Global Pancake Taste Test: American Style Crowned Champion on Pancake Day
Pancakes may appear simple, but they encompass a remarkable diversity of batters, toppings, and cooking methods that vary significantly across cultures. From the lofty, fluffy stacks adored in America to the slender, crisp-edged discs cherished in France, each variation asserts its claim as the definitive version. With Pancake Day arriving, I embarked on a culinary journey to sample five distinct pancake styles from around the world, all readily available at UK supermarkets, to determine which truly deserves the title of champion and is worth preparing for this festive occasion.
Methodology of the Pancake Experiment
For this tasting challenge, I selected supermarket-ready-made pancakes to eliminate any potential cooking errors that might influence the verdict. The varieties included Sainsbury's Scotch pancakes, Sainsbury's Sweet (British) pancakes, Abra-Ca-Debora Original Dutch-style pancakes, Sainsbury's buttermilk pancakes, and Lidl's Chocolate and Hazelnut-filled crêpes. To ensure consistency, I conducted a sweet tasting session, applying identical toppings to each pancake: maple syrup, whipped cream, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. After involving my niece and nephew in the experiment, I extended the inquiry to Instagram, polling followers on their preferred pancake style.
Out of 170 respondents, 23% favoured British pancakes, 38% supported crêpes, 31% chose American pancakes, 8% opted for Dutch pancakes, and Scotch pancakes regrettably received zero votes. Below, I present my candid ranking of these international pancake offerings.
Ranking the Supermarket Pancakes
5. Dutch Pancakes - Abra-Ca-Debora Original Dutch-style Pancakes
The Dutch pancake, or pannenkoek, is a pan-sized delicacy thicker than a crêpe, traditionally made with flour, eggs, milk, and sugar. According to culinary experts, it is typically served hot with cherries and whipped cream or cheese. In my test, I used berries and cream, finding the pannenkoek richer, more buttery, and eggier than British pancakes, with a breadier taste and a thicker, chewy consistency. However, a slightly bitter aftertaste and unappealing texture led to a disappointing experience. My niece and nephew concurred, resulting in a rating of four out of ten.
4. British Pancakes - Sainsbury's Sweet Pancakes
Traditional British pancakes, akin to French crêpes but smaller and slightly thicker, lack raising agents, unlike their American counterparts. The classic serving involves lemon juice and sugar, but I found this combination overly sharp against the pancake's plain flavour. Even with maple syrup, it remained underwhelming, offering a delicate, sweet taste with subtle eggy and buttery notes that were largely bland. The texture did not appeal to me, earning a rating of five out of ten.
3. Scotch Pancakes - Sainsbury's Scotch Pancakes
Also known as Scottish drop scones, Scotch pancakes are small, fluffy rounds cooked on a griddle with a thicker batter. They possess a gently sweet and buttery flavour, reminiscent of a more compact American pancake. I enjoyed them hot with syrup and fruit, and they pair well with savoury items like sausage patties. However, my younger taste testers found them bland compared to sweeter options. Despite this, I awarded them a solid seven out of ten.
2. French Crêpes - Lidl's Chocolate and Hazelnut-filled Crêpes
Originating in 13th-century France, crêpes are delicate, wafer-thin pancakes made from eggs, milk, flour, and butter, without sugar in classic recipes to accommodate both sweet and savoury fillings. Finding plain crêpes proved challenging, so I sampled a chocolate-filled variant. While light and airy, I prefer fluffier pancakes where the batter itself shines rather than being overshadowed by toppings. The chocolate version was delicious, though slightly too rich for some. Crêpes received high praise in my Instagram poll, securing a rating of eight out of ten.
1. American Pancakes - Sainsbury's Buttermilk Pancakes
Topping the list with a perfect ten out of ten, American buttermilk pancakes are fluffy, subtly sweet, and simultaneously light and moist. They complement a wide range of toppings while their flavour and texture remain the star of the show. Historically emerging in the 1700s, these pancakes, sometimes called flapjacks, gained popularity for their quick preparation. Experts recommend serving them with maple syrup, whipped cream, and fruit, or pairing them with bacon or sausages for a savoury twist. This variety undoubtedly deserves the champion title for Pancake Day.
