37 Amazing Pancake Recipes for Any Time of Day (2024)

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Anyone who says pancakes are only for breakfast needs a wake-up call—and this list of recipes. Because, sure, buttermilk with maple syrup (we’re talking the real stuff) is great, but there is so much more you can make on the griddle.

How about veggie-packed latkes, jalapeño-spiked corn cakes, protein pancakes, dessert flapjacks, and sweet and savory crepes? See, you can have them for breakfast, lunch, a snack, dinner, and dessert. OK, maybe not all on the same day (no one likes a food coma), but you catch our drift.

1. Korean Pancakes: Pajeon

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Jazz up your cakes with carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, and green onion for added color and antioxidants. Then mix up an easy dipping sauce for spicy, salty, umami flavoring, and you’ve got a great app or entire dinner. Make sure you chop the veggies really small (or use a mandoline), otherwise you’ll get stuck with crunchy pancakes.

2. Spiralized Sweet Potato Pancakes

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Shake things up with this colorful (and super tasty) take on the traditional Hanukkah recipe that you can enjoy any time of year. We love how the spiralized shape shakes things up a little bit.

3. Zucchini Corn Pancakes

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If you’re tired of the same old breakfast routine, we have the perfect solution. Eggs and zucchini make for a healthy, protein-filled base; corn and cheddar cheese will keep you coming back for more. Plus, if you swap out the cheese and use coconut flour, they’re Paleo.

4. Golden Potato Latkes

The just-right, classic recipe that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Use grapeseed or peanut oil for frying (both have a higher smoke point), then finish with your favorite topping for a satisfying morning or afternoon bite. And don’t look down on white potatoes: They’re a good source of potassium and vitamins C and B6.

5. Summer Vegetable Pancakes With Basil Chive Cream

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Ideal as a side dish or appetizer, these veggie cakes are fried to crispy perfection. What really sets them apart, though, is the cream (which would also make a great chip dip). And since the cakes combine zucchini and carrots, you get both vitamin A and C.

6. Pea Pancakes With Tzatziki

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This one’s all about the tzatziki sauce, which provides a cool, savory contrast to the hot cakes. This recipe calls for fresh peas, but let’s face it, frozen, thawed peas will work just as well and still add that fresh pop of sweetness. The best news? These are delicious day or night, perhaps because of the tangy goat cheese mixed in.

7. Savory Chickpea Pancakes With Smoky Roasted Carrots

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When you’re in the mood for something savory, healthy, and filling, these pancakes hit the spot. Made from protein-packed garbanzo beans, these cakes are bursting with flavor thanks to spices like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. They look fancy, yet they’re really easy to make.

8. Spinach Pancakes

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With a neutral flavor and loads of iron, spinach is the perfect veggie addition to any meal. Chickpea flour and cornmeal amp up the protein, but you can substitute whole-wheat flour if you don’t want to go gluten-free. Just throw the spinach, Greek yogurt, and milk in a blender; mix in the other ingredients; and voila! Why not go all green and polish them off with a spinach smoothie?

9. Apple Cider Maple Sausage Cornmeal Pancakes

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What’s better than a pancake that tastes like apple cider? One with bits of sausage folded into the batter, then covered with maple syrup. Greek yogurt keeps these guys light and fluffy, and the cornmeal and sausage cuts the sweetness of the apple cider. Top them off with some fresh fruit or cooked apples.

10. Jalapeño Cornmeal Pancakes

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With more corn and egg then flour, these aren’t your traditional pancakes. The texture isn’t as smooth, and the outside is perfectly crunchy. But it’s the inside that you’ll love: a mix of corn, spicy jalapeño, and cheddar cheese for some melty satisfaction. Finish them off with sour cream and salsa verde (you may never go back to maple syrup).

11. Taiwanese Beef Stuffed Scallion Pancake

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OK, there’s a lot of ingredients, but hang in there—the taste is worth it! The good news is most of them go toward flavoring the meat, so it’s just a matter of throwing them in a pot. But the pancakes on their own are equally delicious. Similar to roti, they have a crispy, fried exterior with a chewy (and in this case savory) inside. More please!

12. Bacon Polenta Pancakes With Maple Whipped Cream

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If you’re someone who lives for bacon maple doughnuts, this one’s for you. Bacon and polenta create the hearty base; maple whipped cream and spices bring on the sweet. Bacon truly does belong in everything.

13. Huevos Rancheros With a Savory Cornbread Pancake

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Burritos aren’t the only Mexican dish worthy of your morning meal. Ditch the tortilla for a hearty flapjack. These cornbread pancakes are piled high with eggs, salsa, and ham—they’re also a great option for when you’re hosting brunch.

14. Blueberry Vanilla Protein Pancakes

Your traditional pancake, amped up with some extra protein and smothered in blueberry sauce. What more could you ask for? Make a large batch and freeze the extras, then defrost them for a quick bite before work or a great pre-workout boost. The syrup contains just a tablespoon of agave, so it’s sweet but not like something from a bottle.

15.Tiramisu Protein Pancakes

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Tiramisu for breakfast? Absolutely. (You’ll want it for lunch and dinner too.) These pancakes taste like the real deal, but keep it healthy with a gluten-free, protein-rich base, and a yummy filling that uses coconut cream. If you’re making these for a special occasion, we’d absolutely support adding a little brandy or Grand Marnier.

16. Easy Banana and Chia Seed Protein Pancakes

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These yummy pancakes don’t have refined flour or sugar, so they’re just as healthy as they are tasty! The bananas, almonds, honey and chia seeds make for an awesome flavor combo, but feel free to mix in whatever flavors (or protein powders!) you like. With a simple ingredients list, it’s a cinch to whip up, and you can load up on protein, potassium, and fiber for the day.

17. Pumpkin Spice Protein Pancakes

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Fall wouldn’t be complete without something pumpkin spice. This recipe is a much healthier way to get your fix, and it uses real, natural ingredients, with a little protein powder thrown in for good measure. All you have to do is mix things in a blender, then cook them. Talk about an easy morning.

18. Lemon Chia Seed Pancakes With Roasted Strawberries

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Why wait for lemon poppy seed muffins to bake when you can have lemon chia seed pancakes in less time? Granted, the roasted berries take some extra effort, but you can simply top with sliced strawberries or make them before.

19. Berry Protein Pancakes

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Oat flour, protein powder, and eggs guarantee you’ll get your protein quota for the morning. The berries add some awesome color and natural sweetness to keep your taste buds happy. Play with protein powder flavors to mix things up.

20. Gluten Free Banana Oatmeal Protein Pancakes

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It’s banana bread deliciousness packed into a pancake, with only four ingredients and no flour. But don’t worry, the oats and banana, and will keep you energized and full through the morning, plus they’re a great source of fiber and protein. And these guys only take five minutes to whip up. Guess you’ll just have to sleep in.

21. Whole Wheat Apple Pancakes

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Come fall, we find a way to add apples to everything. So naturally we love this recipe. And let’s not forget the apple cider syrup.

22. Chocolate Pancakes

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These pancakes are the real deal, with cocoa powder all the way through. And that means they’re just as healthy as basic pancakes—if not better thanks to the antioxidants in cocoa. If you’re feeling in an especially decadent mood, throw some chocolate bits in the batter, or swap the maple syrup for chocolate sauce and fruit. Chocolate fix, done.

23. Carrot Cake Pancakes

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The perfect way to make cake for breakfast an actual thing. Carrots equal healthy, right? That’s what we’re telling ourselves. If you’re in a rush or want to keep it a bit healthier, you could leave off the cream syrup and opt for real maple syrup instead. This recipe calls for soaking the carrots overnight to soften them and pull out the sugar, but if you forget to in the midst of your busy day, we’re sure they’d still taste just as good morning of.

24. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes

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Everyone’s favorite duo takes chocolate chip pancakes to a whole new level. There’s even peanut butter in the maple syrup. Is it Saturday morning yet?

25. Coconut and Carrot Vegan Pancakes

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These are just the right amount of sweet (without being too sugary) and will transport you back to delightful summer memories of lounging poolside. Slightly thicker than most pancakes, these taste delicious with some whipped cream or maple syrup on top.

26. Pumpkin Chocolate Pancakes

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Where would pumpkin be without a little chocolate to sweeten it up? Eat these for breakfast, or freeze and pull them out for a quick afternoon snack. You can use pumpkin or substitute a winter squash like butternut, and you’ll still get that delectable flavor. Plus the melty chocolate yum.

27. Gingerbread Pancakes

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Pancake meets gingerbread, and the result is oh so fluffy and delicious. A mix of spicy and sweet, these may look like they have a lot of ingredients, but they’re super simple to whip up. The ideal stack to cozy up with on a chilly morning or afternoon.

28. Churro Pancakes

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These may not be the most nutritious, but we don’t care. There’s cinnamon and sugar in the pancakes, and we suggest smothering them in chocolate sauce. You’re excused for not sharing.

29. Blueberry Granola Crunch Pancakes

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If you’re looking for a good, old fashioned pancake recipe, this is it. Well, with a slight twist. You’ll get all the lightness of a buttermilk pancake with the tasty crunch of granola and the sweet tang of blueberries. If you have fresh blueberries, that’s always best, but frozen will do in a pinch.

30. Paleo Mexican Hot Chocolate Pancakes With Salted Dulce de Leche

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Sweetened with natural ingredients like maple syrup and dates, these Paleo pancakes are crazy good and not too bad for you. A little cayenne brings some heat to the flapjacks, which are made with almond and coconut flour—both good sources of fiber. And dates are a surprisingly good stand-in for caramel in the sauce. Really.

31. Strawberry and Sprinkles Buttermilk Pancakes

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Here’s an extra special birthday treat or just a fun way to brighten up your morning. The strawberries taste amazing baked into the batter. Have them for breakfast—or dessert!

32. Black Forest Crepes

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Who said the chocolate has to be on the inside? These crepes switch things up, adding cocoa to the batter, then filling them with fresh cream and cherry syrup. They’re the perfect dessert after a special dinner.

33. Savory Crepes

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Ask any Parisian, and they’ll tell you crepes aren’t only sweet. You can also eat them for dinner. An easy homemade pesto, chicken, mushrooms, spinach, and mozzarella add a little oomph to the traditionally light fare. Cut them into quarters, and it’s almost like pizza!

34. Cajeta With Crepes and Roasted Pears

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A.k.a. food of the gods, cajeta is essentially dulce de leche, but it’s made with goat’s milk, which gives it a slight tang while still remaining creamy and sweet. Wrap it up in a crepe, top with some roasted pears, and get ready for one heck of a tasty morning. This one takes some time, so it’s probably best for the weekend.

35. Savory Herb Crepes With Hollandaise

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If eggs benedict are on your list of favorite breakfast foods, we’re pretty sure you’ll like these too. Fill the savory crepes with your choice of cheese, meat, and veggies, then drizzle on the hollandaise. It may not be the healthiest sauce, but it sure tastes good.

36. Crepes With Whipped Meyer Lemon Ricotta

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With a light dusting of powdered sugar and hint of lemon, these crepes look almost too good to eat. Almost. The ricotta makes for a tasty cream topping, and the lemon balances the richness with a tart zing. Make these for breakfast or as a light dessert.

37. Mushroom Crepes With Poached Eggs

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What get’s better than mushrooms sautéed in white wine? When those mushrooms are stuffed in a crepe and topped with an ooey, gooey egg. If you’re not hungry, we are.

Originally published September 2015. Updated February 2016.

37 Amazing Pancake Recipes for Any Time of Day (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret of amazing pancakes? ›

Don't use cooking fat - This is the real secret to the technique. If you want those perfect edge to edge golden brown tops and bottoms on your pancakes leave the pan totally dry. No butter, no cooking oil, no nothing.

Can you make pancakes the day before serving? ›

Fortunately, pancakes are a great make-ahead food, and yes, you to have it all.

How to make pancakes the night before? ›

How can I make the pancake batter ahead of time? To make ahead the pancake batter, prepare it in the evening. Then, cover the bowl, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, give the batter a quick whisk just before you want to use it.

What makes fluffier pancakes milk or water? ›

Milk helps make pancakes fluffier than water. Since milk is thicker than water, it creates a thicker batter. Further, if you use whole milk or low fat milk, the fat content helps yield tender, fluffy results.

Why do restaurant pancakes taste better than homemade? ›

Restaurants use better quality ingredients

Restaurants tend to use real, farm-fresh eggs and real milk when making their pancakes, which as you might guess, adds to a richer, higher-quality eating experience.

What is Queen Elizabeth's pancake recipe? ›

Beat two eggs with 4 tablespoons of sugar and about one teacup (or 3/4 of a cup) of milk. Add 4 teacups of flour and mix in another teacup of milk "as required" Mix in 3 teaspoons of cream of tartar and 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate soda (baking soda) Fold in 2 tablespoons of melted butter.

What is the key to making the best pancakes? ›

Making good pancakes depends on three key factors: mixing the batter to the right consistency, heating the griddle properly and recognizing when to turn the cakes. Whether making pancake batter from scratch or from a packaged mix, stir it just enough to moisten the dry ingredients.

What is the rule of pancakes? ›

The Pancake Rule assumes that during your Whole30, it will be much harder for you to reduce your cravings and change your habits if you spend all 30 days eating foods that look, taste, and smell just like the comfort foods you've been relying on.

How many pancakes per person? ›

The numbers on the label (shown) only apply to a single serving of pancakes which is just two medium pancakes. Many hearty eaters consume 3-4 medium pancakes and double the amount of butter and syrup as well. If that sounds like your typical pancake breakfast, you'll consume over 1000 calories when you indulge.

Should you let pancake batter rest in the fridge? ›

A – If you are going to let your batter rest, leave it for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. If you've got time, leave it for longer – even overnight in the fridge. Some say that there is no point in letting the batter rest and there's certainly no harm in using it straight away. Go ahead if you're in a rush.

What not to do when making pancakes? ›

Don't let the lumps fool you into overmixing!
  1. You ignore the heat during cooking. If you are not using an electric skillet, you must pay attention to the heat when you start cooking the pancakes. ...
  2. You've been using the wrong pan. ...
  3. You flip your pancakes too soon. ...
  4. You don't fully preheat your pan.

How far ahead can you make pancake batter? ›

Before you cook your pancakes, you should allow your batter to 'settle'. 24 hours in the fridge is ample time, but it may have thickened up a little when you take it back out, so just loosen up with a splash of milk. When you come to cook the perfect pancakes, the temperature of your pan is crucial.

How to make mary berry pancakes? ›

Method
  1. Sift 125g plain flour into a bowl and make a well in the middle.
  2. Whisk together one egg, one yolk and a little milk taken from the 300ml, in a separate bowl.
  3. Pour into the well. ...
  4. Gradually whisk in half of the remaining milk, drawing in the rest of the flour with a little at a time, to make a smooth batter.
Jan 30, 2024

What is the secret ingredient in fluffy pancakes? ›

The tip, via Food52, relies on relaxed egg whites, aka unbeaten whites that have been allowed to sit for a bit. The pancake technique calls for the eggs to be separated and for the yolks to be mixed into a buttermilk, milk, and melted butter mixture.

Why are IHOP pancakes so delicious? ›

The secret is in the griddle

If there's one thing you can count on, it's that your plate of IHOP pancakes will contain nothing but perfectly cooked, evenly golden brown disks of impossibly fluffy flapjacks.

How are restaurant pancakes so good? ›

Restaurants use hot griddles that are perfectly-calibrated for quick, even cooking. We can't ever recall cooking a bad pancake at home (or, at least, one that wasn't still edible). Yet we also have to admit our amateur cooking skills often seem to be lacking when compared to the pros.

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