When is Pancake Day 2024?

EACH year Pancake Day sees Brit’s tucking into sweet and savoury treats.

But when is Pancake Day 2024, why does it always fall on a Tuesday and what are the best pancake toppings? Here’s everything you need to know.

When is Pancake Day 2024?

Every year, the date of Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, changes depending on the date of Easter.

However, Shrove Tuesday - as the name suggests always lands on a Tuesday.

In 2024, Pancake Day falls on Tuesday, February 13.

Why is Pancake Day always on Tuesday?

Pancake Day arrives on the day before Ash Wednesday.

As well as tucking into pancakes, it is also a day of confession when Christians were "shriven" - meaning absolved from their sins.

The term 'Shrove Tuesday' derives from the word 'shrive', meaning to confess one's sins and seek absolution. 

On this day, Christians would traditionally attend confession and be 'shriven' of their sins in preparation for the Lenten season.

The day is celebrated 47 days before Easter Sunday, so the date varies year to year, but it always falls on a Tuesday.

It is considered the final day of indulgence, when eggs and fats can be used up, before the 40-day period of Lent - traditionally a time of fasting.

Although the fasting tradition isn’t observed by all, Pancake Day is a holiday beloved by many.

The sky's the limit when it comes to pancake toppings, so experiment with your flavours to keep things interesting

Jamie Oliver

Pancake Day also marks the transition from winter to spring, aligning with other pre-Christian festivals.

What are the best pancake toppings?

In 2023, a study by HelloFresh revealed the UK’s favourite pancake toppings.

The brand analysed the average number of Google searches per month for each pancake topping.

The toppings that stacked up included banana pancakes, blueberry pancakes, spinach pancakes, apple, pancakes and strawberry pancakes.

In addition to this, Brits also commonly top their pancakes with lemon and caster sugar.

Others venture slightly further from tradition with honey, golden syrup, fresh or tinned fruit, or ice cream.

But really, you can top your pancakes with anything you like - peanut butter, jam, yoghurt, caramel, chocolate chips, Nutella, or whipped cream.

You can even go savoury with bacon, cheese, eggs, vegetables - the list is endless.

According to celebrity chef Jamie Oliver: "The sky's the limit when it comes to pancake toppings, so experiment with your flavours to keep things interesting."

He adds on his website: "Go savoury or sweet, add fresh herbs or citrus zest, embrace seasonal fruit, or make veg the hero.

"Think about textures and colour – crunchy nuts or creamy yoghurt, crumbly cheese or soft roasted tomatoes – and most importantly, keep things fresh."

Whether you’re flipping pancakes for family and friends or you’re savouring a stack from the comfort of your own home, Shrove Tuesday is a day to indulge in the tasty tradition.