Pancake Day 2026: Jill Bakes shares her foolproof recipe for perfectly fluffy pancakes

Jill Stewart (Jill Bakes) with her perfectly fluffy pancakes

With Pancake Day falling on Tuesday, February 17, home bakers across Ballymena will be reaching for their mixing bowls in preparation for one of the tastiest days of the year. And according to local food blogger Jill Stewart, known to her thousands of followers on Instagram as Jill Bakes, mastering a good pancake recipe is a true kitchen game changer.

“I’m Jill,” she says, “trying to help you be better in the kitchen one tip at a time.”

And her super simple pancake recipe does exactly that — no weighing scales required!

Designed to be straightforward and family-friendly, Jill’s method is ideal for getting children involved in the kitchen. Using tablespoons instead of grams makes the process less daunting and more accessible, while her practical tips help guarantee light, fluffy results every time.

Top tips for Pancake Day success

Jill believes that a few small tweaks can make all the difference between flat, rubbery pancakes and a beautifully fluffy stack.

Her key advice includes:

• Keep the batter thick – A thick batter is essential for achieving soft, fluffy pancakes.

• Don’t overmix – It’s better to have a few small lumps of flour than an overworked batter. Overmixing can result in dense pancakes.

• Watch for bubbles – Wait until plenty of bubbles form on the surface before flipping. This is your cue that they’re ready.

• Go easy on the butter – Too much butter on the griddle or pan can cause uneven cooking.

• No soda bread flour? No problem – If you can’t find soda bread self-raising flour, use regular self-raising flour and add approximately half a teaspoon of baking soda.

• Don’t press them down – Resist the temptation to flatten pancakes after flipping; this pushes out air and reduces fluffiness.

• Keep them warm properly – Place cooked pancakes on a cooling rack and cover with a clean tea towel to keep them warm without going soggy.

• Use a non-stick pan – Especially important if you’re not using a griddle.

Jill Bakes’ easy pancake recipe

Makes 8–10 large pancakes

Ingredients:

• 9 heaped tablespoons soda bread self-raising flour

• 4 tablespoons caster sugar

• 3 eggs

• 280ml (½ pint) buttermilk

Method:

1. Sieve the flour into a large bowl and stir in the caster sugar.

2. Add the eggs and buttermilk, mixing until a thick batter forms. You may not need all of the buttermilk — the consistency should be very thick.

3. Lightly grease a griddle or non-stick pan with a small amount of butter or spread.

4. Ladle the batter onto the pan, adjusting the amount depending on the size of pancake you prefer.

5. Cook over a medium heat for a couple of minutes until bubbles form across the surface. Flip and cook on the other side until golden.

Serve warm with your favourite toppings — from the classic squeeze of lemon and sugar to fresh berries, maple syrup or crispy bacon.

Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out, Jill’s approach makes Pancake Day both simple and delicious. With no scales required and plenty of helpful guidance, there is every reason to get flipping this February 17.

Follow Jill for more great recipes and tips on Instagram. Tap the button below to visit Jill Bakes.

Jill Bakes