Fat Tuesday Pancakes – Traditional, Gluten-Free & Vegan Recipes

If you have ever wondered why Pancakes are served on Fat Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday), let me explain. The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is the final day of the Mardi Gras Carnival season. It is historically the last day of celebration before the Lenten fasting season begins.

Therefore, Fat Tuesday has been come to be known as the day you eat and indulge in everything! Because it is the last day of the Mardi Gras carnival season many people will search for and make classic New Orleans Inspired Recipes on this day.

Some of the most popular recipes include Jambalaya, Gumbo, Beignets and the famous King Cake. However, every year it is a tradition in many homes to celebrate the first meal, on the last day of Mardi Gras, with an overflowing plate of Pancakes.

So today I thought I would share 3 of my favorite pancake recipes, including traditional pancakes, gluten free pancakes, and my favorite pancake recipe of all time, vegan pancakes.

Why Do People Eat Pancakes On Shrove Tuesday? 

As you already know, Fat Tuesday is the last day before the Lenten season begins. That is why it is celebrated with all sort of rich and delicious foods.

However it all began in 600 A.D. when Pope Gregory instructed all Christians to refrain from eating any animal products during the 40 days of Lent. Therefore, all egg and milk products had to be used or discarded before Ash Wednesday.

Therefore, it became tradition to make pancakes on what is now known as Fat Tuesday. Although the fasting restrictions are now less strict, it has been a tradition that has continued in many homes.

So in the spirit of continuing the tradition, I have provided not only my favorite pancake recipes, but also some of my favorite toppings that make pancakes even better.

Top 3 Fat Tuesday Pancake Recipes

1. TRADITIONAL HOMEMADE PANCAKES

While many people use pancake mix or homemade pancake mix, it is actually very easy to make a batch of pancakes with some very basic ingredients in your cupboard. Simply follow the steps below and your will have light, fluffy and delicious pancakes on your table in no time!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 
• 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt, or more to taste
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• One large egg 
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon. Then in another small bowl mix together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter and mix until incorporated. It is okay if a few clumps remain.

To cook the pancakes, heat an electric griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Spray non-stick cooking spray or spread a little oil on the cooking surface.

Use a large cookie scoop, or a 1/4 cup measuring cup to place the batter on the griddle. Let the edges begin to bubble and then flip. Cook until the other side is golden brown.

---

2. GLUTEN-FREE PANCAKES

If you would love to make Fat Tuesday Pancakes, but have been avoiding making them because you need to make them gluten-free, here is a recipe for you!

Ingredients

• 1-1/3 cups Gluten-Free All Purpose Baking Flour
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 2 Large Eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup Milk 
• 2 Tbsp Melted Butter

Instructions

First, take a large bowl and mix the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. I always like to add a pinch of cinnamon as well.

Once the dry ingredients are well combined, add your egg, milk and melted butter. Stir just until combined, leaving a few clumps in the batter so the pancakes will turn out nice and fluffy.

When your pan is hot use a ladle to pour the batter and spread it out evenly on the pan. Next, cook it for at least two to three minutes or until you find bubbles developing around the edges of the pancake.

When you see golden brown edges, it’s time to give the pancake a flip. Cook it for another 3-5 minutes or until the pancakes turn golden brown and serve warm. 

---

3. VEGAN PANCAKES

This is perhaps the easiest Fat Tuesday pancake recipe on this list and it will barely take you a few minutes to complete. 

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 cup plain, unsweetened almond or soy milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons canola oil or melted vegan butter

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. 

Then pour the milk, water and oil (or butter) into the bowl with the dry ingredients, and stir with a large spoon until just combined. To make sure the pancakes turn out light and fluffy, do not over mix. A few lumps are okay.

Heat a large griddle or pan over medium-high heat. Grease the pan with vegan butter or coconut oil and drop about 1/4 cup of the batter onto it.

Cook until bubbles form and the edges begin to dry out. Then flip and cook until the pancakes turn golden brown, approximately 3-4 more minutes.

---

PANCAKE TOPPINGS

If you want to make your Fat Tuesday Pancakes more interesting and over the top delicious, consider adding some mouth-watering toppings. Besides the typical butter and maple syrup toppings, there are many ways to make your pancakes even more delicious.

Suggested Toppings:

• Chocolate syrup
• Honey 
• Nutella spread
• Peanut butter
• Marshmallow spread
• Chocolate chips
• Whipped cream
• Fresh fruit – strawberries, bananas, apples, blueberries
• Berry jams or jelly
• Chopped nuts
• Strawberry syrup
• Apple Butter

How do shape pancakes into different shapes? 

One of the easiest ways to add different shapes to your pancake is by transferring your pancake mix to a squeezable plastic bottle. Then squeeze this bottle on the pan or griddle to create the kind of shapes you want.

This is a fairly easy method. However, you can also go the extra mile by getting pancake cutters in the shape of a heart, animal or favorite Disney character.

Storing Recommendations

You can store your leftover Fat Tuesday pancake batter in an airtight container and leave it in the fridge for four to five days. You can also store made pancakes in a sealed container in the refrigerator for the same amount of time.

Reheating Recommendations

The best way to reheat leftover pancakes is to place it in a container, directly above simmering water. However you can also microwave the pancake for 20-30 seconds, or reheat it with a dash of butter in a nonstick pan. 

Make This A New Tradition

Now that you know how to whip up a few different Fat Tuesday Pancake Recipes, be sure to include them in your yearly Mardi Gras food celebration.

It is a great way to start your day off right before all the fasting begins!

Enjoy! Mary

To receive our 3 Recipe Articles in your inbox each week, sign up for our free email list located in the middle of each recipe or email me at contact@makeyourmeals.com. You can also follow us on Facebook and Pinterest. This article may contain affiliate links where a small commission is paid if you purchase a product at no additional cost to you.