Traditional British Pancakes

Here's how to make perfect British-style pancakes every time! This is just how we Brits make our pancakes every year for Pancake Day.

Prep time: PT10M

Cook time: PT40M

Total time: PT50M

Rating

4.47 stars (15 reviews)

british pancakes, homemade crepes, thin pancakes

Add the flour to a large mixing bowl, and make a well in the centre.
Combine the eggs and milk in a separate bowl, and briefly whisk together.
Gradually add the milk mixture to the flour a little at a time, whisking until smooth (don't worry if a few small lumps remain, you won't notice them in the finished pancakes). The batter will be fairly thin.
Melt the butter in a non-stick frying pan, then pour it back into the pancake batter, whisking to ensure no lumps are formed.
With the pan over a medium heat (I used setting 5 out of 9), add a ladleful of the pancake batter. Lift the pan, and gently swirl the mixture around the base of the pan until it forms a thin layer all over. Return to the heat, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the underside of the pancake is lightly golden brown.
Flip the pancake carefully, and cook the other side for a further 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate while you cook the remaining pancakes. You can spray a little oil into the pan in between pancakes if they're showing signs of sticking - I didn't need to.
When you've cooked all fo the batter, serve the pancakes with your choice of sweet or savoury topping.

Katie on 2025-03-04 (1 stars):
The ratio of wet to dry ingredients is off. This batter is too thick and not a typical ‘British Pancake’ I had to add more milk.
Kristian gane on 2024-11-02 (1 stars):
followed the recipe to exact measurements and it turned out like normal pancakes. much milk was added until it was thin enough to become a British pancake. get your measurements right.
Karen Johnson on 2022-01-06 (5 stars):
I came from England as a young girl and I remember my mum making these with fresh squeeze oranges instead of lemon. I will have to try lemon instead. On a snowy day here in Colorado, I promised my daughter I’d make both for her this morning. We shall see what her American self likes best. 😊 We shall have to stop at the Stanley to see you. Thanks for the recipe!
Rocky Torres on 2021-01-04 (5 stars):
I love pancakes. These are amazing with syrup!
Catharine Pusey on 2019-03-05 (5 stars):
Hi Becca After decades of hit and miss pancakes - would they stick? would they turn over? - I have just made over a dozen perfect pancakes with your recipe without any failing the test. Thank you! PS Love the new site!