Flip those flapjacks high. Today marks a fun time for all pancake lovers. National Pancake Day falls on September 26 each year. It brings smiles with stacks of warm, fluffy treats. People across the US grab deals at spots like Cracker Barrel or Perkins. You can eat all you want for just five bucks at some places.
This day started small but grew big. Back in 2005, two friends made it as Lumberjack Day to share pancakes with pals. Now, it celebrates simple joys like buttery bites and sweet syrup. Mix in family fun or try new toppings. Research shows Americans eat billions of pancakes yearly, with 32.5% from the South. But wait, there’s more.
Some mix it up with Shrove Tuesday in February or March. That’s when IHOP gives free stacks for charity. For 2025, that happened on March 4. However, today focuses on September fun. Get ready for tips, facts, and ways to join in. This guide helps you make the most of National Pancake Day.
History of National Pancake Day
National Pancake Day has roots that go way back. Pancakes themselves are old. Scientists found traces in a 5,300-year-old mummy named Otzi. Ancient Greeks ate flat cakes called tagenites. They mixed flour, honey, and milk. Romans liked them too.
By the 1400s, English books had pancake recipes. In the US, the September 26 version started in 2005. Friends Marianne Ways and Colleen AF Venable called it Lumberjack Day first. They wanted a reason to eat pancakes and waffles with buddies. It caught on quickly. Now, it’s a full holiday.
But there’s another side. Many know National Pancake Day from Shrove Tuesday. That’s the day before Lent starts. Christians used up eggs, milk, and fat to make pancakes. No waste before fasting. Pope Gregory I set rules around 600 AD for this. In England, a woman in 1445 ran to church with her pan when the bell rang.
That sparked races. IHOP jumped in during 2006. They made their own National Pancake Day with free pancakes and charity. Over years, they’ve raised millions for kids’ hospitals. For example, in 2025, it was March 4. This mix of old and new builds the day’s story. It shows how food ties to culture.
How to Celebrate National Pancake Day
You can celebrate National Pancake Day in easy ways. Start at home. Gather family for a pancake breakfast. Play music and flip them high. For kids, make shapes like hearts or animals. It’s fun and bonds everyone. Or head out.
Many restaurants have specials. Search “National Pancake Day specials near me” on your phone. You might find deals like $5 all-you-can-eat at Cracker Barrel. They start with three pancakes and keep serving more.
Moreover, try charity twists. Even on September 26, donate to food banks. Pancakes remind us of sharing. In past years, IHOP collected for Children’s Miracle Network. You can do something similar. Host a pancake party for friends.
Use social media with #NationalPancakeDay to share pics. For families, add games. Who flips the highest without dropping? Prizes like extra syrup. If you like adventure, join a local event. Some towns have mini races. Run while tossing a pancake in a pan. These ideas make the day special. They fit any budget.
National Pancake Day Celebration Ideas for Kids and Families
Kids love National Pancake Day. Make it hands-on. Let them mix batter. Add colors with food dye for rainbow stacks. Or hide small toys in thick ones as surprises. Families can theme it. Wear pajamas like at Perkins, where you get free pancakes in sleepwear. Tell stories about pancake history while eating. It teaches too.
National Pancake Day Recipes
Try simple recipes for National Pancake Day. Start with basic buttermilk ones. Mix 1 cup flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, half tsp baking soda, pinch salt. Add 1 cup buttermilk, 1 egg, 2 tbsp melted butter. Stir just until mixed. Heat pan with oil. Pour batter, cook till bubbles form, flip. Serves four. They come out fluffy.
For variety, make banana pancakes. Mash one ripe banana into the batter. It adds a sweet taste without extra sugar. Or go savory. Add cheese and herbs for dinner twists. Stats say Americans prefer buttermilk at 32%.
Expert tip: Let batter rest 30 minutes for better rise. Use a non-stick pan for easy flips. If vegan, swap egg with flaxseed mix. These keep it fun.
Moreover, experiment with global styles. Danish aebleskiver are round puffs. Fill with jam. Or Ugandan ones with bananas. For National Pancake Day menu ideas, pair with eggs or fruit. Keep it balanced.
Best Pancake Toppings for National Pancake Day
Toppings make pancakes shine. Classic maple syrup leads, but try fresh berries. They add tart pop. Or peanut butter with chocolate chips for kids. Whipped cream feels fancy. For health, use yogurt and nuts. Avoid too much sugar. One stack has 520 calories with syrup. Mix and match for joy.
National Pancake Day Events 2025
In 2025, National Pancake Day buzzed with events. On September 26, chains rolled out deals. Cracker Barrel gave $5 unlimited pancakes dine-in. Loyalty members got it early on the 25th. Farmer Boys had $7 platters with chocolate chips.
Perkins ran a contest for free pancakes a year. Enter by liking their posts and tagging friends. Plus, wear PJs for a free short stack with purchase.
Sugar Factory offered wild stacks like rainbow ones with a duck toy. Some spots tied to football. Show a ticket for free sides in October. For charity, recall IHOP’s March event. They gave free stacks and raised funds. Local events included pop-up breakfasts. Check apps for National Pancake Day promotions and coupons near you.
Fun Facts about National Pancake Day
National Pancake Day packs surprises. The biggest pancake spanned 49 feet and weighed 6,614 pounds. Someone tossed one 31 feet high in 2010. In Sweden, they make blood pancakes with pork. Brits use 52 million eggs on their Pancake Day. First ready-mix was Aunt Jemima in 1889.
Moreover, pancakes boosted McDonald’s sales by 11% in sandwiches. The priciest costs $200 with gold leaf. These bits add sparkle to talks.
National Pancake Day Traditions in the US
US traditions for National Pancake Day blend old and new. September focuses on casual eats. Families stack high at home or diners. IHOP’s version adds giving. Since 2006, free pancakes have meant donations. In some areas, races happen like in England. But here, it’s more about deals and fun.
Compared to International Pancake Day. That’s often Shrove Tuesday worldwide. In Liberal, Kansas, they ran against Olney, England. The US keeps it light. No big fasts now, just joy.
National Pancake Day at IHOP 2025
IHOP shines on their National Pancake Day. In 2025, it was March 4 from 7am to 8pm. Guests got free short stacks. They asked for donations to charities. Over 18 years, millions helped kids. It’s a big draw. Lines form early.
For September, IHOP might join general deals. Check their site for National Pancake Day discounts and giveaways.
In wrapping up, National Pancake Day brings tasty fun. From history to recipes, it covers joy for all. Grab a stack today. Share with loved ones. Or try a new spot. What topping will you pick? Tell us in the comments. Happy flipping!
FAQs
What is the history of National Pancake Day?
It started in 2005 as Lumberjack Day for eating pancakes with friends, but pancakes date back over 30,000 years.
Where can I find National Pancake Day free pancakes?
IHOP offers them on their March day with donations; check chains like Perkins for September deals.
What are some National Pancake Day celebration ideas?
Make pancakes at home, host a flip contest, or visit restaurants for specials.
Can you share National Pancake Day recipes?
Try basic buttermilk: mix flour, buttermilk, egg, bake powder; cook and flip.
How does International Pancake Day vs National Pancake Day differ?
International ties to Shrove Tuesday globally; National is US-focused on September 26 or IHOP’s date.
Key Citations:
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2025/09/25/national-pancake-day-2025-deals/86315073007/
- https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-pancake-day-september-26
- https://nationaltoday.com/national-pancake-day/
- https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Pancake-Day/
- https://www.ihop.com/en/national-pancake-day
- https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/geography/general-geography/shrove-tuesday-facts/
- https://runamokmaple.com/blog/10-pancake-recipes-to-celebrate-national-pancake-day/
- https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/holidays/usa/national-pancake-day
- https://nationaltoday.com/national-pancake-day-2/
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