Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is a traditional holiday that is celebrated in many countries, including the Ireland, United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. It is typically held on the Tuesday before the start of Lent, which is the Christian period of fasting and penance that precedes Easter.
The main purpose of Pancake Day is to use up rich, indulgent ingredients, such as sugar, butter, and eggs, which were traditionally avoided during Lent. As a result, pancakes have become a popular food to eat on this day, and many people enjoy making and eating them in various forms, such as with lemon and sugar, syrup, or chocolate spread. In Ireland particularly, pancakes are a popular meal on Shrove Tuesday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Many restaurants will have special pancake menu items for the day.
In addition to pancakes, other foods that are commonly consumed on Pancake Day include crepes, waffles, and fried doughnuts. Pancake Day has become a fun and festive holiday, with many communities hosting pancake races, where participants run while flipping a pancake in a pan, and other events to celebrate the occasion.
Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttermilk (if you don’t have buttermilk, mix 5 ounces of Greek yogurt with 1 1/3 cups of milk to yield 2 cups of buttermilk substitute)
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix, as this will result in tough pancakes.
- Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Using a 1/4 cup measure, pour the batter onto the pan for each pancake.
- Cook until small bubbles form on the surface of the pancakes, then flip and cook until the other side is lightly golden.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Serve the pancakes hot with your favourite toppings, such as maple syrup, honey, fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate chips.
This batter also works for making waffles.