There’s something about Pancake Day that brings out the inner child in all of us! Whether it’s the nostalgia of flipping crepes in the kitchen or indulging in an extra drizzle of Nutella, it’s a day that’s all about comfort, tradition, and delicious food.
These days, I often opt for fluffy ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote and fresh bananas—a truly decadent treat. But I also love reflecting on the pancakes and crepes from my past, the ones that bring back wonderful memories of simple pleasures.
So, in celebration of Pancake Day, I’m sharing a mix of classic sweet crepes, indulgent savoury pancakes, and some modern twists to suit everyone’s taste. Whether you’re a lemon and sugar purist, a chocolate lover, or someone who enjoys a savoury option, this list has you covered!
1. Classic French Crepes with Nutella & Icing Sugar
This one needs no introduction—a thin, delicate French crepe spread with gooey Nutella and a dusting of icing sugar. Simple. Classic. Perfection.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 ¼ cup milk
- 1 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for the pan)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: sliced strawberries
Method:
- Whisk together flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes if possible.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, adding a little butter.
- Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan, swirling to coat evenly.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, flipping carefully.
- Spread Nutella over the warm crepe, fold or roll, and dust with icing sugar (and sliced strawberries if using) before serving.
🔥 Tip: Add sliced bananas for extra indulgence!
2. Classic French Crepes with Jam
A simpler, old-school version that’s just as satisfying. French crepes with a thin layer of strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam for a beautifully sweet treat.
Method:
- Follow the French crepe recipe above.
- Spread a thin layer of your favourite jam on the warm crepe.
- Roll or fold, and serve warm with a sprinkle of icing sugar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
🔥 Tip: Try cherry jam with a little crème fraîche for a French-inspired flavour twist!
3. Savoury Pancakes with Mussels & White Wine Sauce
A more sophisticated way to enjoy Pancake Day, this dish pairs delicate crepes with fresh mussels in a garlic white wine sauce. Light, elegant, and packed with flavour.
Ingredients:
- 1 batch of French crepes (see recipe above)
- 500g fresh mussels, cleaned
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- ½ cup cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Method:
- In a large pan, melt butter and sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant.
- Add white wine, bring to a simmer, then add the mussels. Cover and steam for 5 minutes until the shells open. Discard any that don’t open.
- Stir in cream, season with salt and pepper, and add chopped parsley.
- Spoon the mussels and sauce over warm crepes, folding gently.
🔥 Tip: Serve with crusty bread for extra indulgence!
4. Savoury Pancakes with Chicken & Mushroom Sauce
A rich and comforting pancake dish, perfect for a hearty brunch or light dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 batch of French crepes
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 chicken breast, diced
- ½ cup cream or crème fraîche
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley
Method:
- Melt butter in a pan, sauté shallots and mushrooms for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken and cook through.
- Stir in cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, letting it thicken slightly.
- Spoon the creamy filling into warm crepes, fold, and garnish with fresh herbs.
🔥 Tip: Add a splash of white wine for extra depth.
5. Coconut Flour Pancakes (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free)
For a lighter, naturally gluten-free option, these pancakes are fluffy yet filling, with a slight coconut sweetness.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup coconut flour
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup almond milk (or regular milk)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Method:
- Whisk together all ingredients until smooth.
- Heat a non-stick pan with coconut oil over medium heat.
- Cook pancakes for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping carefully.
- Serve with fresh berries, coconut yoghurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
🔥 Tip: Add lemon zest for extra freshness!
6. Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Compote
Light, airy, and utterly indulgent—these ricotta pancakes feel like pillows of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs, separated
- ½ cup milk
- ¾ cup plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Blueberry Compote:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Method:
- Whisk ricotta, egg yolks, milk, honey, and vanilla together.
- Stir in flour and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until fluffy, then fold into the batter.
- Cook pancakes on medium heat until golden.
- Simmer blueberries with maple syrup and lemon juice for 5 minutes.
- Serve pancakes topped with blueberry compote and sliced banana.
🔥 Tip: Add a dusting of icing sugar for an extra treat!
Bonus Pancake Idea: Classic Lemon & Sugar Crepes
I couldn’t finish this list without the ultimate Pancake Day favourite—thin crepes with fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of sugar. It’s the simplest, yet one of the most satisfying ways to enjoy pancakes!
To serve:
- Simply follow the French crepe recipe.
- Squeeze fresh lemon over the crepe.
- Sprinkle caster sugar generously.
- Fold or roll and enjoy!
🔥 Tip: For extra indulgence, drizzle with honey or melted butter.
Pancake Day is all about embracing tradition, indulging in flavours, and bringing joy to the kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of classic crepes, rich savoury options, or modern twists like coconut flour pancakes, there’s something on this list for everyone.
What’s your go-to Pancake Day favourite? Let me know in the comments! Happy flipping! 🥞✨
