10 pancake ideas for kids
Know a little someone who loves a pancake or two? Make their day extra special with our ten easy recipes and let them get their hands sticky in the kitchen too
Pancakes are a lovely recipe for kids to have a go at making, whether you're celebrating Shrove Tuesday or having a breakfast treat. There are different tasks each age group can get involved with until eventually they have the confidence and skills to be able to make them from start to finish – just be prepared for some sticky ceilings. Once your pancakes are made, the options for fillings and toppings are endless, from cheese and spinach to chocolate and banana. Got a sweet tooth? Our sweet pancake recipes are just the thing. Prefer savoury? Explore our savoury pancake recipes, including pancake recipes for dinner – easy, hearty dishes perfect for lunch or dinner.
Check out our collection of kids' pancake recipes for more fun, flippable inspiration. Make this Shrove Tuesday unforgettable with a fun-filled pancake day party for friends and family. For tips and recipe ideas, explore our guide on how to throw a pancake party.
Safety tips for making pancakes with kids
Cooking pancakes obviously requires handling a pan, and our skills and shows editor Barney found that with children from the age of seven upwards, the safest way is to heat the pan yourself, then take it over to the child – away from the heat – and let them add the batter. You should then cook it on the stove until it’s ready for flipping, at which point, you can return the pan to the child – again, away from the heat – and allow them the joy of tossing the pancake.
Our top 10 kids' pancake recipes
1. Blueberry & lemon pancakes
It couldn’t be easier to make these moreish little beauties, and there are plenty of tasks for the kids to get stuck into. Try serving with a variety of chopped fruit, from blueberries, strawberries and bananas, and you’ll be adding to their five-a-day too. Delish!
2. Easiest ever pancakes
If you are working with quite young children this simple batter is based on equal volumes of eggs, milk and flour so they can easily measure out the ingredients for themselves, and there is no need for scales. It also produces thick, beautiful pancakes that the kids can quickly get busy filling with all kinds of delicious things. Try laying out pots of treats so little hands can have free reign – though it's always worth keeping an eye on those sprinkles to make sure they don't end up in their bellies first!
3. Spinach pancakes
A clever way to get kids eating their greens is by blending them into a favourite treat! These vibrant breakfast pancakes pack 50g of spinach into the batter, boosting iron and supporting energy levels. Learn more in our handy guide, top health benefits of spinach. Drizzle with maple syrup and berries for a sweet twist, or skip the sugar and serve savoury with crispy bacon and eggs.
4. Three-minute blender banana pancakes
Need some inspiration for school-day breakfasts? These super-speedy banana blender pancakes are a miracle solution for busy mornings. With no weighing scales required and minimal washing-up, they are fuss-free and can be whipped up in a matter of minutes. Top with strawberries and bananas for a wholesome fruity breakfast.
5. Simple nutty pancakes
Kids will 'go nuts' for these deliciously crunchy crêpes. A perfect way to introduce your children to cooking, they are super simple to make using a basic pancake mixture and bag of mixed nuts. Drizzle with agave syrup for a healthier alternative to sugar.
6. Potato pancakes
Have a pan of leftover mash from a family supper? We know a way to make it disappear in no time! From our reader comments, this recipe seems to be a real hit with toddlers and children alike. Let them have fun mixing up the ingredients, then serve up a hearty brunch with lots of scrambled eggs.
7. Rainbow pancakes
Paint the rainbow with these super-colourful pancake towers. Ideal for a special treat or celebratory brunch, let your kids get creative with food colouring and build their own stacks. Top with mixed berries, whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup, and enjoy with a fruity breakfast smoothie.
8. Choc chip, peanut butter & banana pancake filling
Prepare a warm batch of pancakes using a simple batter like the one used to make our easiest ever pancakes, then fill with a dreamy combination of chocolate, peanut butter and chopped banana. This marvellous medley of flavours will have your little ones jumping for joy!
9. Red velvet pancakes
We've recreated an American dessert classic in crêpe form. These picture perfect piles of red velvet pancakes are stacked together with lashings of sweet maple cream cheese frosting and chocolate chips. Finish with a dusting of icing sugar and fresh, zingy blueberries.
10. Cinnamon roll pancakes
These cinnamon roll pancakes look impressive but are surprisingly simple to make. Just cook a regular pancake and pipe a swirl of cinnamon butter-infused batter on top. It’s a fun recipe for teaching kids new skills like piping.
Get more perfect pancake inspiration
Our 10 favourite pancake toppings
How to make American pancakes
Pancake Day recipes
Next level stuffed pancakes
5 ways with pancakes
Pancake Day hub page
What do you make with your children on Pancake Day? Leave a comment below…
