What To Serve With Pancakes: 12+ Best Pancake Toppings

Pancakes are the quintessential weekend breakfast, particularly on relaxed Sunday mornings.

I always turn to my trusted and easy buttermilk pancake recipe, but what are the best toppings to serve? Read on for 12+ of the best toppings to serve with pancakes!

Whether it's for a special occasion, pancake day (Shrove Tuesday), or just a lazy weekend breakfast, serving pancakes to your family will always get you in their good books!

I use buttermilk in my usual pancake batter to ensure my American style pancakes are light and fluffy, but sometimes I prefer to serve thin crepes, especially on pancake day!

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Best Pancake Recipes
FAQs on Pancakes
What to serve with pancakes
Pancake Topping Recipes
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Best Pancake Recipes

Before we discuss what to put on top of your pancakes, here are my three favourite pancake recipes that work every time!

Easy Buttermilk Pancakes (UK recipe)

An easy buttermilk pancakes recipe that produces the lightest, softest, fluffiest pancakes, with crisp golden edges!

Servings => 6

Takes => 20

Calories per serving => 414

Easy Buttermilk Pancakes

Scotch Pancakes (Drop Scones)

A plate of drop scones (scotch pancakes).

Scotch pancakes (also known as drop scones) are fluffy little pancakes made in a frying pan or traditional girdle. Much easier to make than traditional crêpe style pancakes, scotch pancakes are perfect for Shrove Tuesday, or any day of the week for that matter!

Servings => 15

Takes => 15

Calories per serving => 79

Scotch Pancakes

Easy pancakes recipe | BBC Good Food

Learn a skill for life with this foolproof easy crêpe recipe that ensures perfect pancakes every time.

Easy Pancakes

I also like these almond milk pancakes and cornmeal pancakes for people on special diets.

FAQs on Pancakes

What is the difference between pancakes and scotch pancakes

Scotch pancakes are slightly sweeter than American-style pancakes, with a small amount of sugar in the batter mixture. In contrast, American pancakes generally contain fat as part of the batter mixture, usually melted butter, whereas scotch pancakes do not.

What is Pancake Day?

Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is a traditional Christian holiday that falls on the day before Ash Wednesday. It is a day of feasting before the start of Lent, a period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter.

Where did the tradition of making pancakes come from?

The tradition of making pancakes came about to use up all the 'forbidden' foods before Lent in order to avoid spoiling and wasting food.

Does pancake batter need to rest?

If you can allow the pancake batter to rest for at least 5 minutes (up to 30 minutes if you have time) it will relax the gluten and ensure you get those fluffy, soft pancakes you've been dreaming of!

How long should pancakes cook on each side?

Heat a frying pan on a medium heat and lightly grease with oil or butter. Pour the batter to form pancakes of whatever size you like. Cook on the first side until small bubbles form on top (it should take between two and three minutes), then flip and cook on the other side for between one and two minutes.

What are some traditional toppings for Pancake Day pancakes?

Some popular toppings for Pancake Day pancakes include lemon juice and sugar, golden syrup, Nutella, whipped cream, and fruit.

What to serve with pancakes

Some of the best pancake toppings!

Golden Syrup or Maple Syrup
Lemon Juice
White or Brown Sugar
Chocolate Chips
Peanut Butter
Fresh Berries
Banana Slices
Greek Yogurt
Fruit Compote
Blueberry Syrup
Sour Cream
Fresh Blueberries
Strawberry Syrup
Orange Zest
Dulce de leche
Ice Cream
Toffee Sauce
Fruit Curds
Bacon
Sausages

Pancake Topping Recipes

Easy Mixed Berry Compote

Frozen berry compote spooned over pancakes.

An easy mixed berry compote recipe made with three simple ingredients (including a bag of frozen mixed berries!).

Servings => 6

Takes => 12

Calories per serving => 61

Easy Mixed Berry Compote

15 Minute Easy Blueberry Compote Recipe

An easy 3-ingredient blueberry compote recipe that can be made with fresh or frozen blueberries in just 15 minutes.

Servings => 8

Takes => 15

Calories per serving => 39

Easy Blueberry Compote

Stewed Rhubarb

A quick and easy stewed rhubarb recipe flavoured with warming ginger and zesty lime juice.

Servings => 4

Takes => 15

Calories per serving => 111

Stewed Rhubarb

Easy Microwave Lemon Curd Recipe

Try this easy microwave lemon curd recipe made with just 4 simple ingredients. Tangy, sweet, buttery, and delicious!

Servings => 20

Takes => 10

Calories per serving => 90

Microwave Lemon Curd

5 Ingredient No Churn Honeycomb Ice Cream

Indulge in this homemade, no-churn honeycomb ice cream with just 5 ingredients (including Cadbury Crunchie bars). Whip up this creamy, preservative-free treat with ease!

Servings => 8

Calories per serving => 462

No Churn Honeycomb Ice Cream

Blackcurrant Coulis

An easy, 3 ingredient, blackcurrant coulis recipe. Great for using up a glut of blackcurrants from your garden. The tart, fruity coulis is delicious stirred through yogurt, spooned over ice-cream or served with a plain vanilla cheesecake.

Servings => 10 servings

Takes => 15

Calories per serving => 36

Blackcurrant Coulis

Easy Strawberry Coulis