People have eaten pancakes since the first century, perhaps even before. Clearly, pancakes have left a huge mark on the world, and there are many types and styles of pancakes globally.

In this article, I’ll talk about American and Canadian-style pancakes, which some people call griddlecakes, flapjacks, or hotcakes.
But even the same style of pancakes can have a huge variety depending on what you put on the batter or add on top once they’re cooked.
I’ll share some of the best pancake recipe ideas so that instead of getting bored by your classic recipe, you can try out new delicious flavors for your next breakfast or brunch.
Buttermilk pancakes are a staple in many people's homes, and there's a lot to be said about keeping things simple.
These delightful, fluffy pancakes are the epitome of the phrase "less is more" with this breakfast classic.
They go so well with just a drizzle of maple syrup on top.
If you're a chocolate fanatic like me, these rich and decadent chocolate chip pancakes are for you.
With gooey pockets of melty chocolate in every bite, these pancakes are a heavenly treat for either breakfast or dessert.
Are you on a keto diet and assuming you can't have pancakes? Well, you're in luck!
These keto pancakes don't require any grain or sugar but still result in delicious, fluffy pancakes that will satisfy all your pancake cravings.
I like to top these with keto-friendly fruit like strawberries and blueberries and add just a touch of maple syrup before digging in.
If you're looking for something extra indulgent and decadent - perhaps even more than chocolate chip pancakes - look no further than these fluffy Nutella-stuffed pancakes.
I appreciate that this recipe doesn't simply ask you to smash two pancakes in between Nutella but walks you step-by-step through how to prepare pancakes neatly stuffed with this delicious spread.
I love to eat bacon on the side with my pancakes, but why not include them in the pancakes themselves to save a step?
With this tasty bacon pancake recipe, you can get your breakfast all in one bite with savory strips of bacon baked right into the batter. Genius!
Banana pancakes are one of my all-time favorite breakfast treats.
Whether you like bananas on the sweet side or prefer to keep things more classic, these fluffy and moist pancakes are the perfect vehicle for your ripe bananas.
I like to top my banana pancakes with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of chopped nuts for the ultimate breakfast indulgence.
Blueberries add a burst of bright, fresh flavor to this classic pancake recipe. Rich and fluffy, these pancakes provide an optimal way to start your day.
I also appreciate the health benefits of adding blueberries to my pancakes, as blueberries are packed with antioxidants.
Coconut milk, meat, flour, and oil are some of my favorite ingredients in almost anything - smoothies, parfaits, curries, and even pancakes!
These light and fluffy coconut flour pancakes are ideal for savoring all the goodness of coconut while enjoying a high-protein, low-carb breakfast.
The combination of lemon and ricotta makes excellent cakes and pasta, but have you tried a lemon ricotta pancake?
They are filled with rich, dense, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
These pancakes are the perfect way to start your morning with a hint of tanginess from the lemon and sweetness from the ricotta.
If you're obsessed with Oreos and love Oreo desserts such as Oreo cakes, ice cream, and brownies, you have to try out these Oreo pancakes.
Much closer to the dessert side than the breakfast side, they'll satisfy your mid-day sweet tooth and leave you wanting more.
Make sure to save some Oreo crumbles to sprinkle on top, especially if you want the presentation to look nice for brunch or a friendly gathering.
These pancakes are the perfect treat if you're a fan of old-school pineapple upside-down cake and want to switch things up a bit.
Because they're made with fresh pineapple, brown sugar, and butter, these pancakes have all the flavors of a delicious old-school dessert but with the texture of a fluffy pancake.
I like to serve them topped with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent breakfast.
Cinnamon rolls and pancakes are two of my favorite breakfast items, so I was overly excited when I noticed this recipe for cinnamon roll pancakes that combines the best of both worlds!
With soft pancakes infused with cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, these pancakes perfectly capture the delicious flavors of a classic cinnamon roll.
Another cinnamon-based pancake recipe idea is apple cinnamon pancakes.
If you love the delicious flavors of apple and cinnamon, you'll enjoy these apple cinnamon pancakes.
Since they're filled with sweet apples and fragrant cinnamon, these pancakes are perfect for an autumnal brunch or as a comforting treat on a cold winter morning.
Check out other sweet apple treats for fall!
Like cinnamon roll pancakes, French toast pancakes combine two of my most cherished breakfast foods into one delicious treat.
These pancakes provide an indulgent breakfast option with a decadent and slightly chewy texture.
It's also a sweet tooth's dream, thanks to the cinnamon, buttermilk, vanilla, and added sugar.
While many pancake recipes claim they will turn out "fluffy," if you want to ensure the fluffiest pancakes possible, check out this recipe.
It'll walk you through the key ingredients and steps to make the perfect fluffy pancakes.
Whether I'm in the mood for pancakes with maple syrup, chocolate chips, fresh berries, whipped cream, or else, I always incorporate tricks from this recipe.
For those looking for a vegan-friendly pancake recipe, this simple recipe is the perfect option.
While it might sound more complex than standard pancakes, you only need six ingredients to get the job done.
It's like regular pancakes but calls for soy milk instead of regular milk. You can also use other non-dairy milk like almond, hemp, or coconut milk.
Try these ricotta pancakes if you're looking for a denser and creamier pancake.
Ricotta pancakes are an ideal solution for people who are getting bored with regular pancakes but also don't enjoy pancakes that are overly sweet and dessert-like.
If you want a pancake recipe that's perfect for any time of year, check out these cinnamon peach pancakes.
The cinnamon gives them a warm, cozy flavor that's perfect for the colder months, while the peaches add a refreshing sweetness that's lovely during the spring or summer.
Cream cheese pancakes are similar to ricotta pancakes because they have a more dense and indulgent texture.
Made with cream cheese and vanilla extract, these pancakes are a decadent treat that's perfect for weekend mornings or special occasions.
I love to top mine with fresh fruit like strawberries, which add a lovely sweetness.
Looking for something a little healthier and more filling than your typical pancake recipe? Try out these oatmeal pancakes.
With whole wheat flour and oats, these pancakes are a fantastic way to start your day with plenty of energy.
These pancakes also have a slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh fruit and maple syrup.
Pumpkin has made a huge name for itself, especially for autumn-time pumpkin recipes, and I can't complain.
If you're a pumpkin-lover, add these pumpkin pancakes to your recipe list and enjoy their sweet and aromatic pumpkin flavor with every bite.
Cannolis are a type of dessert pastry, and these cannoli pancakes offer all that dessert-like goodness in a savory breakfast dish.
Whether I'm making these for a special breakfast or just enjoying them as an easy weekend treat, they never disappoint.
If you're a fan of fresh fruit and want to experience it in pancake form, give these strawberry pancakes a try.
The strawberries add a bright, sweet flavor that I just love. I usually refrain from adding all of the strawberries to the batter so that I can leave a handle out to sprinkle on top.
Gingerbread pancakes, made with gingerbread spice mix, are a holiday-time treat, but I don't mind eating them any time of the year!
However, they're particularly perfect for lazy winter mornings or when you just crave something a little bit different but still want to enjoy the taste and warmth of fresh pancakes.
Eggnog is another holiday season pancake recipe that'll get everyone's spirits up with just one bite.
The nutmeg and eggnog give these pancakes a warm and cozy flavor, perfect for cold winter mornings.
I like to make these for friends and family because they're simple to whip up but incredibly impressive.
Avocados and brunch go together like peanut butter and jelly, but if you're bored with the classic avocado toast, try avocado pancakes!
This recipe is healthy, dairy-free, and gluten-free, as it uses a blend of avocado, oatmeal, and apple cider vinegar to achieve a flourless yet scrumptious flour-free pancake.
I love eating these pancakes before working out, as they give me energy without weighing me down.
The best time to eat birthday pancakes is, well, someone's birthday!
These pancakes include confetti sprinkles, vanilla extract, and a cream cheese topping, making the dish look almost like a fun birthday cake.
They're great for children's birthdays, but honestly, I like to make these on the morning of my own birthday to treat and celebrate myself.
If you're allergic to eggs or simply don't want eggs in your pancakes, check out this eggless pancake recipe!
These pancakes are made with a blend of milk and vinegar, along with other ingredients like baking soda, sugar, and flour.
They're delicious on their own, but I like to top them with high-quality maple syrup and raspberries.
They're also easy to make vegan by simply swapping out the milk and butter for non-dairy milk and vegetable oil.
If you love the taste of brownies but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen, try out these brownie batter pancakes!
They're made with a rich and chocolatey batter infused with all of the delicious flavors of your favorite brownie recipe.
Carrot cake pancakes are another great twist on a classic dessert.
These pancakes are made with all of the delicious flavors and ingredients of your favorite carrot cake, including grated carrots, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
I love adding cream cheese frosting to the top if I have an exceptionally sweet tooth that morning.
The list of dessert-like pancakes continues with Key lime pie pancakes.
This recipe is a bit more involved, as there are actually four separate recipes included - graham crumbles, lime syrup, whipping cream, and, of course, the actual pancake batter.
I reserve this for special occasions like treating my partner to breakfast in bed on their birthday.
One of my favorite dessert-pancake combinations is red velvet pancakes, as I love this classic dessert's sweet and tangy flavor profile.
This recipe is super easy to make and comes together quickly, thanks to ingredients like cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to give it that special red velvet look.
You can use the cream cheese glaze recipe provided or simply buy cream cheese glaze if you want to save time.
Dessert pancakes make sense to many people, but what about dinner pancakes?
Everyone loves pizza and pancakes, so combining them is a fantastic idea in my eyes!
This recipe includes savory, pizza-like ingredients such as green peppers, tomatoes, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese. Plus, it calls for making warm pizza sauce that you can drizzle on top instead of maple syrup. Yum!
I can't leave out one of my all-time favorite combinations: peanut butter and chocolate.
If you love the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with decadent chocolate, then these peanut butter chocolate chip pancakes are perfect for you.
Churros are another one of my favorite Mexican desserts, so I love the idea of churro pancakes.
These fluffy pancakes are infused with cinnamon and sugar, giving them that distinct churro flavor.
And, of course, I like to top them with a sweet and creamy chocolate sauce for the ultimate indulgence, but maple syrup works as well.
If you're having an event with many people, such as an extended family brunch, a holiday party, or a sleepover, you might find that this sheet pan pancakes recipe is one of the simplest to follow for large batches.
Using a sheet pan to make pancakes saves you lots of time because you can make one large "pancake" and cut it up into smaller pieces.
It's easy to add your favorite fruits, too, like strawberries and blueberries.
Cheesy, savory pancakes with green onions speak for themselves.
They're perfect for pairing with a runny fried egg, some bacon and breakfast sausage, or even on their own.
With a base of fluffy pancake batter and melty Monterey Jack cheese, these savory pancakes are the ultimate comfort food.
If you're hoping to eat something extremely unique, try out kimchi pancakes!
Incorporating fully-fermented kimchi makes these pancakes slightly spicy and tangy, but adding minced pork helps balance that flavor.
Don't forget to whip up the optional dipping sauce for these crispy pancakes - you won't regret it!
Chunky Monkey is a popular ice cream flavor from Ben and Jerry's that includes bananas, walnuts, and fudge,
Similarly, these Chunky Monkey pancakes incorporate bananas and chocolate, with the suggestion of adding nuts at the end.
Make sure your bananas are overripe and soft, as that's what gives these pancakes the perfect flavor and texture.
If chocolate chip pancakes don't satisfy your chocolate cravings enough, you're going to be obsessed with these hot chocolate pancakes.
They are chocolate throughout and topped with decadent, thick chocolate fudge. To make it even more on the theme, you can add marshmallows on top.
Mini pancake stacks are perfect for brunch potlucks, where you want to share and also bring in a dish with an excellent presentation.
You'll simply make smaller pancakes, stack them on each other, add your favorite topping (or different toppings for different stacks), and secure everything with a skewer.
Mini pancake cereal is so much fun to make.
The idea is to make the pancakes as small as possible, only squeezing a dot of batter onto the griddle at a time so that you have bite-sized pancakes that look like cereal when added to a bowl.
This recipe is excellent if you want to spend time in the kitchen and bond with family, friends, or a partner while making breakfast.
Piña Coladas are one of my favorite mixed drinks, so it's no surprise that I think these Piña Colada pancakes are to die for!
With the addition of pineapple chunks and coconut milk, you'll feel like you've been transported to your favorite island destination.
Cocoa powder is the standout ingredient for zebra marble pancakes, as the crafty addition of it gives the pancakes "stripes' that look like a zebra.
These pancakes are excellent for kids, as they are fun to make and an easy way to sneak in some extra nutrients. Serve them with maple syrup or fruit compote.
S'mores pancakes are another fun recipe to make with kids, as they incorporate all of the smores ingredients - chocolate, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs!
This recipe takes it up a notch by calling for cinnamon in the batter and hazelnut spread in the topping. Yum!
Final Thoughts
Pancakes are a classic breakfast or brunch food, and they’re easy to make. Step up your pancake game with these creative pancake recipes!
45 Fun Pancake Ideas To Try
Looking to mix up your usual pancakes? Check out creative pancake ideas and try something new with our favorite pancake recipes, complete with syrup and other toppings.
Ingredients
- Buttermilk Pancakes
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes
- Keto Pancakes
- Nutella Stuffed Pancakes
- Bacon Pancakes
- Banana Pancakes
- Blueberry Pancakes
- Coconut Flour Pancakes
- Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
- Oreo Pancakes
- Pineapple Upside-Down Pancakes
- Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
- French Toast Pancakes
- Fluffy Pancakes
- Simple Vegan Pancakes
- Ricotta Pancakes
- Cinnamon Peach Pancakes
- Cream Cheese Pancakes
- Oatmeal Pancakes
- Pumpkin Pancakes
- Cannoli Pancakes
- Strawberry Pancakes
- Gingerbread Pancakes
- Eggnog Pancakes
- Avocado Pancakes
- Birthday Pancakes
- Eggless Pancakes
- Brownie Batter Pancakes
- Carrot Cake Pancakes
- Key Lime Pie Pancakes
- Red Velvet Pancakes
- Pizza Pancakes
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes
- Churro Pancakes
- Sheet Pan Pancakes
- Cheesy Savory Pancakes with Green Onions
- Kimchi Pancakes
- Chunky Monkey Pancakes
- Hot Chocolate Pancakes
- Mini Pancake Stacks
- Mini Pancakes Cereal
- Piña Colada Pancakes
- Zebra Marble Pancakes
- S'mores Pancakes
Instructions
1. Choose your favorite recipe.
2. Gather the necessary ingredients.
3. Prep and cook your recipe.
4. Enjoy!
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