25 Delicious and Easy Pancake Recipes To Enjoy in 2025

Pancake recipes exist all across the globe and there are probably only a handful of cultures who don’t have their own riff on these delightfully soft and delicate cakes. In fact, sources like Smithsonian Magazine suggest that making pancakes dates back centuries.  

As these treats are so popular, most of us seem to have family members who claim their pancake recipe is the best or work colleagues who believe their grandma’s is above all else. But with so many delicious choices, how do you know which pancake recipes are truly the best? 

Whether you prefer classic buttermilk pancakes, towering soufflé pancakes or hearty whole wheat options, there's a pancake for every craving. Pancake recipes have evolved far beyond the basic eggs, flour and milk formula, so no matter what you’ve got in your pantry, you can easily make something show-stopping. 

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• The 25 Best Pancake Recipes To Try
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The 25 Best Pancake Recipes To Try

1. Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes

Pancakes don’t have to compromise your dietary requirements to be delicious! Pancake recipes can be both gluten-free and flavorful. When you need a recipe suitable for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, gluten-free banana pancakes come in clutch with a combination of oatmeal, flaxseed meal and rice flour. 

With superfood chia seeds added to the mix, these pancakes are packed with fiber. They’re also refined sugar-free thanks to the ripe bananas providing more than enough sweetness. Whether you need a healthy weekday breakfast for your kids or are just after an indulgent brunch staple that suits the diets of everyone at the table, this pancake recipe is sure to be a hit. 

2. Zucchini Pancakes

When you’re after a breakfast that gets in the greens without sacrificing flavor, turn to zucchini pancakes. Light and fluffy thanks to ricotta cheese and subtly warm thanks to cinnamon, the shredded zucchini adds a pop of color but virtually no flavor, making it a fantastic healthy ingredient to sneak into a pancake recipe. 

Adding this mild but mighty vegetable to your desserts or other sweet dishes, such as pancakes, increases the dish's fiber content and provides manganese, potassium and folate, plus vitamins A, C and K. Even if you’re not looking to make your desserts healthier, zucchini has a high water content which helps keep pancake recipes moist and tender. 

3. Soufflé Pancakes With Miso Maple Syrup

For a show-stopping brunch centerpiece, look no further than soufflé pancakes with miso maple syrup. Japanese soufflé pancakes are recognizable by their thick and tall appearance and their pillowy and wobbly texture. 

Made by whipping the egg whites into a meringue and then stirring them through the batter to retain a light and airy texture, these pancakes are cooked low and slow, often with a lid to create steam and help them rise.

The cloud-like texture achieved is unlike other pancake recipes. This delicate breakfast staple is made even better with miso maple syrup — the perfect balance of savory and sweet. 

4. German Potato Pancakes

Potatoes can truly make any recipe — including pancake recipes — even better. German potato pancakes, also known as kartoffelpuffer or reibekuchen, are similar to hash browns and are made with a mixture of potatoes, onions, eggs and flour.

These savory pancakes are usually shallow fried until golden and crispy on the outside. The interiors, however, remain tender and flavorful.

When serving potato pancakes, you can’t go wrong with toppings of sour cream and fresh dill. Smoked salmon or herring and fresh herbs like parsley or chives are also great choices. Alternatively, you can go sweet with applesauce, showing just how adaptable this pancake recipe can be.  

5. Lemon Ricotta Pancakes 

Trying to decide what to make for a special occasion? Easy pancake recipes like lemon ricotta pancakes will always fit the bill! There’s no need to fuss over beating the egg whites separately and they are as effortless as they are delicious. 

Ricotta is a great addition to any and all pancake recipes because it helps pancakes retain moisture, resulting in a fluffier and almost melt-in-your-mouth experience. This healthy cheese also has a mild and slightly sweet flavor, which complements the other ingredients in the batter. Finally, it’s a good source of protein — with only two cups of ricotta, you’re including an additional 55 grams of protein in your recipe. 

6. Oat Flour Pancakes

If you don’t like the flavor of gluten-free flour or you’re in a pinch and are fresh out of regular flour, pancake recipes like these oat flour pancakes are all you need. These pancakes come together by making your own oat flour and the process is easier than you might think: just add whole rolled oats to a blender and you’ve got your flour. 

Naturally gluten-free and high in fiber, this pancake recipe comes with the added bonus of having a lower glycemic index than all-purpose flour pancakes. This means that your pancakes will cause a slower and steadier rise in blood sugar levels after consumption, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes or those managing their blood sugar levels. 

Just remember: if you’re making these for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, make sure the oats are certified gluten-free.

7. Mini Pancakes

Nothing on earth is cuter than a plate of freshly made mini pancakes. They’re ideal for sharing platters at parties and gatherings but they also make fantastic snacks to add to school lunch boxes, proving that pancake recipes can be fun and versatile.

Their small size also benefits picky eaters, as people can customize them to their taste and enjoy them in a variety of different ways, from adding Nutella to powdered sugar, fruit, whipped cream or even smoked salmon and cream cheese. 

8. Eggless Pancakes

Egg allergy? Vegan? Or you just can’t be bothered to run to the store to get more eggs? No problem! Eggless pancakes are still light and fluffy and they’re perfect for stacking high and drizzling with syrup. 

Baking powder and baking soda are your leavening dream team in this pancake recipe. When you combine these two ingredients with an acid (like apple cider vinegar) and moisture, they create carbon dioxide gas. 

This gives the batter plenty of air bubbles that help the pancakes become light and airy. However, do note that overmixing is your worst enemy in pancake recipes like this one; so don’t worry about getting all the lumps out of your batter.

9. Heart-Shaped Pancakes

Sometimes, all you need to make your day better is a plate of heart-shaped pancakes. A basic pancake batter is transformed into Instagram-worthy pancakes with one simple trick: the humble cookie-cutter. 

The options are truly endless. Make your pancakes into hearts as per the recipe above or opt for stars, flowers or more creative shapes like dinosaurs and Christmas trees — whatever cookie cutter you have, you can make a pancake that shape!

You could also take it a step further by adding food coloring to the batter to make this pancake recipe even more special, creative and unique. 

10. Pumpkin Pancakes

If you’re after easy pancake recipes with a fall theme, pumpkin pancakes are the one. Made with pumpkin purée and plenty of pumpkin pie spice, these pancakes have a warming and rich sweetness that you won’t find in typical pancake recipes. 

Pumpkin purée also adds moisture to the batter, which results in a softer and more tender bite compared to their traditional counterparts. To take it a step further, garnish your pancakes with caramelized pecans, whipped cream and an extra dusting of pumpkin pie spice powder. 

11. Swedish Pancakes

Swedish pancakes are thin pancakes similar to crêpes. The best pancake recipes are often the simplest and these Swedish pancakes prove this theory with their preparation — just throw the ingredients into a blender, blend until smooth and get cooking. 

With minimal cleanup and a quick cooking time for each pancake, pancake recipes like this one give you more time to relax and enjoy your creation. To keep it traditional, serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and some lingonberry jam. 

You can also add sliced fruit and fresh cream or really, whatever your heart desires. Just roll them up, garnish and enjoy.  

12. Sweet Potato Pancakes

If you’re interested in adding a little extra beta-carotene to your diet, sweet potato pancakes are your answer. These vegetable-packed pancakes are also great healthy snacks for kids. 

Similar to pumpkin pancakes, the sweet potato is roasted before being puréed and stirred into the batter. Sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness to the pancakes, as well as plenty of complex carbohydrates, fiber and vitamins. 

If you're looking for more ways to incorporate sweet potatoes into your diet, there are numerous pancake recipes that use different spices and mix-ins to enhance the flavor. Combined with flaxseeds and plenty of ground healthy nuts, these pancakes are a great source of healthy fats, protein and fiber and they’ll keep you feeling full for much longer than traditional pancake recipes. 

13. Bunny Pancakes

There are plenty of creative pancake recipes that turn ordinary batter into adorable shapes. To get kids to eat the food you make, sometimes all you need to do is just serve it in a fun shape!

Bunny pancakes are perfect around Easter time and a few odd blobs in the pan and some creatively placed toppings can easily become reminiscent of a fluffy animal. The trick to getting the perfect bunny shape is to use an old sauce bottle to dispense the batter. 

You can easily control where the batter goes in the pan and if there’s any leftover batter, it’s already in a sealed container to be stored for later. If you or your kids love themed pancake recipes, experimenting with different shapes and toppings can make breakfast extra exciting.

14. Chocolate Chip Pancakes

There’s nothing quite as nostalgic as chocolate chip pancakes. Among the many pancake recipes available, chocolate chip pancakes are a classic favorite for all ages. These pancakes are sweeter than typical pancakes because of the addition of chocolate chips but you can easily adjust the sugar amount in your recipe if you prefer them less sweet. 

My favorite part of chocolate chip pancakes is the crunchy crust that forms when the chocolate chips on the exterior of the pancakes melt and caramelize against the pan. They add a depth of flavor to the pancakes and if you’re into sweet foods, chocolate chip pancakes are divine with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Some pancake recipes even suggest using different types of chocolate chips, such as dark or white chocolate — or my favorite combination: dark chocolate chips and banana chunks.

15. Sheet Pan Pancakes

Feeding a crowd? We’ve got you! Sheet pan pancakes take the stress out of keeping the cooked pancakes warm all at once and the cooking process is as hands-free as it gets. Unlike traditional pancake recipes that require flipping individual pancakes, this method allows you to bake everything at once and there's no need for specialty pans for pancakes. 

If you like your pancakes thick, this style of pancake is also for you, as you can use a deep sheet pan to make the pancake slices extra thick. Many sheet pan pancake recipes include a mix of sweet and savory toppings so everyone can enjoy their favorite flavors.

If you’re not sure which flavor of pancake you want to make, you can customize your sheet pan by sectioning it into different flavors. For example, have pancakes with a swirl of Nutella in one section, add a sprinkling of freeze-dried fruits in another section or even incorporate some shredded cheese and bacon bits in another section. The customization possibilities are endless! 

16. Vegan Pancakes

While many pancake recipes rely on eggs to achieve that signature light and airy texture, that’s simply not the case with a vegan pancake mix. Instead, something called a flax egg is made.

This egg substitute is created by combining flaxseed with water and letting the mixture sit for 10 minutes to thicken. The result is a thick, glue-like substance that mimics the binding properties of eggs when used in baking. 

Aside from giving the pancakes their cohesive structure, the flax egg also gives the batter extra moisture to prevent crumbling. Plus, flaxseed is a good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, so these pancakes are a top pick if you're looking for breakfast food ideas that help you feel full for longer. 

17. Hotcakes 

Hotcakes or griddlecakes are just simply pancakes. The term is most commonly used in the Northern United States and most people will recognize the name from the McDonald’s breakfast menu. They are typically thick American-style pancakes that are made with buttermilk. 

Buttermilk is great for pancake recipes because it is slightly acidic, which helps trigger the chemical reaction between baking soda and baking powder, as well as helping to tenderize the gluten in the flour. Overall, you won’t taste the acidity of the buttermilk but it does provide a little tanginess that complements the sweeter ingredients.

Best of all, hotcakes can be finished with almost any topping, from classic maple syrup and butter to fruit, nuts or whipped cream.  

18. Crêpes

Hailing from France, crêpes are a humble invention traditionally made from simple ingredients like flour, eggs, milk and a pinch of salt. These pancakes are cooked to almost a paper-thin consistency, often on a buttered griddle or crêpe pan and the batter has to be whisked until it is completely smooth as any lumps can ruin the pancake as it cooks. 

Crêpes are among the most versatile pancake recipes, as they can be enjoyed with sweet or savory fillings. Many traditional French pancake recipes focus on simple ingredients, but modern variations add exciting new flavors. 

Aside from the classics like crêpes with lemon and sugar, chocolate crêpes and blueberry crêpes, you can also choose savory fillings for your crêpes like ham, cheese and vegetables — perfect if you’re looking for sophisticated weekend brunch food ideas. 

19. Whole Wheat Pancakes 

While whole wheat pancakes are made in the exact same way as regular pancake recipes (mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately, then folding them together before cooking), the main difference lies in refined white flour being replaced with whole wheat flour. 

The result with whole wheat pancake recipes is similar but not the same as a more traditional recipe. Whole wheat pancakes are usually denser and more hearty, with a nuttier flavor than typical pancakes. One major positive is that they are generally more nutritious than all-purpose flour pancakes and contain higher amounts of fiber and protein than their counterparts.  

20. Applesauce Pancakes 

For people trying to reduce the amount of refined sugar in their diet, applesauce pancake recipes are your new best friend. Applesauce is typically made by stewing apples until the natural sugars in them break down and create a jam that doesn’t need any refined sugar added to make it sweet. 

Because of the moisture content in applesauce, these pancakes also tend to be softer and slightly denser than classic pancake recipes. Cinnamon is another common addition to the recipe as it brings a warmth that is only enhanced by the applesauce.

To make them, simply add one cup of apple sauce to your normal pancake recipe, adjusting liquids slightly (or avoiding adding other liquids altogether) to account for the added moisture from the applesauce. 

21. Tapioca Pancakes 

Tapioca pancakes are Brazilian pancakes that contain no gluten, dairy or eggs. Despite this, these pancakes are still able to get that signature chewy and soft texture thanks to the use of hydrated tapioca starch. If you're looking for gluten-free pancake recipes, tapioca pancakes are a great option. 

It is thought that tapioca pancakes (often referred to as just “tapiocas”) originated with the Indigenous Tupi-Guarani people of Brazil, who would process cassava root to turn it into tapioca starch. The hydrated tapioca starch is cooked on a hot surface until it forms a pancake shape and common fillings include cheese, chocolate, chicken or vegetables. 

22. Scotch Pancakes 

Scotch pancakes hail from Scotland and are slightly smaller and denser than typical American pancake recipes. Also known as drop scones, these pancakes are made by literally dropping the batter onto a griddle.

They’re generally served with a pat of butter and some jam. You may also see them served with yogurt and fresh fruit. Scotch pancakes are notably a great recipe to try if you want something slightly different but not too far away from the American-style pancakes you're used to.

23. Pannukakku 

Pannukakku is the OG sheet pan pancake. If you love easy and oven-baked pancake recipes, pannukakku is a must-try. 

From Finland, pannukakku is typically cooked in a deep sheet pan in the oven but it isn’t a very thick pancake. Instead, the batter is only poured halfway up the inside of the pan and it’s cooked at a high temperature to make a relatively thin pancake with tall, puffed and crispy edges. 

Topped with powdered sugar and served with plenty of fruits, jam or whipped cream, this dish is a favorite for being simple to make and stress-free, without the need for keeping cooked pancakes warm in the oven or under a towel — which is a pain point in many typical pancake recipes. 

24. Keto Pancakes

Whether you’re low-carb, gluten-free, keto or simply want pancake recipes that use up the bag of almond flour in your pantry, keto pancakes are the way to go. Made with eggs, baking powder, butter or coconut oil and almond flour, plus cream cheese or coconut milk and a sweetener like monk fruit or stevia, the key difference with keto pancake recipes is that they are typically denser and nuttier than typical pancakes. 

The keto diet is low in carbohydrates, which puts your body into a state of ketosis, when it swaps to burning fat for energy rather than glucose. With limited carbohydrates and plenty of healthy fats and protein, keto pancakes are perfect for a little indulgence without compromising your restrictions. 

25. Kaiserschmarrn 

If you saw the scrambled pancake food trend in 2024, kaiserschmarrn is the original. Hailing from Austria, kaiserschmarrn translates to “the emperor’s mess,” which refers to its fluffy, shredded appearance. 

This Austrian food is typically served as a dessert and its origins can be traced all the way back to Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria — who was known for his sweet tooth.

To get that signature scraggly look, the batter is first poured into a hot pan before being torn into pieces during cooking. You’ll often find kaiserschmarrn served with powdered sugar and fruit compote or applesauce. 

Much like Japanese soufflé pancakes, the egg whites are whipped separately to make a light and airy batter that puffs up during cooking. For those who love fluffy pancake recipes, kaiserschmarrn is a delicious choice.

Learn To Cook the Best Pancakes

Mastering the perfect pancake takes more than just a good recipe — it requires technique, timing and a few expert tricks along the way. That’s where cooking classes can help.

Online cooking classes give you all the expert advice you need in the comfort of your own kitchen and, most importantly, with the pans you’ll be using when you try following pancake recipes by yourself.

However, if you want specialist advice on regional pancake recipes like Japanese soufflé pancakes or Brazilian tapiocas, cooking classes near you are a great chance to meet chefs from the region you want to learn more about.

You’ll discover new and unique pancake recipes, refine your flipping technique and even discover how to make other breakfast favorites like crêpes, waffles and French toast.

There’s nothing more rewarding than sharing a stack of homemade pancakes with your friends and family. Pancake recipes are as fun to experiment with as they are to eat and now you have a whole lineup of exciting options to try. 

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.