An easy pancake batter recipe with tips on how to make the best pancakes every time with sweet or savoury toppings. Most of the time when I serve pancakes – even just for my own family – I set out a variety of things to put on the pancakes and let everyone add what they’re in the mood for. Everyone loves a good pancake bar and it’s so easy to throw together!

Here are some delicious pancake topping ideas to ensure your breakfast is never boring!

Butter & Maple Syrup

This might be the most common way to top your breakfast pancakes, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve the top spot. There’s a reason this combination is so beloved: when that butter melts and seeps into the pancakes, then it’s topped with a sweet, sticky maple syrup, it’s a damn tasty combination.

Peanut Butter

Personally, this is probably my favorite combination when it comes to pancake toppings. If you haven’t tried it, you’re really missing out! The peanut butter melts and becomes almost a thick liquid, which combines perfectly with maple syrup. Sometimes – if I’m feeling really indulgent – I’ll spread a little butter on before the peanut butter. Don’t miss this epic combo!

Nutella

A thick spread of Nutella that gets all melty is just about the perfect pancake topping! Add bananas – freshly sliced or caramelized – and it’s even more amazing. Sprinkle on some of those toasted nuts and a little whipped cream and you’ll have the best food coma of your life.

Berries

Blueberry, blackberry, strawberry…any kind of berry syrup is delicious over pancakes.

Jam

If you can’t get your hands on some fresh berries, fruit jam is the next best thing. It might even be as good as fresh, since you can spread just a thin layer over your pancakes and still get a ton of flavor. Strawberry and raspberry are our favourites, but definitely give orange jam a try, too!

Bacon or Sausage

If bacon or sausage make great companions to pancakes for breakfast, they’re even more amazing used as a pancake topping. Try adding crispy, cooked, and crumbled bacon to the batter for an extra special treat!

Classic pancake batter

Serves: 4 (makes 8 pancakes)

Ingredients

For the pancake batter: 100g plain flour200ml milk (approx) 2 medium eggs Pinch of salt25g salted butter, melted Oil, for greasing

Method

1. Place the flour in a large bowl, then add half of the milk, the eggs and salt, and beat together. 

2. Slowly add the rest of the milk to make a thin batter then whisk in the melted butter.

3. Heat a 20cm non-stick frying pan and pour in a spoonful of oil and swirl around.

4. Add the batter and cook over a high heat until lightly browned. 

5. Flip over and cook for a further 1 minute to blister slightly.

6. Flip out of the pan and repeat the process.

7. Cover and use when needed or eat warm straight from the pan. (No need to layer with greaseproof paper, they won’t stick!)