- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- AmericanComfort FoodSweet Food
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Week leading up to Shrove Tuesday
- Holiday emoji:
- 🥞
National Pancake Week takes place the week leading up to Shrove Tuesday, honoring one of North America’s favorite breakfast foods. This batter-made delight dates back over 5,500 years, making it potentially the oldest breakfast food in history. Stack ’em high, drizzle with syrup, and savor every bite this week.
Want to sponsor National Pancake Week? Learn how
Expected National Pancake Week Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Pancake Week brings delicious deals from major restaurant chains and grocery brands. Expect IHOP to offer free pancakes or discounted stacks, a tradition they often uphold. Denny’s may roll out special pancake combos or all-you-can-eat promotions. Grocery brands like Pillsbury, Bisquick, and Krusteaz often feature sales on their pancake mixes and syrups, encouraging home cooks to celebrate. Local diners and breakfast spots will also likely have their own unique specials. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February approaches.
Platform Guide for National Pancake Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalPancakeWeek. Share your most creative pancake stacks, favorite toppings, or family breakfast traditions with vibrant photos and reels.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalPancakeWeek. Film quick tutorials for unique pancake recipes, topping hacks, or a fun ‘pancake art’ challenge.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalPancakeWeek. Share your go-to pancake recipes, ask friends for their best tips, or organize a virtual pancake breakfast.
National Pancake Week Hero
Al Lapin
History of National Pancake Week
If you’re not aware of what pancakes are, first off, you’re missing out on one of the most delicious breakfasts known to man, and second, here’s how we describe pancakes. Pancakes are round, flat cakes, prepared from a thick batter made of flour, milk, and eggs. The pancake batter can have other ingredients such as buttermilk, yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, apples, bananas, chocolate chips, sugar, cheese, and flavoring agents like vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and anything that makes your taste buds dance!
They are usually consumed at breakfast and can be topped with maple syrup, butter, jam, honey, peanut butter, cane syrup, molasses, whipped cream, maple syrup, powdered sugar, fruits, nuts, and everything nice. But wait, here’s the interesting part, they can either be eaten as sweet or savory, and unsweetened pancakes can be served with sides such as eggs, bacon, or sausage.
Although pancakes are often branded as a breakfast food, they can actually be eaten at any time of the day. Pancakes and their variation are found in almost every culture. In ancient Greek and Rome, they made a variation of pancakes with wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and curdled milk, calling it ‘Alita Dolcia’ meaning ‘another sweet’. In certain countries, pancakes resemble the French crêpe, while in others what the U.S. calls pancakes are known as flapjacks or crumpets. So, this National Pancake Week, fill your belly with pancakes, share pancakes with others, and enjoy this delicious food!
National Pancake Week timeline
An ancient Greek poet mentions warm pancakes in one of his writings.
Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, popularizes pancakes for breakfast.
Bisquick sponsors and starts the first National Pancake Week.
The pancake still reigns as one of the favorite breakfasts of Americans.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Pancake Week
Local restaurants and cafes can host special ‘Pancake Week’ menus featuring unique pancake flavors, gourmet toppings, and breakfast-for-dinner options. Bakeries might offer pancake-themed pastries or take-home mixes. Grocery stores can create prominent displays for pancake ingredients, including mixes, syrups, and fresh fruit. Consider partnering with a local charity to donate a portion of pancake sales to a community food program during the week, blending celebration with a good cause.
National Pancake Week FAQs
When is National Pancake Week?
In 2027, National Pancake Week takes place Monday, February 8 through Sunday, February 14, providing a delicious lead-up to Valentine’s Day.
How many pancakes do Americans eat?
While exact figures vary, it’s widely estimated that the average American eats over 100 pancakes each year. This highlights the widespread appeal and consistent demand for this versatile breakfast food across the country.
What is the history of pancakes?
The origins of pancakes can be traced back to prehistoric times, with early versions made from ground grains and water cooked on hot stones. These early forms evolved across cultures, leading to the diverse range of pancakes we enjoy today.
What's the difference between pancakes, flapjacks, and hotcakes?
While ‘pancake’ is the most common term in the United States, ‘hotcake’ is also frequently used, particularly in restaurant menus. ‘Flapjack’ is a traditional British term that can also refer to a baked oat bar, adding a bit of linguistic variation to the breakfast table.
National Pancake Week Activities
Have a pancake
Well, the greatest pleasure you can gain on National Pancake Week is by eating pancakes! You can spice things up by creating your own variety of pancakes.
Teach someone how to make pancakes
What’s better than eating pancakes on National Pancake Week? Teach your dear ones how to make pancakes. Whether it be your son/daughter, mom/dad, lover, or your neighbor, if they don't know how to make pancakes, be their savior!
Share your pancakes
Pancakes are one of the most loved foods in America. But not all people enjoy the luxury of eating food three times a day. So, contribute to the needy and poor in your community and spread joy.
5 Yummy Facts About Pancakes That’ll Make You Drool
Syrup tops the list
According to recent research, more than 60% of Americans prefer their pancakes with maple syrup.
The world’s biggest pancake
The world’s biggest pancake ever made was 49 feet in diameter.
U.S. Southerners like pancakes a lot
32.5% of pancakes in the U.S. are consumed by U.S. Southerners.
Expensive pancakes
The price of the world’s most expensive pancake at Opus in the Printworks in England is $200.
That is a lot
On average, 700,000 pancakes are consumed every year around the globe.
Why We Love National Pancake Week
Pancakes are a joy
Having hot pancakes for breakfast is fundamentally proven to brighten your mood and make your tummy happy. Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself and experience the joy of delicious pancakes.
Pancakes are for everyone
There is no rule that states that pancakes are only for people with sweet teeth or sweet lovers. Whether you like your pancake made with cinnamon and covered in maple syrup or plain topped with bacon, it’s for everyone!
Pancakes are easy-peasy
How many foods do you know that are simple and easy to make with basic ingredients, but also satisfy all your taste buds? You can count it with your fingers, right? Well, pancakes are one of them too!
National Pancake Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 16–22 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2027 | February 8–14 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2028 | February 21–27 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2029 | February 12–18 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2030 | March 4–10 | Monday–Sunday |
Social Media Tips for National Pancake Week
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