American pancake stack with syrup being poured over it

You can also discover the latest pancake trends, and learn how different countries celebrate Shrove Tuesday with our pancakes from around the world. Now try our favourite vanilla recipes.

How to make pancakes...

The best pan for pancakes

A heavy non-stick frying pan about 16cm across is best. Heat the pan over a steady medium heat then just before you add the batter brush lightly with melted butter. You can use a pastry brush or just a piece of kitchen paper dipped in the butter.

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Pour a little batter in the pan and tilt the pan so the batter coats the bottom. Leave the pancake until you start to see tiny bubbles appearing on the uncooked surface.
Click here to read more about the perfect pans for pancakes.

How to flip pancakes

Now you have a choice – you can either flip the pancake in the air using just the pan, or flip with a spatula. If you want to flip with the pan angle it down to the floor slightly holding it in both hands and let the pancake slide to the front of the pan. Now give the pan a quick jerk upwards, the pancake should fly up and over then you can catch it, uncooked side down, in the pan. Cook the other side until pale golden then slide out.

The first pancake will usually fail. It often comes out a bit anaemic looking and flabby rather than crisp and golden. Don’t panic! Think of this as your practice one as the pan comes up to proper temperature and you get a feel for the batter.

If you are cooking for a crowd, stack the pancakes on a plate as you cook them with greaseproof paper in between and then reheat in a 150C/fan 130C/gas 2 oven.

Our best pancake recipes

Now you know how to make the perfect pancakes, here are our favourite recipes to try. Our simple pancake recipes are all easy to make, from crepes to stacks of American pancakes, savoury pancakes to indulgent chocolate versions, and even healthy pancake recipes.

American pancakes

Double raising agent (baking powder on top of self-raising flour) makes extra-fluffy pancakes in this classic recipe, best served warm and drenched in maple syrup.

Biscoff pancakes

Ever thought of swirling Biscoff through your next batch of pancakes? Give it a whirl for an indulgent brunch dish, served with a Biscoff drizzle, toasted pecans and sliced banana.

Classic crêpes

These classic crêpes, requiring just five ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, can be served sweet or savoury – we love them topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

A plate of crepes on a stone surface topped with sliced fruit and a dusting of icing sugar

Blueberry pancakes

Treat yourself to a stack of healthy blueberry and cornmeal pancakes, flavoured with orange zest and maple syrup. Perfect for a lazy weekend brunch

Vegan pancakes

These fluffy American-style pancakes are made with plant-based milk - we find oat or soy works best. Serve them soaked in maple syrup for an indulgent, plant-based breakfast.

A stack of vegan American pancakes covered in maple syrup

Healthy banana pancakes

These gluten free and dairy free pancakes are really quick to whip up and use just 3 ingredients. The peanut butter makes them sturdy so they’re easy to flip, and you can use any nut butter you like. Try making these easy pancakes for Shrove Tuesday.

Plate of pancakes with syrup and bananas

Protein pancakes

Start your day with these protein pancakes made with bananas, wholemeal spelt flour and yogurt – drizzle with maple syrup or nut butter before serving

Baked pancakes

Use up leftover pancakes and cooked ham in this comforting cheesy bake. Ready in just over an hour, these oven pancakes make an easy dinner for four

Gluten-free pancakes

These pancakes can be made in just 20 minutes and are make with gluten-free flour, so everyone can enjoy them. Finish with your favourite toppings for a delicious breakfast or brunch.

A white plate with three pancakes topped with sliced strawberries and blueberries

Coconut flour pancakes

These have a lovely coconut flavour and go really well with coconut yogurt and fresh fruit.

Cottage cheese pancakes

Using a blender to make these pancakes means breakfast is on the table in minutes. Top with your favourite chopped fruits and a drizzle of maple syrup. Try more cottage cheese recipes.

Banana bread pancakes

Use up brown bananas the best way possible: in these super-sweet, fruity and moreish pancakes.

A stack of pancakes with raisins, walnuts and banana

Sourdough pancakes

Make the most of leftover sourdough starter with a stack of fluffy pancakes, flavoured with brown butter and drizzled with maple syrup.

Chocolate Nutella pancakes

These light and fluffy Nutella pancakes are simply delicious and come drizzled in a smooth and creamy hot chocolate sauce. Adding booze to the sauce is optional but highly recommended for an extra treat! Make these American pancakes for an indulgent treat on Shrove Tuesday.

Nutella Pancakes With Hot Chocolate Sauce (Plus How To Video)

Breakfast pancakes

Oranges and mandarins give these thick, American-style breakfast pancakes a sweet and zesty finish. Serve with crème fraîche or yoghurt for a delicious Pancake Day recipe.

Ginger and blueberry pancakes with gochujang-glazed bacon and maple syrup

Take sweet and savoury to a whole new height with warming ginger and juicy fresh blueberries. Top with some sticky gochujang-glazed bacon to serve.

Gochujang-glazed bacon on ginger and blueberry pancakes, drizzled with maple syrup on a plate

Almond flour pancakes

These have a lovely coconut flavour and go really well with coconut yogurt and fresh fruit.

Kimchi jeon (spicy kimchi pancakes)

Try these delicious spicy Korean kimchi pancakes from Da-Hae West, full of robust flavour thanks to the fermented kimchi

Two large kimchi pancakes on a plate sprinkled with spring onions. Alongside bowl of kimchi

Easy vegan pancakes with berry compote

Check out our fluffy pancakes with vibrant berry compote. This indulgent vegan brunch recipe is easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes.

Stack of Vegan Pancakes Topped with Berry Compote

Peanut butter pancakes

Covered in a vibrant array of summer fruits and a lip-smacking peanut butter sauce, these light and fluffy pancakes from food writer John Gregory-Smith make a fabulous brunch for two, or dessert for four.

Tiramisu pancakes

We've layered fluffy coffee pancakes with mascarpone and covered in mocha syrup for an indulgent brunch dessert.

Salted caramel-stuffed pancakes

Check out our light and fluffy pancakes packed with salted caramel. This easy recipe is simple to make and ready in just 30 minutes - an easy treat for the whole family.

A pile of stuffed pancakes filled with salted caramel, served with raspberries

Ham and cheese savoury pancakes

Try these satisfying savoury crêpes, stuffed with chunky ham and oozing salty gruyère. Perfect for a quick, comforting midweek meal or Sunday brunch.

Crêpes suzette

Crêpe suzette is a classic French dessert combining thin pancakes with a boozy orange sauce and we think they're perfect for Shrove Tuesday.

Spinach pancakes with smoked salmon

Check out this vibrant recipe for green spinach pancakes with soured cream, smoked salmon and dill. Our easy spinach pancakes make for a lazy weekend brunch recipe

Spinach Pancake Recipe with Smoked Salmon

Potato pancakes

These pancakes are given a super soft and fluffy texture from the addition of creamy mashed potatoes. Serve them topped with crème fraîche and chives for a savoury brunch this weekend.

Ricotta pancakes

These fluffy ricotta pancakes with whipped honey butter are perfect for Shrove Tuesday. If you haven’t tried whipping butter try this. It makes it light and airy and allows you to incorporate subtle sweet or savoury flavours.

Savoury sourdough pancakes with roast beetroot

Use up your left-over sourdough starter to make a stack of fluffy pancakes. Serve with roast beetroot and crème fraîche for a savoury take on Christmas brunch

A stack of fluffy American-style pancakes with cubes of purple beetroot

Banana crêpes

Check out this indulgent pancake recipe with boozy banana and bourbon butterscotch sauce. This quick and easy recipe is not only great for a decadent Shrove Tuesday pancake, but it makes a fun sweet treat to serve at gatherings with friends and family.

Full English pancakes

Celebrate the weekend with this beautiful marriage of pancakes and Full English breakfast. Perfect for sharing over a campfire, you can expect fried eggs, sausages, mushrooms, bacon and chilli jam

A stack of pancakes with Full English trimmings on top

Bánh xèo tôm Vietnamese pancakes

Bánh xèo is a light savoury crêpe, eaten with an abundance of salad leaves and herbs. This one comes stuffed with juicy king prawns

Two crepes with salad and fillings and chopsticks

Where the Pancakes Are's apple and almond Dutch baby

How does an oven-baked apple and almond pancake sound for your next weekend brunch? Try this comforting recipe from London-based pancake restaurant Where the Pancakes Are.

Skillet of baked pancake topped with blueberries, almonds and icing sugar

Dairy-free coconut pancakes

This recipe for coconut pancakes with strawberries and lime syrup is a delicious start to the day. Plus, they're under 500 calories making them a healthier option for Pancake Day.

Coconut Milk Pancakes For Dairy Free Pancakes

Espresso pancakes

Looking for an easy crepe recipe? Try these espresso pancakes with chocolate and hazelnut for an indulgent dessert on Shrove Tuesday.

Spelt drop scones

Like small, thick pancakes, these spelt buttermilk drop scones are a great brunch option, super soft and fluffy. Serve these pancakes with homemade blueberry compote and a dollop of natural yogurt for Pancake Day.

Spelt buttermilk drop scones with blueberry compote

Crêpe cake

This matcha mille crêpe cake looks really impressive but is also easy to make. Create this beautiful green tea inspired cake using layers of crepes and custard cream and dust with some matcha powder to finish. This recipe also includes a handy how-to video which show the steps in detail.