Pancakes are a type of flat bread, not necessarily sweetened, enjoyed by cultures around the world. Pancake recipes vary, but all have the same basic ingredients of flour, eggs and milk. Some countries, like the United States and Canada, serve pancakes for breakfast while others, such as the European regions, serve pancakes as desserts or even side dishes. They are eaten plain, with butter, sprinkled with powdered sugar or filled with pastry, fruit or cheese. Whatever the tradition, pancakes are a truly universal and enjoyable dish.

On Fat Tuesdays (aka Shrove Tuesday) pancakes are eaten because they primarily feature sugar, fat, and flour which are restricted during the fasting of Lent.