When is Pancake Day, why is it called Shrove Tuesday and how to make pancakes

Each year, people around the world celebrate Shrove Tuesday by cooking pancakes of all kinds.

Whether you prefer savoury or sweet, thick or thin, heaped with toppings or just a drizzle of syrup, there are many ways to enjoy pancakes. There's even the perfect excuse to do so with Pancake Day - or Shrove Tuesday - taking place each year.

Celebrated around the world, the event is traditionally a Christian holy day which marks the last day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, though it is often enjoyed by those outside of Christianity too. Shrove Tuesday always takes place 47 days before Easter Sunday and as such, the date it is observed on changes annually.

Pancake Day will soon allow you to test your flipping ability.

Here is what you need to know about when Pancake Day is, what recipe you should use and why it is called Shrove Tuesday.

When is Pancake Day?

In 2024, Pancake Day takes place on Tuesday, February 13.

Why do we celebrate Shrove Tuesday?

While it is now perhaps more commonly known as Pancake Day, Shrove Tuesday is a Christian festival celebrated in many countries around the world.

Pancake races are also on the menu to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, an ancient tradition which is said to have emerged from Olney in Buckinghamshire. Image: Getty

It takes place the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent; a period of six weeks in the lead up to Easter where Christians give up luxuries to remember when Jesus Christ withdrew into the desert for 40 days to fast and pray.

Christians would make foods such as pancakes to in order to use up rich ingredients like butter, eggs, sugar and fat before Lent, which is how it gained the name Pancake Day.

Why is it called Shrove Tuesday?

Lent is the six week period leading up to Easter. Traditionally, it was a time of fasting and on Shrove Tuesday, Christians went to confession where they were ‘shriven’ from their sins.

The word ‘shrive’ means to give absolution after hearing confession, hence why the date is referred to as Shrove Tuesday.

How to make pancakes

Assuming you’re celebrating Pancake Day with others this year, here’s a perfect pancake recipe for four people.

Ingredients

• 225g self-raising flour
• 40g caster sugar
• 1 tbsp golden syrup
• 250ml milk
• 1 large egg
• Salted butter for cooking

Method

With this pancake recipe, you should look to make the batter a few hours ahead of cooking to allow time for it to set in your fridge while covered.

1. Whisk the ingredients in a bowl, until the batter becomes smooth.
2. Heat a frying pan at medium heat and add a small chunk of butter, letting it coat the pan with a thin layer of grease.
3. Ladle a dollop of batter onto the pan. When bubbles begin to form on the surface you should flip it!
4. Cook until the pancake’s underside turns golden brown.

Then finish by including any toppings of your choice like cream, berries, Nutella, syrup or honey.