Pancake

A flat, round cake made from a pourable batter of flour, eggs and milk, cooked on a hot griddle or pan.

Pancake: A stack of fluffy American pancakes with butter melting on top and maple syrup pouring over
  • Cakes, cookies, pastries and baked goods
  • United States

Also called: griddlecake, hotcake, serguio massa

Pancakes are found in nearly every cuisine. American pancakes are thick and fluffy, raised with baking powder or baking soda and buttermilk. French crêpes and Central European palatschinken are thin and unleavened. Other versions use buckwheat, rice, oats or yeast.

For American-style pancakes, the batter is stirred just until combined; a few lumps keep them tender. They are ready to flip when bubbles form across the surface and the edges look set. They are served with butter, maple syrup, fruit or whipped cream.

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Sources

Written by VanillaGoods in our own words from these sources. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.

  1. Creating Perfect Pancakes for Your Family Breakfast, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service