Easy Pancake Recipes for Pancake Day (Fluffy American & Thin French Pancakes)
Looking for easy pancake recipes for Pancake Day? These are our go-to pancakes that we make every year at home. Choose between thin, light French-style pancakes (crêpes) that are perfect with lemon and sugar or maple syrup, or fluffy American-style pancakes that are thicker, soft and ideal for piling high with toppings. Both recipes are simple, family-friendly and great for baking with kids. Whether you’re planning a Pancake Day breakfast, brunch or dessert, these classic pancake recipes are reliable, quick to make and always a hit.
Fluffy American Pancakes Recipe
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
• 200g plain flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 300ml milk
• 2 tbsp melted butter (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Method:
1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
2. Whisk eggs, milk, butter and vanilla in a jug.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry and gently mix until just combined.
4. Heat a lightly greased pan over medium heat.
5. Spoon batter into pan. Cook 2–3 minutes until bubbles appear.
6. Flip and cook 1–2 minutes more.
7. Serve warm.
Craft & Crumb Serving Ideas:
• Build-your-own topping bar with fruit, yoghurt and sprinkles
• Chocolate chip smiley faces
• Maple syrup drizzle with banana slices
Little Baker Tip:
A few lumps are good — overmixing makes pancakes tough!
Classic French Crêpes Recipe (Thin Pancakes)
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rest Time: 20 minutes (optional)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
• 125g plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 300ml milk
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
Method:
1. Place flour and salt in bowl.
2. Add eggs and whisk.
3. Gradually add milk to form thin batter.
4. Stir in melted butter and sugar.
5. Rest batter if possible.
6. Pour thin layer into hot pan, swirl.
7. Cook 1 minute, flip, cook 30 seconds.
Craft & Crumb Serving Ideas:
• Lemon and sugar classic
• Nutella and strawberries
• Jam and whipped cream roll-ups
Little Baker Tip:
Batter should pour like single cream.
Pancake Recipe FAQs
Can I make pancake batter ahead of time?
Yes. French crêpe batter can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the fridge. American pancake batter is best made fresh but can sit for 30 minutes.
Can I freeze pancakes?
Yes. Let pancakes cool completely, then freeze in layers with baking paper between. Reheat in toaster or microwave.
Why are my pancakes flat?
Check your baking powder is fresh and avoid overmixing the batter.
Can I make these pancakes dairy-free?
Yes. Use plant-based milk and swap butter for vegetable oil or dairy-free spread.