The Best Pikelet Recipe + 5 Variations (2024)

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Pikelets are such an easy recipe to make, and everyone here loves these soft fresh little morsels. Today I share 5 variations in addition to the original recipe for the best pikelets which are sure to tempt the whole family.

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It is not long until the kids are heading back to school and I start to prepare for the daily conundrum of what to make in their lunch boxes! I have three children and all of them like different things for lunch so one of the easiest thing I find is to have various bits of baking in the freezer ahead of time. With 6 pikelet variations here I hope you find one your family will love!

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I have partnered with Countdown Supermarkets to bring you this easy back to school idea. They are aware that this time of year can be tricky for so many families, getting kids prepared for all they need to begin the school year, the end of summer holidays and of course the huge costs that come about at this time of year not long after the Christmas expenses.

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Together we want to share with you lots of ideas that are quick, easy, healthy and most of all affordable. With all of us so busy and with lots of other things on our mind it is my pleasure to being you these easy lunch box ideas that you can whip up after dinner or on the weekend and freeze for the week ahead. Pikelets freeze really well, so are perfect to pop in the lunch box.

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The basic pikelet recipe is so simple, just a few pantry basics. You can make my sweet ideas and also savoury ones too, simply omit the sugar in those ones. You can make a few batches and split it to add the extra flavours to see which ones you like the best. Have a think what you have in the cupboard and freezer and you might come up with your own ideas! I like to keep things pretty simple, but flavoursome, I really look forward to hearing what you think.

The variations are:

Plain Pikelets

Banana & Sultana Pikelets

Mixed Berry Pikelets

Apple & Cinnamon Pikelets

Double Chocolate & Raspberry Pikelets

Vegetable & Cheese Pikelets

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If you have got this far and still have no idea what a pikelet is, they are basically a small dense pancake that you eat with your fingers, the main difference is in the texture; they form a thick batter and are denser once cooked and no knife and fork needed! And they can be served in any number of ways, warm or cold, sweet ones with butter, jam or cream, and savoury ones with salmon for a little blini or just plain butter!

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Pikelets are very popular in New Zealand and Australia but originated in the UK and are called many different things all over the world. Called Girdle or Griddle Cakes, Drop Scones too, they are also in some places in the UK called crumpets, however in NZ crumpets are a different thing completely.

Even the method for what to cook them on is a whole lesson in language and culture. A girdle? I had to double check my recipe – surely the mean griddle? But no apparently not – in Scotland its called a girdle, in Ireland its a griddle & the Welsh call it a bakestone – well that’s what Google told me so what do you call it? I just use my non stick frying pan and have a few good tips in my recipe to make sure your pikelets are the best..

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I have several back to school recipes, you can check them out here – perhaps a Sunday afternoon baking session and you can be prepped for the month ahead!

Try some of these ideas also, perfect for before, during and after school!

Honey Popcorn Bars

FIVE Freezer Friendly Lunch Box Ideas

2 Ingredient Mini Pizzas

2 Ingredient Lunch Box Scrolls

Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Hidden Vege Cheese Muffins

Everyone here loves pikelets, so I began to experiment with different flavours and textures on the same base recipe, and they are so lovely! You can make both sweet and savoury with the below variations, I hope you enjoy this easy and affordable recipe. I look forward to hearing which one is your favourite.

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Onto the recipe

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Yield: 12-18

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Delicious traditional pikelet recipe, very quick and simple to make plus 5 variations of flavours to try.

Ingredients

Basic Recipe

  • 1 Cup Plain White Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1 Egg
  • 1/4 Cup Sugar
  • 3/4 Cup Milk

Variations, add to dry ingredients

  • Choc & Raspberry - 1 Tablespoon Cocoa, 1/4 cup Chocolate Chips, 1/4 Cup Diced Raspberries
  • Apple & Cinnamon - 1 Apple, Peeled and Grated, 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • Mixed Berries - 1/2 Cup Diced Fresh or Frozen Raspberries, 1/4 Cup Fresh or Frozen Blueberries
  • Banana & Sultanas - 1 Small Mashed Banana, 1/4 cup Sultanas
  • Vege & Cheese - Omit the sugar, beat the egg alone - 1/2 Cup Peeled & Grated Zucchini, squeezed of liquid, 1/4 Cup Grated Carrot, 1/4 Cup fresh, frozen or canned corn, 1/2 Cup Grated Cheese, pinch of pepper, optional: fresh or dried herbs

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl add the flour, baking powder and salt and stir to combine (if making the variations add these to the dry ingredients now)
  2. In a separate bowl add the egg and sugar and whisk or use an electric beater to beat until it is pale, fluffy and creamy, approx 1 minute
  3. Add the egg mixture and the milk to the dry ingredients and mix well until just combined but no lumps remain, allow to rest while you prepare the non stick frying pan
  4. Prepare a teatowel on a rack or plate, folded in half to add the cooked pikelets to as you go
  5. Heat the frying pan or griddle over a medium heat, using a kitchen paper towel add a little butter to the frying pan surface.
  6. For the perfect smooth golden brown pikelets make sure that all the butter is wiped out of the pan with the kitchen paper towel
  7. Add large table spoon sized amounts of batter to the pan, cooking 4 at a time, monitor the heat to ensure they are not burning
  8. Once the bubbles form and begin to pop on the pikelets, gently turn them and cook for up to a minute longer until the underside goes golden brown
  9. Remove from the pan and add place within the folded tea towel
  10. Repeat with gently wiping butter into the pan and wiping off. and continue to cook the remaining batter
  11. Serve warm or cold with toppings of your choice
  12. You can freeze any leftover pikelets for another day
  13. Enjoy!

Notes

Variations

Choc & Raspberry - 1 Tablespoon Cocoa, 1/4 cup Chocolate Chips, 1/4 Cup Diced Raspberries
Apple & Cinnamon - 1 Apple, Peeled and Grated, 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
Mixed Berries - 1/2 Cup Diced Fresh or Frozen Raspberries, 1/4 Cup Fresh or Frozen Blueberries
Banana & Sultanas - 1 Small Mashed Banana, 1/4 cup Sultanas
Vege & Cheese - - omit the sugar, beat the egg alone - 1/2 Cup Peeled & Grated Zucchini, squeezed of liquid, 1/4 Cup Grated Carrot, 1/4 Cup fresh, frozen or canned corn, 1/2 Cup Grated Cheese, pinch of pepper, optional: fresh or dried herbs

Did you make this recipe?

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So easy! I hope this becomes a firm family favourite and there is something here to tempt even the fussiest of family members

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Everything I have used for these lovely pikelets can be found at your local Countdown Supermarket. They have you completely covered for back to school, from lunch boxes, to stationary to all the easy bits and bobs to make school morning lunch box packing a breeze!

A huge thanks to Countdown for partnering with me, I love creating new and exciting recipes using their fresh ingredients.

Thank you so much for stopping by to check out my latest recipe and others on my blog. If you are not already be sure to follow me onFacebookorInstagramfor more deliciousness, and you can register your email in the subscription box below to receive all my recipes as I publish them.

Happy Baking!

Anna

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The Best Pikelet Recipe + 5 Variations (2024)

FAQs

What are pikelets called in America? ›

Historically, crumpets are also regionally known as pikelets, however this is limited as pikelets are more widely known as a thinner, more pancake-like griddle bread; a type of the latter is referred to as a crumpet in Scotland.

What is the difference between a pancake and a pikelet? ›

While pancakes and pikelets are pan-fried batter-based treats, they have some differences. Pikelets and pancakes differ in ingredients—pancakes use eggs and fat, while pikelets are simpler with self-raising flour and milk. Texture-wise, pancakes are fluffier, larger, and round, while pikelets are smaller and thinner.

What is the difference between a crumpet and a pikelet? ›

We often get asked what the difference is between a pikelet and a crumpet, so here is a quick explanation. Essentially, the main difference is that a pikelet is not cooked in a ring like a crumpet, giving them a thinner and more freeform in shape.

What do Australians call pancakes? ›

Pikelets (Australian Pancakes)

What country are pikelets from? ›

Originating from Wales, pikelets were originally known as pitchy [i.e. dark or sticky] bread; however, after they became popular in the West Midlands of England, the name was anglicised as pikelets and travelled from there to Australia where we know and love them.

What do British people call pancakes? ›

In the UK, the word pancakes refers to the same thing, but the word flapjacks refers to something entirely different: a baked good made from oats, resembling what elsewhere may be called a granola bar or oat bar. The word flapjack is traced back to the late 1500s.

Why are my pikelets rubbery? ›

Over mixing: if the batter is mixed to much it can knock the air out and lead to dense, rubbery pikelets. Whisk the batter until its just come together. Pre mixing dry and wet ingredients separately will help with this.

What is a pikelet slang? ›

The meaning has drifted around the world, but in Wales (where they perhaps originate) and the English midlands a pikelet is a thinner and floppier version of a crumpet.

How do you flip pikelets? ›

Slide the spatula under the pancake so that it's centered.

Get as much of your spatula as you can covered by the underside of the pancake. Lift it so it clears the rim of your pan and get ready to flip. Don't hold it in the air for too long or it will break. You should transition to the flip quickly.

Why are girls called crumpet? ›

Crumpet was a term of endearment in the 1920's, along with 'old fruit' The leap from affectionate term for a particular woman friend to any female is understandable, though when it came to specifically mean sexually desirable is unclear.

What is a pikelet in England? ›

pike·​let. ˈpīklə̇t. plural -s. : a small round thick pancake baked on a griddle and traditionally served on Christmas day in Great Britain : crumpet. pikelet.

Why is it called a pikelet? ›

The pikelet is believed to be of Welsh origin where it was known as 'bara pyglyd', later anglicised as pikelet. It is often called the 'poor man's crumpet' as it was made by those who could not afford rings to make crumpets and so would drop the batter freely into the pan.

What do Canadians call pancakes? ›

United States and Canada. American and Canadian pancakes (sometimes called hotcakes, griddlecakes, or flapjacks) are usually served at breakfast, in a stack of two or three, topped with maple syrup or table syrup, and butter.

What is the Irish word for pancake? ›

pancake1, s. 1 Cu: Pancóg f. Pancake day, Máirt f Inide.

What do Southerners call pancakes? ›

In the South, pancakes are interchangeably called hotcakes, griddlecakes, and flapjacks, though British flapjacks are made with rolled oats cooked in the oven. In the U.S., pancakes are made with flour, eggs, butter, and milk, and cooked on a griddle or frying pan to form leavened flat cakes.

What's another name for a pikelet? ›

What is another word for pikelet?
pancakegriddle cake
crumpetslapjack
flapjackwaffle
crepegalette
hotcakeblini
11 more rows

What is the American version of crumpets? ›

Most of my American audience call crumpets… English muffins. It's worth getting to know which is which as they are both very different.

What are American pancakes called? ›

American and Canadian pancakes (sometimes called hotcakes, griddlecakes, or flapjacks) are usually served at breakfast, in a stack of two or three, topped with maple syrup or table syrup, and butter. They are often served with other items such as bacon, toast, eggs or sausage.

Where in the US are pancakes called flapjacks? ›

The nuance in naming exists depending on where you live and the method in which you prepare it. For instance, folks from the South and Southeast call them flapjacks, while people from the West, North, and even the East tend to call them pancakes. Some states have entirely different names for pancakes altogether.

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