Pancake Day is a day earmarked for indulging in the fluffy deliciousness of pancakes.

This day falls on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. It marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar.

In 2024, Australians will celebrate Pancake Day on February 13th.

What is Pancake Day?

Pancake Day is also known as Shrove Tuesday. Its roots are the olden tradition of using up foods like eggs, milk, and sugar before the 40-day fasting period of Lent.

The idea was to clear the house of these “luxury items” and pancakes were the perfect recipe to use up such ingredients. Over the years, this day has evolved beyond its religious origins to become a celebration of community and culinary creativity.

Gluten free pancake recipe

Whipping up gluten-free pancakes ensures that everyone can enjoy the celebrations. Here’s a simple recipe to try this Pancake Day:

Ingredients

• 1 cup gluten-free plain flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk (dairy or any plant-based alternative)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter or oil, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
4. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
5. Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the pan. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.
6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Pancake topping inspiration

There are endless toppings options to transform your stack into a mouthwatering masterpiece. From the classic lemon and sugar to more adventurous combinations. Here are some topping ideas to get you started:

• Lemon juice and a sprinkle of sugar for a refreshing tang.
• A mixture of fresh berries with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
• Melted chocolate or chocolate spread with sliced bananas.
• A spread of almond or peanut butter topped with crushed nuts and a drizzle of honey.
• Chopped mango, pineapple, and a squeeze of lime juice, finished with a sprinkle of coconut flakes.

Pancake Day offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate with loved ones and enjoy the simple pleasures. So, mark your calendars for February 13th, 2024, and get ready to flip, top, and eat!