10 best pancake toppings
Discover our top 10 ways to serve pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, from sticky-sweet syrups to savoury combinations. Whip out the frying pan and get flipping!
If you can't decide which sauces and garnishes to adorn your pancakes with on Shrove Tuesday, or indeed whether to go with a traditional batter, thinner crêpes, or spongey American-style pancakes, then our list of all-time favourite recipes may help you decide.
Why not try something different with a colourful tower of fluffy rainbow pancakes, or try experimenting with savoury flavour combinations like squash, goat's cheese & rosemary. If you want to give your pancakes an international twist, then our mini Mexican-inspired quesadillas and Indian-style sweet potato masala dosa will deliver big flavours.
You can find all the below recipes in our Pancake Day recipe collection, then check out more ways to fill your pancakes with our top 10 pancake fillings. Get creative with kid's pancakes and our delicious stuffed pancake recipes. For a real treat, try out our American pancake recipes, which are incredibly fluffy and can be stacked so high on Pancake Day for the ultimate sweet experience!
Sweet and savoury pancake topping ideas
1. Chocolate-filled pancakes with caramelised banana
Does it get more indulgent than this? A stack of fluffy American pancakes with a sweet, chocolatey centre. The indulgence doesn't stop there – it's topped with a heavenly combo of caramelised banana, maple syrup and chopped hazelnuts. This pancake's a must-make for anyone with a sweet-tooth.
See more of our most decadent pancake recipes.
2. American blueberry pancakes
The combination of blueberries and syrup is a classic topping for a reason as it beautifully complements the light and fluffy texture of American pancakes. In this version, blueberries are also studded into the pancake batter to make a luxurious brunch treat or Shrove Tuesday dessert.
See more American pancake recipes.
3. Red velvet pancakes
New York diner-style chocolate pancakes meet red velvet cake in what can only be described as the pancake of dreams. A sweet maple cream is layered between chocolate pancakes along with a scattering of chocolate chips. Finish with a dusting of icing sugar and fresh blueberries for a fruity hit – if you don't make these on Shrove Tuesday, you're missing out!
Chocolate fanatic? You'll love this chocolate pancake recipe.
4. Sweet potato masala dosa with coconut raita
If you're into the savoury variety when it comes to pancakes, check out this vegetarian dosa recipe. These savoury pancakes are traditionally eaten for breakfast or as a tasty snack, and our version of spiced sweet potato is complemented with a cooling coconut & coriander yogurt.
Browse through more savoury pancake recipes.
5. Rhubarb & custard fluffy pancakes
The nostalgic sweet shop flavour pairing of rhubarb and custard is given a modern twist with these fluffy beauties which make the most of seasonal forced rhubarb. Discover more ways with rhubarb.
6. Ham & cheese pancakes
Enjoy a savoury pick-me-up in the form of these gooey gruyère and smoked ham pancakes. Grind over some black pepper and scatter with chives to make into a satisfying brunch or light supper.
Discover the top savoury pancake recipes for more pancake-themed inspiration.
7. Pumpkin pancakes with salted pecan butterscotch
Who could say no to fluffy pumpkin pancakes, piled high and soaked in a heavenly salted pecan butterscotch sauce? Take it one step further by topping with your choice of ice cream, yogurt or crème fraîche.
See more sweet recipes with pumpkin as well as the best pancake recipes for dinner.
8. Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savoury pancake dish, typically topped with cabbage, meat, seafood and sauces. Try this version with pork belly and spring onion, then try our veggie okonomiyaki.
9. Eggs benedict pancakes
This one's for the brunch-lovers – try your hand at this indulgent twist on eggs benedict, where runny poached eggs, thick-cut ham and spinach is layered between a squidgy stacks of pancakes. It's easy to rustle up, and offers something a little different for your next brunch.
See more exciting brunch recipes and breakfast pancake ideas.
10. Rainbow pancakes
You'll flip over these next level rainbow pancakes, drizzled in maple syrup and piled on with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Perfect for a birthday breakfast or brunch, it's a dish the whole family can get behind – make sure to stack the pancakes so that everyone gets one of each colour.
Brighten up your plate with more of our impressive rainbow recipes.
Get more delicious pancake recipes...
All our pancake recipes
Savoury pancake recipes
Next level stuffed pancakes
How to make American pancakes
Pancake fillings you can make in minutes
5 ways with pancakes
What are your favourite pancake toppings? Leave a comment below...