Octavia Lillywhite
From cranberry to Oreo, from salmon to squash, here are the best sweet and savoury pancake toppings and fillings.
Once you’ve made your favourite pancake recipe, it’s time to decide on the filling. As pancakes are made simply from three ingredients; milk, eggs, and flour, and are perfect served with both sweet and savoury toppings. Traditionally on Pancake Day, pancakes are seen as a sweet dessert drizzled with lemon or served with a scoop or two of ice cream. However, savoury pancakes can be served instead stuffed with chicken or sprinkled with cheese for dinner.
"A poll by Clarence Court found that sweet pancakes are far more popular on Pancake Day than savoury - 75% of people prefer them," says Food and Lifestyle Writer, Octavia Lillywhite. "The classic lemon and sugar are consistently voted the nation’s favourite topping however there are far more exciting things you can add to pancakes this Pancake Day."
As pancakes are quite plain in flavour you can really experiment and be adventurous with toppings and fillings. You can try extravagant pancakes topped with your favourite chocolate bar or keep it simple and satisfying with classics such as lemon and sugar. If you want to wrap your pancakes you're best to choose soft, thin pancakes like crepes. Or if you want to stack your pancakes, thicker ones like Scotch pancakes or American-style are best for this.
Pancake toppings and fillings
1. Joe Wicks' pancakes
Serves: 2 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins
The sweetness of the maple syrup and the saltiness of the bacon pair perfectly together with pancakes. Joe Wicks has made his pancakes with banana and peanut butter for a much healthier, yet filling option. However, the maple syrup and bacon flavour combo would work just as well on classic pancakes or crepes.
"These pancakes are entirely flourless, so they’re perfect for anyone following a gluten-free diet. Just make sure to check the baking powder is a gluten-free variety as well," says Food and Lifestyle Writer, Octavia Lillywhite.
Get the recipe: Joe Wicks' pancakes
2. Italian crespelle pancakes
Serves: 8 | Skill level: Medium | Total time: 45 mins
This simple Italian dish is ideal for a sharing dinner, especially on Pancake Day. Spinach and ricotta fill each pancake with a rich, creamy texture and flavour. Topped with plenty of cheese and baked for 30 mins, this is one of our favourite ways to serve pancakes. Add strips of cooked meat like chicken to make this pancake filling even more versatile.
Octavia says; "Don’t be daunted by the unfamiliar name - crespelle are simply the Italian version of French crêpe - and they’re just as versatile. Play around with the filling by changing the cheeses, and adding herbs and spices, or scraps of cooked meats."
Get the recipe: Italian crespelle pancakes
3. Rhubarb pancakes with custard
Serves: 6 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 50 mins
Thick chunks of sweet, sticky rhubarb complete with a light custard drizzle. We’d recommend making thick, spongey American-style pancakes for this combo to absorb all the flavours. For ease, this recipe uses readymade custard but you could always have a go at making your own.
"Rhubarb is one of the few sweet British ingredients that is in season at this time of year, making it a perfect choice for pancakes. If you’re not a fan of custard, this works just as well with some double cream poured over," adds Octavia.
Get the recipe: Rhubarb pancakes with custard
4. Vegan blueberry pancakes
Serves: 4 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 15 mins
The zingy orange marmalade and the sweet bursts of fresh blueberries work wonders together. Piled high on top of a generous stack of pancakes and you’ve got a simply delicious breakfast. This recipe is for vegan pancakes made with almond milk, however, the tangy marmalade and blueberry combo can top traditional pancakes or crepes just as well. Sprinkle with flaked almonds and serve.
"There are so many ways to make pancakes plant-based. This recipe is one of the most traditional - swapping butter for plant-based spread and milk for almond milk. Try swapping the blueberries for raspberries and using a lemon marmalade instead," says Octavia.
Get the recipe: Vegan blueberry pancakes
5. Avocado pancakes
Serves: 2 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 10 mins
Give your pancakes a twist by making them with avocado. The creaminess of the avocado mashed and cooked in the batter makes the pancake extra soft in texture and rich in flavour. Drizzled with lime and served with goats' cheese and salsa verde, this is a great savoury option.
Octavia says; "Try swapping the salsa verde for a drizzle of honey - it’s a great flavour combination with the goat’s cheese. If you’re not a fan of goat’s cheese, I also love this with some chopped mushrooms fried in a little garlic."
Get the recipe: Avocado pancakes
6. Bacon and cheese pancakes
Serves: 4 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 35 mins
We just love this unique pancake topping of salty bacon, creamy blue cheese, and earthy walnuts. These pancakes are made with rye flour, which really complements the flavours of the pancake toppings. Finish with dill before serving to really enhance the taste.
"Don’t save these ones just for Pancake Day - this is a brilliant brunch at any time of year. If you like your blue cheese a little soft and gooey, add it to the pancakes just at the end of cooking so it melts slightly," says Food and Lifestyle Writer, Octavia Lillywhite.
Get the recipe: Bacon and cheese pancakes
7. Cinnamon roll pancakes
Serves: 12 | Skill level: Medium | Total time: 10 mins
Whether you choose to sprinkle your pancakes with cinnamon or add a teaspoon to the pancake mix, cinnamon is one of the simplest pancake toppings. It can transform a standard batch of pancakes into something more, warming with a hint of spice. This recipe takes it to the next level turning pancakes into sweet, sticky cinnamon rolls.
"These are like a cheat’s version of a Danish pastry - all the fun of a cinnamon whirl without having to roll or bake anything. Toss some raisins over the top for extra sweetness, before serving," says Octavia.
Get the recipe: Cinnamon roll pancakes
8. Cornmeal pancakes with spicy peanut curry
Serves: 4 | Skill level: Medium | Total time: 2 hrs
Another of our best pancake fillings, this savoury option transform your pancakes into a fiery dinner. The cornmeal pancakes and peanut-infused curry match perfectly. This nutty filling would work with thicker pancakes too such as American or Scotch. Garnish with spring onion, chillies, and serve.
Octavia adds; "I like to make this curry really fiery and serve it with a cucumber raita if it’s too much for people. Cornmeal pancakes make a lovely change from rice with the curry."
Get the recipe: Cornmeal pancakes with spicy peanut curry
9. Lemon blueberry pancakes
Serves: 4 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
Lemon, blueberries, and mascarpone make one deliciously sweet flavour combo to the top and fill your choice of pancakes. We'd recommend stacking thick pancakes, such as American pancakes, with the mascarpone and blueberry filling and then drizzling them with lemon syrup. This recipe makes a great dessert.
"In general I’d pick crepes over pancakes but there are a few recipes where American pancakes just feel like the best option. Bacon and maple syrup, of course, and this blueberry, mascarpone, lemon, and honey combination are the front runners."
Get the recipe: Lemon blueberry pancakes
10. Banoffee pancakes
Serves: 6 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 15 mins
If you're looking for one of our more indulgent pancake fillings, these banoffee pancakes are sure to impress. With warmed banana slices, drizzled in a classic banoffee sauce and piled high with ice cream and cream. We've used Scotch pancakes, but you could swap for crepe-style pancakes and wrap the ingredients inside the pancake instead.
Octavia says; "Bananas, toffee, and chocolate are my favourite pancake toppings on any kind of pancake. For an easy option - and to save time - you can use readymade Scotch pancakes."
Get the recipe: Banoffee pancakes
11. Lemon cheese crepes
Serves: 4 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
It takes just three ingredients to fill these pancakes; mascarpone cheese, fresh lemon, and lemon curd. These pancakes are like little cheesecake parcels with a creamy texture and zingy kick of lemon. This recipe would work just as well with orange curd instead.
"If you love the classic lemon and sugar pancake fillings but fancy livening things up a bit, this is a great and really simple fix. The creaminess of the mascarpone and the tart sweetness of the curd are perfect together," says Octavia.
Get the recipe: Lemon cheese crepes
12. Creme Egg pancakes
Serves: 8 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins
In this recipe, the Creme Egg is broken up - the 'goo' is warmed to make a sweet, melted marshmallow topping and the chocolate coating is melted and added to the pancake mix for chocolate flavoured pancakes. Another great way to get the flavor of the Creme Egg on your pancakes is by gently melting the egg as a whole and drizzling it over your freshly made pancakes or crepes.
"I’m a big fan of eating seasonally and although chocolate eggs aren’t quite what people usually mean by that, Creme Eggs are only available in the UK between January 1st and Easter Sunday - so this is a great opportunity to take advantage," comments Octavia.
Get the recipe: Creme Egg pancakes
13. Chicken and spring onion pancakes
Serves: 1 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 10 mins
At just 298 calories, these chicken and spring onion pancakes make the perfect filling lunch or light dinner option. Tender chunks of chicken, paired with fresh spring onions and a good pinch of ground mace or grated nutmeg transform simple pancakes. Great for using up leftover meat too.
"This is one of my favourite ways to take the last few scraps from a roast chicken carcass and turn them into a whole new meal. A perfect supper for one," says Food and Lifestyle Writer, Octavia Lillywhite.
Get the recipe: Chicken and spring onion pancakes
14. Gordon Ramsay’s chocolate crepes
Serves: 6-8 | Skill level: Medium | Total time: 45 mins
Indulge in these chocolate crepes by celeb chef Gordon Ramsay. Adding cocoa powder to the pancake batter makes these pancakes extra rich in flavour and texture. Top with a homemade chocolate sauce and crème chantilly and you've got one of the best pancake fillings. Sprinkle with flaked almonds, and grated orange zest, and serve.
"These are so fancy and decadent, I’d serve them up as a fancy pudding at a dinner party. No need to cook a score of pancakes while your guests sit twiddling their thumbs, either. You can actually do almost everything in advance and just keep it all warm to assemble and serve at the end of the meal," says Octavia.
Get the recipe: Gordon Ramsay's chocolate crepes
15. Cranberry pancakes
Serves: 4 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins
If you’re looking for one of the simplest ways to add a punch of flavour to your chosen pancake recipe, cranberry sauce is a great option. With a drizzle of orange and grated zest, cranberry sauce adds a sweet, yet tart taste to pancakes. It’s one of our speediest pancake fillings.
"These are so cute and retro and they make a great option if you’re making lots of pancakes to pass around. Fold them up and people can pick them up with their fingers - no need for a knife and fork."
Get the recipe: Cranberry pancakes
16. Orange syrup
Serves: 4 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
It takes just four ingredients to make this sticky sweet orange syrup; clementines, caster sugar, Cointreau, and orange juice. The orange syrup would be perfectly drizzled on a variety of pancakes including American, Scotch, French crepes, and more. Pair with creme fraiche for one tasty pancake topping.
Octavia says; "The orange flavour here is a little like that classic flambé French pudding, the crepe suzette, but they’re simpler to make and there’s no need to set them on fire. Although these have a little kick of Cointreau in, they actually make a great weekend brunch option. Serve them with a glass of Buck’s fizz."
Get the recipe: Orange syrup for pancakes
17. Oreo pancakes
Serves: 4 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
A real showstopping pudding, Oreo pancakes. These Oreo pancakes taste just like the chocolaty biscuit and are sandwiched with plenty of cream and drizzled in chocolate. The pancakes themselves are made with crushed Oreos. Finish the pancake stack with more Oreos and Oreo Minis and you've got one indulgent dessert.
"These are like a ‘pimp my pudding’ version of Oreos, using crushed Oreo biscuits for added crunch in the cream. Don’t crush them too finely - it’s nice to find some bigger chunks in there," adds Octavia.
Get the recipe: Oreo pancakes
18. Salmon pancakes
Serves: 4 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 35 mins
Combine mushrooms, salmon, and rich Hollandaise sauce to make one of the ultimate savoury pancake fillings. This flavour-packed filling is infused with dill, black pepper and plenty of mushrooms. The pancakes absorb the creamy texture and flavour of the Hollandaise sauce making it one mouthwatering dish overall.
"If you like Eggs Benedict or Eggs Royale this is a great recipe to master. For ease, we’ve used a jar of readymade sauce but it’s even more satisfying to make your own with our Hollandaise sauce recipe," suggests Octavia.
Get the recipe: Salmon pancakes
19. Squash pancakes
Serves: 6 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 40 mins
Combine soft butternut squash with rich Stilton cheese and fresh watercress to make one delicious pancake filling. The creaminess of the Stilton pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the butternut squash. We've served this filling with our classic pancake recipe, crepe-style pancakes are they're much easier to wrap than thicker pancakes.
"These pancakes take a little longer to make because you have to sauté the butternut squash - but the results are absolutely worth the effort. They make a great weekend brunch option - filling, affordable and delicious," adds Octavia.
Get the recipe: Squash pancakes
20. Salted caramel pancakes
Serves: 4 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
If you're a salted caramel fan then you really much try one of our best pancake toppings. These salted caramel and pretzel pancakes balance the saltiness with ice cream and the sweetness with added pretzels - the perfect combination. Sprinkle with crushed sea salt and serve.
"If you’re not keen on pretzels try this recipe using some crushed Lotus Biscuits instead," says Octavia.
Get the recipe: Salted caramel pancakes
21. Chicken pancakes
Serves: 4 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
If you're looking for a hearty pancake filling that will keep you fuller for longer, these chicken pancakes are a great choice. The creamy sauce is made with milk, butter, and leeks and has a luxurious, silky texture. Infused with wholegrain mustard, these chicken pancakes are guaranteed to please the tastebuds.
"If you want your pancake day treat to be a whole meal, make these for the main and finish with a sweet pancake afterward."
Get the recipe: Chicken pancakes
22. Snickers pancakes
Serves: 2 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
These Snickers pancakes are piled high with homemade nougat, Carnation caramel, peanuts, hazelnut chocolate spread, whipped cream – and of course, Snickers bars. We've chosen to add this pancake topping to chocolate pancakes but plain pancakes would work just as well.
Octavia says; "Once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll probably want to give it a go with all your other favourite chocolate bars. I’ve tried Mars bars and Cadbury Caramel, with extra caramel and chocolate, and Toffee Crisps with extra Rice Crispies for crunch."
Get the recipe: Snickers pancakes
23. Mango pancakes
Serves: 6 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 40 mins
Layer your pancakes with a fruity combination of mango, passion fruit, runny honey, and Greek yogurt to make these tangy mango pancakes. Mango is a great pancake filling that you can find in most supermarkets. It's easy to prepare and will add a sweet, tangy flavor to the pancakes of your choice. Plus a portion of this recipe counts as one of your five-a-day.
"I love the creamy, clear taste of Greek yogurt with honey, but for a twist that might also remind you of your holidays, try swapping the yogurt for a little sweetened coconut cream poured over the top. It’s like Thai mango sticky rice," adds Octavia.
Get the recipe: Mango pancakes
24. Strawberry pancakes
Serves: 8 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 15 mins
Indulge your sweet tooth with this strawberry, almond, and caramel pancake recipe. You can use the delicious mixture as a pancake filling by rolling the pancakes to serve or simply top with and sprinkle with almonds before eating. Swap half the strawberries for raspberries or blackberries for an even fruity pancake topping.
Octavia says; "Around Shrove Tuesday the strawberries you’ll find in supermarkets will be imported, so they won’t have a great flavour. Use frozen ones instead for pancake day, or recreate these later in the year when British strawberries are in season."
Get the recipe: Strawberry pancakes
25. Chocolate chip pancakes
Serves: 8 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
Whether you make these chocolate pancakes or choose for traditional, plain ones, chocolate chips are a nifty ingredient that makes basic pancakes a bit more special. Add chocolate chips to your chosen pancake mixture and cook or simply sprinkle over the top before serving. We've served our chocolate chip pancakes with ice cream which is the perfect pairing.
"Simple but classic. If you’re giving up chocolate for lent, choose these and serve them with a mug of creamy hot chocolate topped with some marshmallows for a full blowout feast," adds Food and Lifestyle Writer, Octavia.
Get the recipe: Chocolate chip pancakes
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