Pancake Day 2025: Why Do We Celebrate It?

Pancake Day 2025 is officially here, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love an excuse to eat a mountain of pancakes and maybe even fail miserably at flipping them?

It’s one of those days that practically begs for you to pour syrup, berries, or whatever topping your heart desires.

But why do we even celebrate Pancake Day in the first place?

What Is Pancake Day?

Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, always happens the day before Ash Wednesday, which kicks off the 40 days of Lent. It’s the last hurrah before the fasting begins, so people used to use up all their leftover eggs, milk, and sugar (aka the good stuff) to make pancakes. And hey, if they’re going to be fasting, they might as well go out in pancake-flipping glory.

Why Pancakes?

Good question! Those basic ingredients—flour, eggs, milk, and salt—represent important Christian values like nourishment, purity, and creation. But let’s be real, these days it's all about the toppings. Lemon and sugar, maple syrup, bananas, whipped cream, or bacon—heck, even a fried egg. You do you.

Perfect Pancakes: Tips for Success

And speaking of doing you, if you want to make pancakes like a pro (or at least avoid burning them), the secret’s in the pan. It needs to be hot but not too hot—think just about smoking, but not in the “I’m going to set off the smoke alarm” way. Also, a heavy, flat pan will keep everything even.

Fluffy Pancake Recipe
(Serves 2-3, depending on how much you love pancakes)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk (add more if you want thinner pancakes)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for greasing the pan)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should be a little lumpy—don’t overmix!
4. Cook the pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grease lightly with butter. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
5. Serve and enjoy: Stack those pancakes high, drizzle with maple syrup, and top with whatever you fancy.