pancakes

Pancakes are a flat cake made from a batter that is cooked on a hot surface, such as a frying pan or griddle. They come in a variety of shapes and textures, from thin crepes to thick, fluffy cakes, and are commonly eaten for breakfast or as a dessert in many cultures.

The batter is usually dairy or dairy-free and can include flour, eggs, milk or a milk alternative, a leavening agent such as baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Variations use different flours (such as whole wheat, buckwheat, or cornmeal), yogurt or buttermilk for texture, or additional ingredients like melted butter, vanilla, or spices. Batter may be rested briefly to improve texture, and some regional versions rely on fermentation or different leaveners.

Cooking methods typically involve pouring or scooping batter onto a lightly greased hot surface and cooking until bubbles form on the surface and the edges set, then flipping to cook the other side until golden brown. The result can be served plain or topped with syrup, fruit, butter, cream, nuts, or savory toppings, and may be served folded, rolled, or layered.

Global varieties include American pancakes, which tend to be thick and fluffy; crepes, which are thin and often rolled; British pancakes, which are thin and frequently served with sweet toppings; and numerous regional forms such as buckwheat, blini, pannenkoeken, and okonomiyaki. Pancakes have a long history and appear in many culinary traditions around the world.