Learn all about the differences and similarities between Hotcakes vs Pancakes! This much-loved breakfast food is enjoyed around the world and is always a morning favorite!
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Pancakes vs Hotcakes - Are They The Same?
You can call them either pancakes or hotcakes, but essentially they are the same food just with different names. Since they have been eaten around the world for centuries they have come to be known by many various names.
Along with hotcakes and pancakes, they are also known as flapjacks, griddlecakes, and batter cakes in some regions. But all these terms denote the same food item - a delicious breakfast dish that can be enjoyed sweet or savory.
What is a hotcake?
If you are in the US then hotcakes can be used interchangeably with the word pancake (as well as flapjack). However, if you are in the UK or other places in Europe, hotcakes can have a different meaning.
Hotcakes are then a type of griddlecake that is thicker than a traditional pancake. They, therefore, have been cooked for longer and so they have more browned areas on them from being in contact with the pan while cooking.
What is a pancake?
A pancake is a flat, round cake made from batter and lightly fried in a pan until golden brown. The term pancake has come to refer to this type of food item in most English-speaking countries.
Pancakes were originally called griddle cakes because they were cooked on a griddle over an open fire. But when pans became more readily available, pancakes started being cooked in pans - but they were still referred to as griddlecakes and sometimes still are.
Pancakes / Hotcakes Across the Globe
Crêpes in France is a super thin version of American pancakes that can be served with either sweet or savory fillings. Drop Scones are Scottish pancakes that include cream of tartar in their batter. Serabi is an Indonesian version of pancake that’s only cooked on one side with light burn marks from the clay pan used to make them. Poffertjes are Dutch desserts resembling miniature American pancakes.
Hotcakes vs Pancakes - Similarities and Differences
Pancakes and hotcakes are essentially the same things, but they do have minor differences that define them. They are thin, flat cakes of batter, usually fried and turned in a pan.
Both are typically prepared with flour, eggs, milk, butter, and sometimes baking soda or baking powder. Generally speaking, pancakes are wide and fluffy in texture, whereas hotcakes tend to be thicker and denser.
Similarities:
- They can be sweet or savory
- Cooked in a frying pan
- Their main ingredient is flour
- They are normally served warm with toppings
Differences:
- The thickness
- Size of the cakes
- The density of the cakes
- The cooking times
Hotcake and Pancake Recipes
The best thing about pancakes and hotcakes is that there is always a delicious option available for anyone and everyone. From plant-based pancakes, and decadent chocolate pancakes, to healthy protein-packed pancakes - the options are endless.
There are literally hundreds of different recipes you can try out if you are craving pancakes for breakfast. We have some tasty pancake recipes on the blog - check out our recipes below!
PANCAKE RECIPES TO TRY:
- Easy Banana & Caramel Pancakes
- Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Pancakes
- Fluffy Buckwheat Pancakes
- Power Oat Pancakes
- Fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes
I hope you enjoyed learning more about Hotcakes vs Pancakes! And follow me on Instagram or Facebook for even more delicious food inspiration!
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