Pancake Day Panic?

Celebrity Chef Dean Edwards Shares the Secrets Every Home Cook Needs.

Dan Jones
Photo by Dean Jones

Maple from Canada UK ambassador, author and TV chef, Dean Edwards has dished up his favourite pancake tricks to raise your flipping game this year, guaranteed to take your Pancake Day from basic to brilliant.

New research by Maple from Canada UK, who represent over 13,000 maple syrup producers, shows that Brits love a pancake, with two-thirds recognising it as one of the most versatile dishes out there.

Pictured: Raspberry Maple Pancakes with Maple CoulisRaspberry Maple Pancakes

According to the research findings, sweet, thin pancakes reign supreme on Pancake Day, with three-fifths (60%) of people favouring sweet pancakes, and half (50%) preferring thin, foldable crêpe-style pancakes.

While Pancake Day is a fun yearly tradition, confidence in the kitchen isn’t soaring quite as high as the batter. In fact, Maple from Canada’s research also found that almost six in ten (57%) aren’t confident in their pancake flipping ability and half (50%) of Brits think they need to improve their pancake cooking skills.

Dean says: “For me, the perfect pancake comes down to a few key things, including good ingredients, the right pan, and not overthinking the dreaded flip.”

“I follow the 1-2-3 method, which is 100g of plain flour, 2 eggs and 300ml of milk, which is a great way to get the base just right. Then from there, it’s all about flavour. If you have a sweet tooth, I recommend sweet and sharp pairings like pure Canadian maple syrup and lemon juice, or sweet and salty pairings like the classic maple and bacon combination.”

Dean also explains: “There’s often more theatre than necessity involved in the perfect flip. You don’t have to flip a pancake in the air to make it taste good, but it’s half the fun, and a confident flipper could actually help the pancake cook more evenly.

“But the real secret to the perfect pancake isn’t just what’s in the mix. It’s the flavour, the fun, and that little spark of confidence when you step up to the pan. At the end of the day, it’s not just about flipping pancakes; it’s about creating memories with the people you love. So, gather your family, call your friends and make sure you don’t take yourself too seriously!”

Pictured: Traybake Pancakes with Maple GlazeTraybake Pancakes with Maple Glaze

Of course, toppings are a very personal choice, but they are also the key to the perfect pancake. According to Maple from Canada UK, more than half of consumers opt for traditional favourites such as pure Canadian maple syrup (51%), followed closely by lemon (48%) and chocolate (38%).

Dean is a proud advocate for pure Canadian maple syrup as a topping. “When it comes to pancake toppings, nothing beats pure Canadian maple syrup. Its natural sweetness and complex flavour make every bite more indulgent, whether you’re enjoying a simple stack or a fluffy buttermilk creation. You can really get creative with maple syrup due to its versatility. For example, my personal favourite – pairing fluffy pancakes with Korean Fried Chicken.

On top of tasting amazing, pure Canadian maple syrup is vegan, gentle on blood sugar compared to many alternatives, and even packs minerals like calcium and zinc, making it a delicious choice you can feel good about.”

Korean Fried Chicken PancakesPictured: Korean Fried Chicken with Fluffy Maple Pancakes

 

For more delicious and creative pancake recipes, visit: https://www.maplefromcanada.co.uk/search/pancakes/