day, Delivered

Milk, eggs and butter

Pancakes are meant to be simple, and most of the time you’ll have the ingredients waiting in your fridge. Running low on supplies? Order all the fresh dairy you need from Milk & More and get Pancake Day essentials delivered directly to your door.

Flour, sugars and syrups

Cupboard essentials like flour, sugar and syrup mean you can enjoy pancakes no-matter what time of year. Milk & More delivers more than just dairy. Explore our pantry and home staples now.

Fresh fruit and spreads

There’s nothing like organic fruit to top fresh pancakes. With Milk & More, you can have organic, seasonal fruit boxes delivered weekly, meaning you never have to go without your favourite pancake toppings.

Everything you need for Shrove Tuesday 2026 is just one click away. Find out more about your local Milk & More delivery service now and don’t forget to check out the Beside the Pint blog.