Traditional UK Pancake Recipe
This classic UK pancake recipe makes thin, light pancakes that are perfect for Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) or any time you fancy a simple homemade treat. British pancakes are thinner than American-style pancakes and are traditionally served with lemon juice and sugar.
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Ingredients
This recipe makes around 6–8 pancakes.
- 100g plain flour
- 2 large eggs
- 300ml milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (plus extra for frying)
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Traditional UK Pancakes
1. Make the Batter
Put the flour and salt into a mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre and crack in the eggs. Gradually whisk in the milk, starting from the centre and working outwards, until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
Whisk in the tablespoon of oil. The batter should be the consistency of single cream.
2. Rest the Batter
Leave the batter to rest for 20–30 minutes if possible. This helps the flour absorb the liquid and results in softer pancakes, but it can be used straight away if needed.
3. Heat the Pan
Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Lightly grease it with a small amount of oil, wiping away any excess with kitchen paper.
The pan should be hot but not smoking.
4. Cook the Pancakes
Pour a small ladle of batter into the pan, tilting it quickly to spread the batter thinly and evenly.
Cook for 30–60 seconds until the edges lift slightly and the underside is lightly golden. Flip the pancake and cook for a further 20–30 seconds.
Transfer to a plate and keep warm while you cook the remaining batter.
Traditional UK Pancake Toppings
Classic British pancake toppings include:
- Lemon juice and sugar
- Golden syrup
- Honey
- Fresh fruit
- Jam
The most traditional choice remains lemon juice with a sprinkle of sugar.
Common Pancake Problems and Fixes
Pancakes sticking
Make sure the pan is properly heated and lightly greased.
Batter too thick
Add a splash of milk to loosen it.
Uneven pancakes
Tilt the pan quickly as soon as the batter goes in.
Final Thoughts
This traditional UK pancake recipe is quick, simple, and uses basic ingredients most households already have. Whether you’re making them for Pancake Day or a simple dessert, these thin British pancakes are easy to master and endlessly adaptable with different toppings.