September 26

National Pancake Day

Get ready to indulge! Celebrate National Pancake Day with delicious recipes, coupons, and discounts - it's the perfect way to start your day!

Dates
September 26, The day before Ash Wednesday
Type
Day
Tags
Breakfast, Food

Introduction

Prepare to indulge in some delicious pancakes on National Pancake Day on Sept. 26! This day of celebration has been around for over 500 years and is a great way to show your appreciation for the breakfast staple. It's also the perfect time to try out different recipes and experiment with various ingredients, from classic buttermilk pancakes to vegan friendly options. Let's get ready to flip our way into this special day!

Introduction

Get ready to indulge in some delicious pancakes on National Pancake Day, which falls on the day before Ash Wednesday each year! This holiday has been celebrated since the 15th century, when Christians would use up all their rich ingredients such as eggs and butter before the start of Lent. Today, it's a popular tradition to enjoy stacks of fluffy pancakes with your loved ones, topped with your favorite syrups and toppings. So mark your calendars for this tasty celebration and get ready to satisfy your pancake cravings!

National Pancake Day Timeline

1430
Origin of Pancake Day
National Pancake Day dates back to the 15th century when Christians would make pancakes on Shrove Tuesday to use up their rich food before Lent.
1683
Pancakes in Literature
Jonathan Swift references Pancake Day in his poem "A Description of a City Shower," showing its cultural importance during this time.
1800s
Pancake Market Growth
In the late 1800s, ready-made pancake mixes started appearing in American markets, making pancakes more accessible for everyone.
1919
Aunt Jemima's Debut
The launch of Aunt Jemima’s ready-mixed, self-rising pancake flour popularized pancakes further in the U.S., transforming breakfast meals across the country.
2006
IHOP Joins the Celebrations
International House of Pancakes (IHOP) began celebrating National Pancake Day with free pancakes, turning the day into a charitable event that raises money for local hospitals.

National Pancake Day Timeline

8000s BCE
Earliest Pancake Origins
Made from cereal grains and wild nuts, the ancient version of pancakes were eaten by prehistoric societies.
1st Century AD
Ancient Greeks and Romans
The first recorded mention of a dish that resembles pancakes comes from ancient Greek and Roman cuisines, where they were often sweetened with honey.
15th Century
European Pancake Evolution
Developed as a dish for Shrove Tuesday, pancakes were used to consume perishable ingredients before the fasting period of Lent.
1889
First Pancake Mix Introduced
Aunt Jemima pancake flour, the first ready-mix food to be sold commercially, was invented by Chris L. Rutt and Charles G. Underwood.
2005
IHOP's National Pancake Day
The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) started their National Pancake Day, offering free pancakes to patrons and requesting donations for children's charities.
2009
National Pancake Day Official
September 26 was officially recognized as National Pancake Day, devoted to celebrating and enjoying this beloved breakfast dish.

How to Celebrate National Pancake Day

1

Make your own pancakes

Making pancakes doesn't have to be intimidating. All you need is flour, eggs, milk, and butter for a classic recipe. Get creative with the batter by adding chocolate chips, blueberries, or other toppings.

2

Go out for pancakes

Much simpler than making your own pancakes, go try out that new restaurant that serves pancakes. Search for Pancakes on Yelp and see where your pancake adventure takes you.

3

Throw a pancake party

Invite your friends over and make a variety of pancakes together. Have a competition to see who can come up with the most creative topping combination.

4

Visit an IHOP

Take advantage of National Pancake Day at IHOP by enjoying all the delicious variations of pancakes they have to offer, from strawberry banana to red velvet.

5

Participate in a pancake race

Pancake races are an old English tradition where people run while flipping a pancake in a pan. Gather up your friends and family to join in on the fun!

How to Celebrate National Pancake Day

1

Create a pancake bar

Set up a DIY pancake bar with different toppings and syrups for your family or friends to make their own delicious creations.

2

Try new pancake recipes

Instead of the traditional pancake recipe, try out some unique and creative recipes such as red velvet pancakes, banana oatmeal pancakes, or even savory pancakes with bacon and cheese.

3

Have a pancake-themed movie night

Watch your favorite movies while enjoying some delicious pancakes. Bonus points if the movie has a pancake scene!

4

Host a pancake party

Invite some friends over for a brunch party featuring all types of pancakes, from sweet to savory. Don't forget the mimosas!

5

Donate to a charity that supports hunger relief

In the spirit of giving, donate to a charity that helps provide food to those in need. After all, pancakes are a staple for many breakfasts and it's important to give back on National Pancake Day.

Why We Love National Pancake Day

A

Pancakes are easy to make

Pancakes are a staple of breakfast and brunch menus all over the world. Best of all, they're quick and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients like eggs, flour, baking powder, and milk. Plus, you can add your favorite toppings like fresh fruit or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture!

B

Pancakes are delicious

Who doesn't love pancakes? They're light and fluffy, with a slightly sweet taste that makes them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you opt for traditional buttermilk Pancakes or something more experimental like banana or carrot cake pancakes - you can’t go wrong!

C

Pancakes are fun to make & eat

Making pancakes is a great activity to share with family and friends. You can get creative in the kitchen by adding colorful sprinkles or fruits to your pancake batter. And once they’re ready, you can share them around the table while chatting and having fun!

Why We Love National Pancake Day

A

Pancakes are a delicious breakfast food

One of the main reasons why we love National Pancake Day is because it gives us an excuse to indulge in our favorite breakfast food - pancakes! They're fluffy, sweet, and can be topped with all sorts of delicious toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, and fresh fruit.

B

Pancakes are versatile

While traditional pancakes are delicious on their own, they can also be jazzed up with different flavors and variations. Add chocolate chips or blueberries to your batter for some extra sweetness, or try making them with almond flour for a gluten-free option!

C

Pancakes bring people together

National Pancake Day is a great opportunity to gather friends and family around the breakfast table for a delicious meal. Whether you're making huge stacks of pancakes at home or heading out to your favorite pancake house, it's a day to enjoy some quality time with loved ones over a stack of fluffy goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is National Pancake Day?
National Pancake Day is celebrated annually on the day before Ash Wednesday, and in 2025, it will fall on Tuesday, March 4th.

Holiday Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Sep 26
Tuesday
2024
Sep 26
Thursday
2025
Sep 26
Friday
2026
Sep 26
Saturday
2027
Sep 26
Sunday