National Pancake Week takes place in the last week of February. This year, it takes place from February 17 to 23. It honors one of the favorite breakfast foods in North America — pancakes! Did you know that this batter-made breakfast item dates back more than 5,500 years? Yes, researchers and scientists even predict that pancakes might be the oldest breakfast food in history. In fact, they found a pancake-like food in the stomach of Ötzi, the Iceman, whose human remains are estimated to be 5,300 years old.
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.
National Pancake Week FAQs
What is the secret to pancakes?
The secret to delicious pancakes is in the eggs. You need to separate the egg yolks from the egg whites and add them separately.
Why does the date of Pancake Day change every year?
The date of Pancake Day changes yearly. Shrove Tuesday, the Christian observance on which Pancake Day falls is always 47 days before Easter Sunday.
When was the first pancake made?
The word ‘pancakes’ appears in print as early as 1430. Pancakes existed since Neolithic humans domesticated wheat, ground it into flour mixed with bird’s egg and goat’s milk, and poured the batter on a heated rock.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | February 21 | Monday |
| 2023 | February 20 | Monday |
| 2024 | February 19 | Monday |
| 2025 | February 17 | Monday |
| 2026 | February 16 | Monday |
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