Queen Elizabeth II’s Pancake Recipe: The one treat that broke her strict eating babits

The tradition of enjoying pancakes dates back centuries across the English-speaking world, and Queen Elizabeth II notably enjoyed the custom, allowing herself the indulgence of eating pancakes on this day. Although she generally maintained a very healthy diet, only making small concessions for specific sweets or a touch of alcohol, she famously allowed herself to break her routine and cheat with pancakes. 

These treats, which have spread from the Anglosphere to become a global favorite, represented a rare moment of dietary flexibility for the long-reigning Sovereign.

© Max Mumby/Indigo

This indulgence is celebrated with Pancake Day, a holiday primarily celebrated in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and various Commonwealth countries. While the holiday is a regional staple, pancakes themselves are crafted and enjoyed almost all over the world. According to Hello! Magazine, "the Queen used to participate in this tradition, and in 2021, a year before her death, the official website of the British Royal Family published a list of suggested pancake toppings... and it is quite varied."

Coinciding with Pancake Day, curious contests have become popular, such as Pancake Races, where participants run while tossing a pancake in the air, or Flipping Contests, where contestants must flip a pancake in a pan without dropping it, winning by completing a course or achieving the most flips.

© JOHNNY GREEN

Queen Elizabeth II’s Favorite Toppings

Among the favorite toppings of King Charles III’s mother, one stood out above the rest: beurre noisette (brown butter). This French culinary technique involves melting butter until the water evaporates and the milk solids toast, resulting in an intense golden color and a nutty flavor. According to the Royal House, this also "helps maintain the moisture of the pancakes."

© Barry Winiker

Other toppings favored by the Queen during her nearly 71-year reign included:

• The classic lemon juice and sugar.
• Strawberry or raspberry jam with whipped cream.
• Savory options: She also enjoyed combinations like cooked ham, leeks, and Gruyère cheese.

© gwenael le vot

How to Make Fluffy and Irresistible Pancakes

While it is a simple recipe, the key to the fluffiest version involves adding a bit of baking powder and sugar to the traditional mix of flour, milk, butter, and eggs. Here is the foolproof recipe for light and tender pancakes.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups plus 1 tbsp
• Butter (melted): 2 tbsp
• Eggs: 2 large units
• Whole milk: 1 cup plus 1 tbsp 
• Baking powder: 2 tsp
• White sugar: 3 tbsp 
• Extra butter: For greasing the pan

Preparation

1. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and sugar. Whisk until well blended.
2. Add butter: Pour the melted butter into the bowl and continue to whisk.
3. Sift dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift the flour and baking powder together. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
4. Remove Lumps: Whisk the batter thoroughly until it is completely smooth with no lumps.
5. Rest the Batter: Place the batter in the refrigerator and let it rest for 30 minutes. This is key for achieving that "super fluffy" texture.
6. Heat the Pan: Lightly grease a skillet or griddle with a bit of butter over medium heat.
7. Cook: Using a ladle, pour portions of the batter into the pan. Flip the pancakes once bubbles begin to form on the surface and the edges look set.
8. Serve: Enjoy them warm with your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, honey, maple syrup, or chocolate.

Topping Suggestions for Your Pancakes

Other toppings popular among the British include:

• Sweet: Banana with cocoa and hazelnut cream, honey, syrup, or red berries with yogurt.
• Savory: Ham or spinach with cheese, or smoked salmon with sour cream.
• Healthy Alternatives: Fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, sugar-free homemade jams/compotes, pure cocoa, scrambled eggs, sautéed vegetables, hummus, and low-salt turkey or ham.