Pancake Recipe UK: Classic British Pancakes for Shrove Tuesday
Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is a much-loved tradition in the UK, and no celebration is complete without thin, crêpe-style British pancakes. Whether you like them with lemon and sugar, golden syrup, or something more indulgent, a simple UK pancake recipe is easy to follow and perfect for Pancake Day!
In this article, you will learn:
- How to make classic British pancakes with a simple recipe.
- The difference between UK pancakes and American pancakes.
- The best Pancake Day toppings and variations.
- Top pancake-making tips for perfect results every time.
- A detailed meta description optimized for SEO.
Let’s get flipping! 🥞
Classic Pancake Recipe (UK Style)
Ingredients (Serves 4 – Makes 8 Pancakes)
✔️ 100g plain flour
✔️ 2 large eggs
✔️ 300ml milk
✔️ Pinch of salt
✔️ 1 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for frying)
Method
1️⃣ Make the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, sift the flour and salt together.
- Make a well in the centre and crack in the eggs.
- Add half the milk and whisk until smooth.
- Pour in the rest of the milk and melted butter and whisk until you get a thin batter.
2️⃣ Rest the Batter (Optional):
- Let the batter rest for 20-30 minutes to improve the texture.
3️⃣ Heat the Pan:
- Place a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
4️⃣ Cook the Pancakes:
- Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan, tilting it to spread the batter evenly.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes until the edges lift, then flip with a spatula or toss in the air!
- Cook the other side for 30 seconds–1 minute, then transfer to a plate.
5️⃣ Keep Warm & Serve:
- Keep pancakes warm by covering them with foil.
- Serve with your favourite classic UK toppings!
Best Pancake Toppings (UK Style)
🇬🇧 Classic British Toppings:
✔️ Lemon juice & sugar 🍋
✔️ Golden syrup or honey 🍯
✔️ Strawberries & cream 🍓🥛
✔️ Nutella & banana 🍫🍌
✔️ Maple syrup & butter 🍁🧈
🥑 Savoury Pancake Ideas:
✔️ Cheese & ham 🧀🥓
✔️ Spinach & feta 🌿🧀
✔️ Mushroom & garlic butter 🍄🧄
What is the Difference Between UK Pancakes & American Pancakes?
| Feature | UK Pancakes | American Pancakes |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | Thin (like crêpes) | Thick & fluffy |
| Texture | Light & soft | Fluffy & cakey |
| Ingredients | No baking powder | Baking powder makes them rise |
| Toppings | Lemon & sugar | Butter & syrup |
| Size | Large, folded or rolled | Small, stacked |
Top 5 Pancake-Making Tips
1️⃣ Use a HOT pan 🔥 – A medium-hot pan ensures the batter spreads evenly and cooks quickly.
2️⃣ Don’t overmix the batter ❌ – A few lumps are fine; overmixing makes the pancakes chewy.
3️⃣ Rest the batter 🕒 – Letting it sit for 20–30 minutes improves the texture.
4️⃣ Flip at the right time ⏳ – When bubbles form and the edges lift, it’s ready to flip!
5️⃣ Keep them warm 🔥 – Stack cooked pancakes on a warm plate under foil while you make the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Pancakes
1. Can I make pancake batter in advance?
Answer: Yes! You can make the batter the night before and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
2. Can I freeze pancakes?
Answer: Yes! Once cooled, stack pancakes with baking paper between them and freeze for up to 2 months.
3. How do I reheat pancakes?
Answer: Warm them in a microwave for 20 seconds or in a pan for 30 seconds per side.
4. Can I use self-raising flour instead of plain flour?
Answer: It’s best to use plain flour, as self-raising flour will make them thicker and fluffier, like American pancakes.
5. How do I make vegan pancakes?
Answer: Replace milk with almond/soy milk and use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
6. Can I make gluten-free pancakes?
Answer: Yes! Use gluten-free plain flour instead of wheat flour.
7. How do I prevent pancakes from sticking to the pan?
Answer: Use a non-stick pan and grease it lightly with butter or oil before each pancake.
8. Why are my pancakes rubbery?
Answer: You may have overmixed the batter or overcooked them. Mix just until smooth and cook on medium heat.
9. What is the best pan for pancakes?
Answer: A non-stick frying pan (20-25cm diameter) works best.
10. What’s the record for the most pancake flips in one minute?
Answer: The world record is 140 flips in one minute!
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Perfect Pancakes!
Pancake Day is a fun and delicious tradition, and now you have the perfect UK pancake recipe to celebrate! Whether you enjoy them with lemon & sugar, syrup, or a savoury filling, this simple batter recipe will give you light, delicious pancakes every time.
🥞 Happy Pancake Day! 🥞