Pancake Tuesday: 21 sweet and savoury pancake recipes

Whether religious or not, people around the world are celebrating Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Tuesday this February 5th with a giant stack of yummy pancakes.

Why pancakes?
In medieval times, Shrove Tuesday (Shrove derives from "shrive", meaning "to confess") was the last chance to indulge yourself and to use up the foods not allowed during Lent, the Christian preparation for Easter. Pancakes were eaten on this day because they contain fat, butter and eggs which were forbidden during Lent.

Whether you observe Lent or not, why not join in the fun of Pancake Tuesday? Pancakes are quick, easy and inexpensive to make for just one or a whole crowd. Here are 21 of The Canadian Living Test Kitchen's best sweet and savoury pancake recipes.

Sweet pancakes
Pancake recipe: Apple Oatmeal Pancakes

Pancake recipe: Best-Ever Whole-Grain Pancakes
Multigrain flour, rolled oats and wheat germ give these quite chewy pancakes a wholesome flavour.

Pancake recipe: Big Batch Buttermilk Pancakes
Here are "the best pancakes yet" from the Breakfast for Kids Program at Holy Trinity Church-St. David School. This recipe is the equivalent of 6 batches and makes 72 very moist pancakes.

Pancake recipe: Buttermilk Pancakes

Pancake recipe: Buttermilk Buckwheat Cranberry Pancakes
Fluffy golden pancakes with a wholesome nutty taste are a perfect winter breakfast.

Pancake recipe: Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Pancake recipe: Cinnamon Oat Pancake Mix
Rolled oats are a healthy addition to pancakes. Our mix makes enough for one batch of healthy pancakes, but you can double or triple it.

Pancake recipe: Fruity Pancakes
Add fresh berries, such as blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, to the batter. Pack a tin of maple syrup to serve with these pancakes.

Pancake recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes

Pancake recipe: Nutty Banana Bran Pancakes

Pancake recipe: Oatmeal Banana Bread Pancakes
You might want to make and freeze a double batch of these hearty pancakes to reheat in the toaster for a satisfying and easy midweek breakfast. Serve with maple syrup.

Pancake recipe: Peachy Pancakes
Breakfast is a treat with golden, light and healthy pancakes with chunks of glorious fresh peaches.

Pancake recipe: Ricotta Lemon Pancakes

Pancake recipe: Smiling Apple Pancakes

Pancake recipe: Weekend Breakfast Buttermilk Pancakes

Pancake recipe: Whole Wheat Pancakes
A healthy alternative to the traditional pancake.

Savoury pancakes
Pancake recipe: Corn and Zucchini Pancakes
Introduce vegetables to the breakfast table with these hearty griddle cakes. Top with syrup or low-fat yogurt. You can even freeze them to pop in the toaster oven.

Pancake recipe: Golden Squash Pancakes
Serve with chicken or pork or, for a vegetarian meal, with a crunchy sweet red and green pepper salad. The squash can be grated up to eight hours ahead, by hand or in the food processor, then refrigerated. Delicata and butternut work best.

Pancake recipe: Guacamole Shrimp on Cornmeal Pancakes
Colourful bites of shrimp, guacamole and pancake are irresistible.

Pancake recipe: Potato Pancakes With Smoked Salmon And Dill Creme Fraiche

Pancake recipe: Zucchini Pancakes
This is delicious as a light dinner or brunch topped with sour cream or Feta Tomato Cream.

Read more: Get ready for Easter crafts and recipes!