Pancakes are a type of flat bread or very simple cake, 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 those in Europe, serve pancakes as desserts, for breakfast or even as a side dish. They are eaten plain, with butter and syrup, sprinkled with powdered sugar or filled with fruit or cheese or simply sprinkled with sugar and lemon juice. Whatever the tradition, pancakes are a virtually 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.