How to host a pancake party

Biscoff Pancakes on two plates topped with sliced banana

We consider Pancake Day (21 February) to be a great excuse to invite friends over for a pancake-filled get-together. Rustle up some crêpes, tuck into a pancake bar and sip on sweet cocktails with your nearest and dearest. It’s a low-cost way of entertaining, plus there’s minimum prep required.

You don’t have to wait until Shrove Tuesday – a pancake-themed feast is perfect for celebrating all manner of birthdays, Mother’s Day, baby showers, hen parties, you name it.

Before you host, make you sure master the perfect crêpe with our classic crêpes, or try our easy American pancakes to learn how to make them extra-fluffy. For perfect pancakes you’ll need a good pan: take a browse through our best pans for pancakes.

How to host a pancake party

Assemble a DIY pancake bar

A DIY pancake bar is a brilliant fuss-free set up for hosting Pancake Day. Simply fill bowls with a range of sweet and savoury toppings and present on a large serving board, ready for guests to top their pancakes with whichever combo they desire (however eyebrow raising!).

Tip: If you need to reheat your pancakes, stack on a heatproof plate; cover with foil. Warm at 180C/160C fan/gas 4 for 10-15 mins from cold or 5-10 mins from room temperature. To microwave, stack, cover with cling film, pierce the film. Reheat on High for 1 min.

Savoury topping ideas:

Feta
Spinach
Tomatoes
Sweetcorn
Onions
Bacon
Cheddar
Spring onions
Coriander
Kimchi
Mushrooms
Smoked salmon
Avocado
Crème fraîche

Sweet topping ideas:

Peanut butter
Maple syrup
Biscoff
Nutella
Marshmallows
Mascarpone
Salted caramel espresso martini mixture
Hot chocolate sauce
Mocha syrup
Fruit (banana, blueberries, raspberries etc)

Pancake cocktails

Take your pancake spread to the next level by transforming your favourite pancake into a lip-smacking cocktail. For lemon and sugar loyalists, pair your pancake with a Tom Collins, where gin, lemon juice and sugar is lengthened with sparkling water. It’s refreshing and winningly easy to make. For banana and chocolate lovers, how about sipping on a decadent, chocolatey martini? Or for next-level indulgence, serve with a creamy banana milkshake. A fruity French martini will compliment pancakes loaded with fresh raspberries, while an amaretto sour makes the perfect match for cherries, chocolate and cream.

Pancake kitchenware to buy

OXO 2-in-1 Citrus Juicer

Available from John Lewis & Partners (£16).

The small reamer in this OXO citrus juicer works a treat for lemons and limes, perfect for your prepping a handful of fresh lemons for your pancakes. The clear container features measurement markings, and a spout for drip-free pouring to minimise the mess. It also comes apart for easy cleaning.

Tala Stoneware Mixing Bowl

This large bowl has a 31cm diameter and generous 5-litre capacity to cover your largest pancake batters. The classic ceramic design comes in a pretty duck egg blue and is not just for aesthetics – the embossed design adds extra grip for when you’re whisking, too.

OXO Stainless Steel Balloon Whisk

Available from John Lewis & Partners (£13).

An essential utensil for whipping pancake batter for maximum fluffiness. The whisk features polished stainless-steel wires and teardrop-shaped handles that fit comfortably in the palm of your hand.

Emma Bridgewater Black Toast Pancakes Jug, 850ml

Whip up your batter in this cream-coloured earthenware jug from Emma Bridgewater. The jug even has a batter recipe on its base.

Pair with this matching large enamel jug, perfect for whipping up sauces.

Steel Silicone Flexible Turner

Available from John Lewis & Partners (£19).

Not a confident flipper? Get your hands on flexible turner to master the perfect flip – this handy tool features a heat-safe silicone head, together with a sleek stainless-steel design to take your pancake from pan to plate with ease.

Set of 6 Mini Matte Latte Bowls

Serve up to six pancake toppings in these pretty pastel earthenware bowls.

Available from La Gent (£42.00)

Serve up your best lemon and sugar pancakes on these playful lemon printed plates. Crafted from stoneware, they’re glazed in off-white with a lemon and leaf pattern in a palette of light blue, dark blue, green and burnt orange.

Emma Bridgewater Lemons Round Birch Tray

Present a platter of sweet toppings on this lemon-themed birch wood tray from Emma Bridgewater. It’ll add a pop of colour to your kitchen, plus it can be used all-year round for drinks enjoyed out in the sun.

Typhoon Elements Oval Marble Serve Board

Available from Amazon (£35.00), Very (£35.00) and Littlewoods (£44.99).

Present sweet and savoury toppings on this oval-shaped serving board – the marble makes a beautiful backdrop for pictures, too.

Ikea FULLSPÄCKAD Serving Tray

Perfect for a smaller gathering, you could present bowls, spreads and sauces on this two-level tray. It also features a sturdy handle for carrying.

Eaziglide 25cm Non-Stick Pancake Pan

The Eaziglide pan comes with a lifetime guarantee and is a very versatile option, being dishwasher- and oven-safe up to 260C and suitable for all stove tops.

The combination of its damage-resistant, non-stick and shallow lip features means this pan is made for flipping pancakes.

Biol Smiley Faces Pancake Pan

This cast aluminium pan with a non-stick coating is perfect for making pancakes that will make you smile.

It is not suitable for induction hobs but if you have a ceramic, gas or electric stove top you can make six mini pancakes perfect for stacking and smothering with your favourite toppings.

Savoury pancake recipes

Sweetcorn, feta and spring onion pancakes

Try this quick, easy and flavoursome savoury pancake made with sweetcorn, feta and spring onion. A quirky yet delicious combination of salty and sweet flavours comes from the addition of bacon and maple syrup, resulting in a recipe perfect for an exciting pancake party.