{CONFESSION}: Our family has a pancake problem.
I let my daughter pick what we have for breakfast most mornings. Nine times out of ten, she yells “pa-cakes!” So as you can probably guess, we eat a lot of pancakes.
In honor of National Pancake Day, let me provide you with my go-to pancake recipes. All of which have been tried in our house and have been enjoyed thoroughly. Find a recipe below that suits your needs (a.k.a cravings) and celebrate National Pancake Day!
Classic Pancakes
Buttermilk Pancakes – Your classic pancakes made with buttermilk (or sour milk if you don’t have buttermilk–tip in the recipe!).
Crazy Pancakes – No eggs, butter, or oil used in this recipe, but you still get the same classic pancake taste!
Cream Cheese Pancakes – A little more creamy and melt in your mouth, great when you need to use up that last bit of cream cheese.
Sour Cream Pancakes – Similar to the cream cheese ones. These don’t skimp on the calories…but they’re worth it!

Classic Pancakes (with a twist)
Real French Crepes – Not technically a pancake, but some people consider them pancakes. These are the toughest to master.
Sheet Pan Pancakes – Confession, haven’t actually tried this since I just saw the recipe, but I think it would be delicious and easy!
Rice Cooker Pancake – My first one was a flop (raw in the middle…). Make sure you check the recipe with your rice cooker size and adjust accordingly!
Pancake Muffins – Works well to bake 12 regular size muffins even though the recipe says to use a mini muffin tin. Bake time is about the same.

Healthy Pancakes
Cinnamon Applesauce Oatmeal Pancakes – These have a softer consistency, not your regular fluffy pancakes.
Power Pancakes – These are PACKED with protein. Good plain or topped with syrup (if you like your scrambled eggs with syrup that is…).
2-Ingredient Banana Pancakes – These have the consistency of the inside of a slice of french toast. Very soft, and also not incredibly filling.
Spinach Pancakes – I’ve mentioned these before, so the link takes you back to my original post on them! Recipe adapted from Weelicious.

PanCAKES (a.k.a basically dessert)
Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes – When you have some extra strawberries on hand, this recipe is a MUST. Can use any berry though!
Strawberry Vanilla (& Chocolate) Pancakes – These are the chocolate version of the pancakes above. Again, use any berry in place of the strawberries!
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes – If you want the taste of a cinnamon roll without having to wait long… these are the way to go!

Want some more inspiration? Check out these recipe videos from Tasty. While I haven’t tried all of them, they seem pretty straight forward!
7 Pancakes From Around the World
Mix it Up!
- Anything you want can be added to your pancakes. Any of the classic pancake recipes make great bases! Just add nuts, fruits, sprinkles, chocolate chips, etc. into the pan while they are cooking–that way you control how much each pancake has and they don’t all sink to the bottom of the batter. However, some recipes call for them to be added directly to the batter, use your judgement!
- Pancakes are SOOOO versatile and you really can’t mess them up. Add some food coloring to your pancakes to make them more festive. Throw some sprinkles into the batter when you toddler protests that they’ll only eat cookies for breakfast (yes, she fell for it). Make fun shapes to celebrate (i.e. hearts on Valentine’s Day or numbers for the grade they are heading into). You can do a lot with a simple batter and a skillet!
Healthy Tips
- Substituting the white flour for whole wheat flour (either in whole or in part) makes things a little healthier and more filling. However, if you do opt to add whole wheat flour, remember you’ll need less baking powder since the wheat flour has more gluten in it.
- Remember you can control the size! It seems obvious, but I like making “little baby pancakes” for my daughter so she feels like she is eating a ton of pancakes, without actually eating a whole stack.
- A pancake does NOT have to be topped with syrup. I’m not a fan of my kiddos eating a lot of sugar at a young age, so my daughter doesn’t even eat pancakes with syrup. Pancakes were one of the first foods she ate and (clearly) she still loves them. If she does want a “topping” we slather some peanut butter or jam on the top. Still yummy, but without the extra sugar! There are TONS more syrup alternatives than just those if you do your research.
Prep & Storage Tips
- Pancake batter can be made the night before and left in the fridge! Most pancake batters turn out better that way because you don’t risk over mixing the batter.
- Most pancakes keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but can dry out over time.
- Pancakes can be frozen to eat at a later time. Just make sure you put some foil, wax, or parchment paper between them to keep them from freezing together. Pop them in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them!
If you can’t tell by now, I’m a pancake obsessed mom and I have no intention of turning back!
HAPPY NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY!
Did I forget a recipe? Add it in the comments below!
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What day is National Pancake Day? I thought it was in March?
Tomorrow, September 26th! I think the one in March is one that was created by IHOP… Also I know the British have theirs then too. But it is also celebrated in September apparently. I’m not complaining, I will eat pancakes any day! Also, thanks for your suggestions!! I will be adding those to our routine, what’s your recipe for the bars?
Also, I sometimes make blueberry pancake bars for my family. It’s easier for our large family and everyone can eat at the same time. With the blueberries we don’t think it needs syrup either! Also, it’s really easy to make up a batch and throw it in an aluminum pan for the freezer for a quick breakfast OR dinner or something easy for when we have company.
That makes more sense! I was wondering! I made these pancake squares tonight for the kids for dinner, because like you said… pancakes are delightful! I love a no complaints dinner too! Equally delightful! Here’s the recipe we always use: http://cookinupnorth.blogspot.com/2012/08/blueberry-pancake-squares.html?m=1
Just look up pancake squares on Pinterest! Had no idea it was a thing! But Pinterest knew! Pinterest knows everything! I’m going to try one of the recipes you shared too! So much variety! I’m impressed!