Pancake Day: Where’s it All Whipped Up From?

Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday precedes Ash Wednesday in the Christian calendar and usually falls in February or March.

Celebrated in many countries, Pancake Day pinpoints the beginning of Lent- a period of 40 days when Christians fast before Easter Sunday just as the Bible states that Jesus did in the desert whilst being tempted by the devil.

The term ‘Shrove’ meaning ‘confess’ refers to Christians’ final purge before encountering the religious practises and sacrifices that come with Lent, whereas ‘Mardi Gras’- French for ‘Fat Tuesday’ and refers to the practise of eating richer, fattier foods before fasting.

Pancakes came into association with the annual event because they’re made from filling ingredients such as milk, eggs and sugar; the perfect pre-starvation snack.

Top Pancake Fillings & Toppings

History aside, nowadays Pancake Day is more associated with the infinite debate about what filling or topping to have on your stodgy treat. There are tonnes of variations around the world and endless combinations to enjoy.

 1. Fruit Jam & Chocolate or Hazelnut Spread

Traditionally eaten in Austria, Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic amongst other nations, these pancakes are served with apricot, strawberry, apple, plum or loganberry jam alongside chocolate or hazelnut spread. Inevitably, Nutella is popular amongst younger generations.

2. Savoury

From cheese and spinach, to ham and cheese to fruit, savoury filling can be a scrummy alternative to heavier options. Favourites from around the world also include goat’s cheese with salad, chicken with leek, mushroom with mascarpone and carrots with coriander. As pancakes can be filling on their own, using fresh and healthy ingredients can allow you to enjoy the treat guilt-free as a main meal.

3. Yoghurt & Honey, Cinnamon or Syrup

Enjoyed a great deal across Europe, plain Greek-style pouring yoghurt is placed across the pancake and mixed with cinnamon, honey or syrup for a sweet taste. Flavoured yoghurt is also consumed by many. A traditional Austrian version called Kaiserschmarm involves filling pancakes with cheese, pouring yoghurt over them and oven baking. It’s also often drizzled with ingredients such as almonds, raisins or small pieces of apples split into pieces and sprinkled with powdered sugar.

4. Chocolate or Peanut Butter

Whether it’s chocolate chips, sauce or chunks, or even cocoa powder in the preparation stages, this is an intense and indulgent way to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. Often eaten in England and the US, chocolate pancakes are frequently teamed with whipped cream or for more of a balance, enjoy with chopped banana, strawberries, blueberries or raspberries or indeed any other fruit that takes your fancy.



5.  Lemon & Sugar or Crêpe Suzette

Like fish and chips, this topping is a great British tradition. The wonderful balance of bitter lemon juice and sweet sugar satisfies many a craving. A low-fat favourite, Crêpe Suzette is a zesty French classic made with orange and lemon juice as well as orange flavoured liqueur for a bit of a kick.

6. Breakfast Fry-Up

Proof that pancakes can be eaten at any time of the day, this version is potato based. Made with boiled and mashed potatoes, these pancakes act as a carby component to any breakfast platter. They’re delicious served with morning favourites such as bacon, sausages or scrambled eggs. Classic butter, sugar and eggs based pancake batters can also be used for this filling if you’re not keen on potatoes.