Pancakes vs. Pikelets: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 21, 2023
"Pancakes" are fluffy, flat cakes of batter, often larger and thicker, cooked on a hot surface. "Pikelets" are similar but smaller, thinner, and typically served cold.
Key Differences
"Pancakes" are a popular breakfast item, made from a batter that includes ingredients like flour, eggs, and milk, creating a thick, fluffy texture when cooked on a hot griddle. "Pikelets," while similar in composition, are generally thinner and smaller, often enjoyed as a cold snack or with afternoon tea.
The cooking process of "pancakes" involves pouring batter onto a hot surface, resulting in a rise and the formation of bubbles, leading to a soft, airy interior. In contrast, "pikelets" are cooked at a lower heat, allowing them to spread out more, yielding a denser product with less fluffiness.
"Pancakes" are commonly served hot off the griddle, topped with syrup, butter, fruit, or other sweet toppings. "Pikelets," however, are typically cooled after cooking and can be topped with sweet or savory spreads, or served plain as a simple snack.
"Pancakes" are a staple in American breakfast cuisine, with variations existing worldwide, differing in thickness, diameter, and toppings. "Pikelets" are more common in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, known for their portability and suitability for various occasions beyond breakfast.
Both "pancakes" and "pikelets" share a basic list of ingredients — typically flour, eggs, and a leavening agent. However, the consistency of the batter and cooking techniques diverge, making pancakes a hot, fluffy treat, and pikelets a cooler, versatile snack.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Size/Thickness
Larger and thicker
Smaller and thinner
Serving Temperature
Typically served hot
Often served cold or at room temperature
Common Uses
Breakfast, requires immediate consumption
Anytime snack, suitable for later consumption
Texture
Fluffy and airy
Denser and more compact
Geographic Popularity
Popular in the USA and many other countries
Common in the UK, Australia, New Zealand
ADVERTISEMENT
Pancakes and Pikelets Definitions
Pancakes
A versatile dish that can incorporate various ingredients like fruit or chocolate chips.
Banana pancakes are my personal favorite.
Pikelets
A small, thin type of pancake, typically served cold.
She prepared some pikelets for our afternoon tea.
Pancakes
A cultural staple served during certain celebrations, such as Pancake Day.
We eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday as per tradition.
Pikelets
Made from a similar batter to pancakes but cooked to a different thickness and texture.
The pikelets came out perfectly golden and delicious.
Pancakes
A thin cake made from batter that rises due to a leavening agent.
She flipped the pancakes skillfully in the air.
Pikelets
Often served with sweet or savory toppings, like jam or cream.
We had pikelets topped with strawberry jam and a dollop of cream.
Pancakes
A hot breakfast food that is often topped with syrup and butter.
The restaurant is famous for its blueberry pancakes.
Pikelets
A portable and convenient snack option suitable for various occasions.
I brought some pikelets to the picnic, and everyone loved them.
Pancakes
A flat, round cake of batter fried on both sides.
We enjoy making pancakes for a leisurely Sunday breakfast.
Pikelets
A snack or breakfast item common in British, Australian, and New Zealand cuisine.
Pikelets are a popular choice for children's lunchboxes in Australia.
Pancakes
A thin cake made of batter that is poured onto a hot greased surface and cooked on both sides until brown. Also called flannel cake, flapjack, griddle cake, hotcake; also called regionally battercake.
Pikelets
Plural of pikelet
Pancakes
To cause (an aircraft) to make a pancake landing.
Pancakes
To make a pancake landing.
Pancakes
To fall flat to the ground with great force, especially to collapse in such a way that higher floors or structures fall directly on the ones beneath.
Pancakes
Plural of pancake
FAQs
A small, thin type of pancake, typically served cold.
She prepared some pikelets for our afternoon tea.
A portable and convenient snack option suitable for various occasions.
I brought some pikelets to the picnic, and everyone loved them.
Made from a similar batter to pancakes but cooked to a different thickness and texture.
The pikelets came out perfectly golden and delicious.
A snack or breakfast item common in British, Australian, and New Zealand cuisine.
Pikelets are a popular choice for children's lunchboxes in Australia.
Are "pancakes" and "pikelets" made from the same batter?
They can be, though pikelets are usually made from a thinner batter.
Are "pikelets" a type of pancake?
Yes, pikelets are essentially a smaller, thinner variant of a pancake.
How do you serve "pikelets"?
Pikelets can be served cold or at room temperature, often with sweet or savory spreads.
Can "pancakes" be savory?
Yes, pancakes can be made savory with the inclusion of ingredients like cheese or herbs.
Can "pancakes" be made without eggs?
Yes, there are various egg-free pancake recipes available.
Often served with sweet or savory toppings, like jam or cream.
We had pikelets topped with strawberry jam and a dollop of cream.
Are "pikelets" only a sweet treat?
No, pikelets can be topped with savory items like cheese or cold cuts.
How do you keep "pancakes" warm for serving?
Keep them in a warm oven until ready to serve.
Why are my "pancakes" not fluffy?
It could be due to overmixing the batter, old leavening agents, or not letting the batter rest.
Can you store "pikelets" for later use?
Yes, pikelets store well and can be enjoyed later, making them convenient.
How thick should "pikelets" be?
Pikelets are generally thinner than pancakes, about a quarter of an inch.
Can you add fruit to "pancakes"?
Absolutely, adding fruits like blueberries or sliced bananas is popular.
What are "pikelets" called in the United States?
They are often simply referred to as small pancakes or sometimes "silver dollar" pancakes.
Is there a gluten-free version of "pikelets"?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour blends available on the market.
What makes "pancakes" rise and become fluffy?
Leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda cause the rise.
Are "pikelets" a healthy snack?
They can be, depending on the ingredients used. Whole grain versions with minimal sugar are healthier options.
Do "pancakes" have a cultural significance?
Yes, in many cultures, pancakes have a ceremonial or celebratory significance.
Can "pancakes" be made vegan?
Yes, by substituting with plant-based milk and egg alternatives.
Can "pancakes" be frozen for later use?
Yes, just separate them with parchment paper and store in a sealed container.
What's the main difference between "pancakes" and "pikelets"?
Pancakes are typically larger, fluffier, and served hot, while pikelets are smaller, denser, and often served cold.
Are "pikelets" served with syrup?
Not traditionally, but they can be enjoyed with a drizzle of syrup if desired.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
