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Growing up, Shrove Tuesday was always a big event in my household. Year after year, Mum would wake us with the buttery smell of pancakes sizzling on the hot plate (somehow we never needed an alarm to get us out of bed that day).

Granted, it probably wasn’t the most nutritious of breakfasts but surely a perfect once a year treat, or – if you follow how Shrove Tuesday was originally intended – a great way of getting rid of your plain flour, eggs and milk in preparation of 40 days of fasting.

As kids, my sister and I had staple toppings. I would smother my pancakes in Cottee’s Chocolate topping, while my sister could not move past lemon and sugar. Even Dad had a favourite topping – strawberry syrup while Mum… was too busy making pancakes!

This year I got to thinking about what other pancake toppings are out there. Maple syrup, honey and jam are just a few other standard toppings likely to appear on the kitchen table this Shrove Tuesday. However, here are 7 other toppings you might like to try:

1. Nutella and Mashed Banana

While writing this blog post, I’ve had the best flashback to a holiday in Thailand.

Each night after I was done eating my favourite seafood feast, I would make the journey back to my bungalow where I would conveniently pass a beautiful local man with a makeshift kitchen set up on the back of his push bike. He made and sold pancakes right there on the spot – and I could never resist.

Looking at his menu board night after night, there was one key ingredient that featured heavily on his list of available toppings – bananas.

In Thailand, Vietnam, China and India bananas are synonymous with pancakes. Perhaps because of their availability and price, I’m not sure why. But I can tell you, they are fantastic.

The local man would typically slice up the banana and once the pancake was just about done, he would add the pieces directly onto the hotplate. He would then wrap the pancake around the banana to make a filling, and combine some sort of spread. My favourite was nutella.

2. Apple and Cinnamon Compote

There is no better way to enjoy in season Royal Gala apples with your pancakes than by making an Apple and Cinnamon Compote.

A simple way to do this is to peel and core 6 apples, and place in a pot with enough water to cover. If you have cinnamon sticks, place them in the water – or ground cinnamon should do the trick nicely. Add a tablespoon of sugar to help avoid creating a tart compote.

Boil the apples then reduce to a simmer until the apples become soft and the mixture has reduced.
The compote can be made the night before; in fact it usually tastes better when the cinnamon and apple have had time to meld together.

3. Greek Style Yoghurt and Berries

If you’re after a topping that is high in taste but low in artificial sugars, try combining greek style yoghurt with a generous handful of berries.

The thickness of the yoghurt adds a lot of flavour and complements the berries nicely. Honey is an extra you might want to consider if you’re after a sweeter taste.

4. Walnuts, Lemon Zest, Raisins and Rum topped with Chocolate Sauce

My research for toppings found me to Gundel palacsinta – a rich, Hungarian delicacy.

The ingredients are typically flambéed and served as a main or dessert. What attracts me to this dish is it sounds like an adult indulgence and a far cry from the chocolate topping I grew up with.

From what I’ve seen, the pancakes are actually filled with the walnut mix then folded into quarters.

Looks amazing don’t you think?

5. Seafood

The French and many other Europeans like incorporating pancakes into a main meal, specifically using a thinner variation of the pancake – which we know as crepes.

Crepes are typically light and can be filled with all sorts of savoury selections, including mushrooms and minced meat, smoked salmon and avocado, and even chicken with cashews.

In France, Crêpes salées make savoury creations possible by providing an unsweetened batter mix.

6. Cream cheese, ham and chives

This is another option for those who would prefer to see something savoury on their pancakes this Shrove Tuesday.
Like with # 5, an unsweetened pancake mix would make this a hit.
Try adding the cream cheese to the pancakes while they’re hot off the stove, that way it goes a little gooey.

7. Salted Peanut Brittle Parfait with Brûlée Bananas and Butterscotch Sauce

If you’ve been watching My Kitchen Rules, a few weeks ago the contestants made a delicious Salted Peanut Brittle Parfait with Brûlée Bananas and Butterscotch Sauce. It looked divine.

For a pancake topping that showcases your culinary skills, my suggestion is you visit the Recipes section of our site and give this a go. The recipe only takes 60 minutes in preparation and cooking time.

What’s your favourite pancake topping?