20 most popular pancake recipes

We can reveal that Good Food's most popular pancake recipe (by a landslide margin) are these classic French-style crêpes. While this isn't an especially fancy pancake, its easy, foolproof formula has stood the test of time, earning it the coveted top spot as king of crêpes. Perhaps part of our easy pancakes appeal is their simplicity, acting as a canvas for all kinds of toppings – whether you want to slather them in melted chocolate or opt for a classic lemon and sugar, these versatile crêpes have catered to all tastes and trends over the years.

Discover more delicious crêpe recipes, from classic crêpes Suzette to savoury buckwheat crêpe madames.

2. American pancakes

Over the past few years, we've noticed a growing interest in American-style pancakes, and it's not hard to see why. A thick, fluffier alternative the European pancake, these beauties are easily stackable and can be loaded with all the toppings imaginable.

Check out our most popular American pancakes for an easy recipe, which demands to be covered in sticky maple syrup and anything else you fancy! We've also got lots more American pancake recipes with a variety of toppings and fillings.

3. American blueberry pancakes

One of our oldest recipes, this fruity variation of American pancakes makes a delicious dessert or brunch. Incorporating blueberries into the mixture gives these pancakes delicious little fresh pockets of flavour that burst when you bite into them. Teamed with maple syrup, these American blueberry pancakes are a sweet sensation.

For a step-by-step guide of how to make them, watch our video on how to make American pancakes.

4. Chocolate-stuffed pancakes with caramelised banana

Looking for an all-out indulgent brunch recipe? These sweet and sticky American pancakes come with a hidden chocolate centre and are oozing with maple syrup. Golden caramelised bananas are stacked between the pancakes, and it's finished with a scattering of crunchy hazelnuts. These chocolate-filled pancakes have long been a favourite with our audience and well worth the effort.

Looking for more showstopping brunch and dessert options? See our pick of the most indulgent pancake recipes.

5. Fluffy American pancakes with cherry-berry syrup

If you like a combination of sweet and savoury, these American cherry pancakes have it down to perfection. Fully loaded with layers of silky mascarpone, tangy fruit compote and sweet maple syrup, then topped with rashers of crispy grilled bacon for a satisfying salty kick. These beauties took pride of place as one of our magazine cover stars, and have gained a loyal following since.

Treat yourself to more sweet pancake recipes.

6. Scotch pancakes

Similar to American pancakes, Scotch pancakes are slightly smaller and denser with a crisp outside. Hailing from Scotland, they are also known as drop scones, and traditionally made by dropping batter onto a griddle. Enjoy them with butter for a simple teatime snack or a quick and easy breakfast.

Also try this recipe for drop scones.

7. Fluffy Japanese-style pancakes

One our most popular new recipes. Not only are these pancakes irresistibly light and fluffy, they also have a delightful wobble. Cook the batter on a low heat in crumpet tins to give them some height, then carefully stack your Japanese fluffy pancakes in a neat tower and watch them jiggle.

We've got plenty more fabulously fluffy pancake recipes for you to try, or take a look at this okonomiyaki recipe for another Japanese-style pancake.

8. Easy banana pancakes

Consistently in our top 5 for the last few years, these easy banana pancakes are mighty when it comes to flavour. Whip them up in just 10 minutes for a speedy breakfast or snack served with some syrup and chopped pecans.

Find more brilliant banana pancake recipes and see our pick of the best banana pancake recipes.

9. Eggs Benedict pancakes

We've reinvented this classic breakfast dish in pancake form and it's a hit! Slices of thick ham, spinach and creamy hollandaise are sandwiched between herby American pancakes and topped with a runny poached egg. That's breakfast sorted.

Try our recipe for Eggs Benedict pancakes, then browse more scrumptious savoury pancake recipes.

10. Ham & cheese pancakes

From croque monsieur to baguettes and omelettes, ham and cheese is a classic flavour combination that also works especially well as a pancake filling. With gooey gruyère, smoked ham and chives, these savoury crepes are the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a light supper or late night cravings – we wouldn't judge you. Also try our delicious Roti Jala (Malaysian net pancakes) recipe.

Whip up our ham and cheese pancakes in less than 20 minutes, then check out more savoury crêpe recipes.

11. Buttermilk pancakes

Fancy switching up your usual pancakes? Try with these increasingly popular and fluffy American-style buttermilk pancakes, replacing regular milk with a tub of buttermilk. Drizzled in a nutty, apple-flavoured syrup for a touch of decadence, you'll never make American pancakes any other way again.

Check out our top 5 American pancakes, or see more ways with buttermilk with our buttermilk collection.

12. Spinach & ricotta pancake bake

Are you more into the savoury pancake variety? If the answer is yes, take your pancake game up a notch with our impressive spinach & ricotta pancake bake. Savoury pancakes are gaining popularity in recent years, and this makes a great option for a filling family Shrove Tuesday dinner. Feel free to add any extra ingredients from the fridge – our users tried fresh basil, black olives and anchovies.

Like this? Try our spinach pancakes with harissa yogurt & poached eggs, and browse our top 10 savoury pancake recipes.

13. Pancakes for one

This pancakes for one recipe is perfect for someone who lives alone or doesn't want the hassle of halving recipes to match needs! These simple fluffy pancakes can be topped with whatever you'd like, from berries, syrup, cream, ice cream, yoghurt and more.

Healthy pancakes

14. Easy protein pancakes

Put your protein powder to good use in these easy protein pancakes. A great post-workout breakfast or brunch, you could enjoy these with some syrup, greek yoghurt and berries. We recommend blending the batter for a smooth consistency; it also helps with the fluffiness.

15. Healthy pancakes

Fiercely whip your egg whites to achieve these mega fluffy healthy pancakes. Made from only 4 ingredients, these are budget=-friendly and super easy to make. Stack high with fresh fruit, low fat yoghurt or syrup.

16. Keto pancakes

These pancakes are made from almond flour making them gluten free. Of course, low in carbohydrate, these keto pancakes are worth a try, topping with streaky bacon, syrup and fresh fruit like blueberries which have a tangy sweetness.

Free-from pancakes

When it comes to special diets, we've got you covered on the pancake front. Discover our most popular alternative options for dairy , egg-free & Gluten-free pancakes recipes

17. Easy vegan pancakes

Followers of a vegan diet shouldn't have to miss out on perfectly fluffy pancakes. Use your own choice of plant-based milk in place of dairy in this easy vegan pancakes recipe. It's a great base to layer up with your favourite toppings – vegan chocolate chips, coconut yogurt, bananas and blueberries all work well.

Check out more of our best ever vegan pancake recipes.

18. Vegan banana pancakes

This foolproof recipe for vegan banana pancakes has been climbing the ranks in popularity. Perfect for those with a dairy intolerance or following plant-based diet, these banana pancakes are fluffy and light, with a generous drizzle of syrup and sliced bananas for a fruity finish.

Browse through more egg-free pancake recipes.

19. Banana oat pancakes

Looking for a healthy pancake recipe that's full of flavour? Our dairy-free banana oat pancakes contain oat milk and mashed bananas for natural sweetness. Make them light and fluffy by whisking and folding whipped egg whites into the batter. Served with a dollop of yogurt and fresh berries.

Discover more dairy-free pancake recipes.

20. Gluten-free pancakes

Substitute regular flour for a specialist alternative and you have a basic gluten-free crêpe. The batter can be whisked up in just five minutes and is easy enough for children to help out with. These gluten-free pancakes are lusciously light and delicate but won't fall apart when you flip them. Enjoy with a range of sweet or savoury fillings.

See our collection of gluten-free pancake recipes for plenty more ideas. You can also find more information about free-from pancake making in this guide on how to make pancakes with eggs, flour or milk.

Discover more perfect pancake recipes...

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