Pancake Day is finally here! Also known as Shrove Tuesday, this tasty tradition is the perfect excuse to indulge in golden, fluffy pancakes. Whether your kids love thin, delicate crepes, fluffy American-style pancakes, or dairy & gluten-free banana pancakes, we’ve got three recipes that everyone will enjoy.
This year, Pancake Day falls on Tuesday, 17 February 2026!
What is Pancake Day?
Pancake Day, celebrated annually on the day before Ash Wednesday, marks the start of Lent in many cultures. Traditionally, it was a way to use up rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period.
Why Pancakes Are the Perfect Treat for Kids
Pancakes are versatile, easy to make, and loved by children of all ages. They can be sweet, savory, or allergy-friendly, making them perfect for family breakfasts, brunches, or even dessert. With creative toppings and fun shapes, pancakes are an activity as much as a meal—kids can help stir, pour, and decorate!
Traditional crepe style pancake recipe:
For a classic and elegant take on pancakes, the crepe-style pancake is thin, light, and perfect for rolling or folding with your favorite fillings.
Ingredients:
- 100g plain flour
- 2 large eggs
- 300ml milk
- 1 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil, plus a little extra for frying
Method:
Put 100g plain flour, 2 large eggs, 300ml milk, 1 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil and a pinch of salt into a bowl or large jug, then whisk to a smooth batter. This should be similar in consistency to single cream.
Set a medium frying pan or crêpe pan over a medium heat and carefully wipe it with some oiled kitchen paper. When hot, cook your pancakes for 1 min on each side until golden, using around half a ladleful of batter per pancake. Keep them warm in a low oven as you make the rest.
Serve with lemon wedges and caster sugar, or your favourite filling!
See the full article on BBC goodfood
American style pancake recipe:
If you love thick, fluffy pancakes that stack high, the American-style pancake is your go-to. Serve with syrup, butter, or fresh berries for a true breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
- 135g/4¾oz plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp caster sugar
- 130ml/4½fl oz milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp melted butter (allowed to cool slightly), plus extra for cooking
Method:
Sift the flour, baking powder, salt and caster sugar into a large bowl. In a separate bowl or jug, lightly whisk together the milk and egg, then whisk in the melted butter.
Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and, using a fork, beat until you have a smooth batter. Any lumps will soon disappear with a little mixing. Let the batter stand for a few minutes.
Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and add a knob of butter. When it's melted, add a ladle of batter (or two if your frying pan is big enough to cook two pancakes at the same time). It will seem very thick but this is how it should be.
Wait for about 3 minutes until the top of the pancake begins to bubble, and the edges begin to set. Flip it over and cook for another two minutes until both sides are golden brown and the pancake has risen to about 1cm/½in thick. If the pancake is too dark, reduce the heat slightly for the next round
Dairy & gluten free pancake recipe:
Perfect for children with dietary restrictions, these banana pancakes are dairy and gluten-free without sacrificing flavor. Naturally sweetened and soft, they’re a healthy and kid-friendly alternative.
- 1 cup of oats (gluten free)
- 1 cup of whole milk (or dairy free plant based alternative)
- 1 small banana
- 1 tsp. of baking powder
- 1 tsp. of vanilla extract (optional)
Method:
Add all the ingredients for the baby pancakes into a blender and blend until a smooth mixture is formed. Heat a drizzle of oil over a medium heated pan. Add a teaspoon size of the banana pancake mixture and cook for around 1-2 minutes each side until the baby pancake is lightly golden.
Find more on the Organix website
Fun Ways to Serve Pancakes for Kids
- Sweet toppings: Fresh berries, maple syrup, honey, or dairy-free chocolate spread.
- Savory options: Mild cheese, avocado, or scrambled eggs.
- Creative twists: Mini pancake stacks, rolled crepes, or fun shapes with cookie cutters.
Encourage your kids to help with decorating, it makes Pancake Day extra special! With these three kid-friendly recipes; classic crepes, fluffy American pancakes, and dairy- and gluten-free banana pancakes, you’re ready to celebrate in style! Is the viral air-fryer pancake hack worth it? If you try it let us know!