There’s nothing quite as disheartening as a deformed stack of pancakes. Even if you whip up the best homemade pancake recipe in the world, if the pancake splatters everywhere and creates a not-so-round shape, the effect of a perfect fluffy stack of flapjacks kind of loses its appeal. But what if the pancake seems to splatter every time you flip it on the pan?
Don’t fret—thanks to some clever pancake experts on TikTok, we’ve finally come across a trick on how to flip a pancake perfectly.
How to Flip a Pancake With Zero Splatters
When it comes to flipping the perfect pancake, it’s all about using your fingers—not your wrist. The trick is shown clearly in this TikTok video from the Pancake Parlour, a small breakfast chain in Australia serving fluffy stacks of pancakes and deliciously sweet crepes.
Seems pretty simple, right? In order to flip a pancake and avoid splatters, it all comes down to a simple finger technique. Using two fingers and your thumb, you’ll flip the spatula without using the force of your whole wrist, which can cause the pancakes to splatter on the pan and get everywhere.
To do this, simply pinch the bottom of the spatula with your index finger and middle finger, then place your thumb on top. Once you scoop the pancake into the pan, you’ll twist your three fingers to flip the spatula, making it easy for the pancake to flip and slide off without splatters.
If you clench the spatula and use your wrist to flip the pancake, the motion will be too powerful and cause those ugly splatters everywhere—which the Pancake Parlour demonstrates toward the end of their video.
What Else Should You Know Before Flipping a Pancake?
While the motion of the spatula does make a big difference when trying to flip the perfect flapjack, there are a few other pancake tricks to keep in mind for making the fluffiest stack of pancakes at home.
First, one of the most common pancake mistakes is not waiting for the batter to rest before making your stack. You should always give the batter at least 10 or 15 minutes to set before placing them on a griddle. This allows for the baking powder (or other baking agents) to activate, making the batter fluffy. Yes, this also applies to box mixes! If you don’t give it time, the pancake will likely be thin and may still splatter when you go to flip it.
Second, place the pancake batter in a ketchup bottle to make perfect circles. Obviously, you’re trying to avoid the splatter of the pancake assuming you want perfectly round flapjacks. So be sure the shape is perfect every time by placing the pancake batter in a clean, empty ketchup bottle for easy squirting into the pan. This is also a great trick if you’re looking to make special pancake shapes. A heart-shaped stack? Why not!
Lastly, to avoid splatter even further, you want to make sure the pancakes aren’t underdone when it’s time to flip. This is why it’s important to cook a pancake on a griddle over medium-low heat so that one side doesn’t burn while you are waiting for the fluffy center to cook a bit before flipping. You know it’s time to flip your pancake when the batter becomes nice and bubbly and slightly firm, which will cause less of a mess win it’s time to flip. Plus, it ensures you’re not biting into an underdone pancake—because no one wants that!
Pancake Recipes You'll Love
The Best-Ever Pancakes
I'm not joking when I say I make pancakes every weekend. I love them in any form and variation—especially when topped with
maple syrup. —
James Schend,Â
Dairy Freed
Go to Recipe
Maple Pancakes"Our family looks forward to tapping the maple trees in March and then enjoying the pure maple syrup year-round. This is just one of the recipes I like to make that has maple syrup as an ingredient," says Mary Colbath from Concord, New Hampshire. —Mary Colbath, Concord, New Hampshire
LearnÂ
how to make pancake mix better these easy upgrades.
Gluten-Free PancakesSince being diagnosed with celiac disease, I've made my gluten-free pancakes dozens of times. My kids like them best with chocolate chips and maple syrup. —Kathy Rairigh, Milford, Indiana
Aunt Edith’s Baked PancakeMy aunt made a mighty breakfast that revolved around 'The Big Pancake'. I always enjoyed watching as she poured the batter into her huge iron skillet, then created the perfect confection: a
Dutch baby pancake. —Marion Kirst, Troy, Michigan
Chocolate Chip PancakesThere's a rush to breakfast in my house when I whip up this chocolate chip pancake recipe. The batter calls for chocolate milk and mini chips, and I top the golden brown cakes with butter and fruit. My daughter says the chocolate chip pancakes are one of her all-time favorites. —Laura Rader, Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Chocolate Chip Elvis PancakesI'm one of 13 children, so making a recipe that everyone likes can be a challenge. This chocolate peanut butter pancakes recipe was a Saturday-morning special that we all loved. —Keenan McDermott, Springfield, Missouri
Buttermilk Buckwheat PancakesThis buckwheat pancake recipe uses buckwheat flour instead of the wheat-based variety. The light and tender buckwheat pancakes offer a nutty flavor and hearty texture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mini-Chip Cocoa PancakesWhip up a batch of cocoa pancakes dotted with mini chocolate chips to satisfy your chocolate cravings first thing in the morning. Yum! —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota
Berry Ricotta Puff PancakeThis slightly sweet berry puff pancake is filled with fruit and has a custardy texture that puffs up beautifully when baked. It makes an easy yet impressive breakfast. —Jessi Smith, Fort Myers, Florida
Peanut Butter PancakesWondering how to make peanut butter pancakes? These morning treats are one of my husband's specialties. It's not unusual for him to wake me with those hot-from-the griddle cakes! —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Chocolate Lover’s PancakesThese indulgent chocolate pancakes are fluffy on the inside, with a rich but not-too-sweet cocoa flavor and a nice tang from the buttermilk. They're delicious with maple or chocolate syrup—and even better with both swirled together on the plate! —Harland Johns, Leesburg, Texas
Orange Ricotta PancakesThese popular pancakes are likely to spark a craving. For a different twist, switch the citrus ingredient to lime or lemon juice.—Brehan Kohl, Anchorage, Alaska
Dutch Baby Pancake with Strawberry-Almond CompotePannekoeken, or Dutch baked pancakes, are a treat in my husband’s family. You can also try this recipe with vanilla extract, blueberries and lemon peel. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Banana Oatmeal PancakesThese pancakes have less sodium per serving than other pancakes made from mixes. Decrease sodium even further by stretching the mix with banana, oats and walnuts. In our house we just sprinkle these with a little confectioners' sugar, because the fruit is so sweet you don't need syrup. — Patricia Swart, Galloway , New Jersey
Blueberry Oatmeal PancakesWonderful blueberry flavor abounds in these thick and moist pancakes. My kids adore them, and I love that they're easy. —Amy Spainhoward, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Apple Pancakes with Cider SyrupTender pancakes are filled with minced apple and raisin, and drizzled with apple cider syrup. They're wonderful in the summer or on a cool fall morning. —April Harmon, Greeneville, Tennessee
Whole Wheat PancakesTo fix a large batch of tender pancakes for my five children, I rely on this quick and wholesome recipe. It calls for whole wheat flour and buttermilk, which make the pancakes filling but also light. Serve them with hot chocolate for a breakfast that's sure to delight little ones. —Line Walter, Wayne, Pennsylvania
Baked Blueberry PancakeFor a quick breakfast, Norna makes the pancake while fixing supper the night before, then cuts it into squares. The next morning, she tops them with butter and syrup before placing them in the microwave. This innovative way to make pancakes takes most of the fuss out of making breakfast. Norna Detig - Lindenwood, Illinois
Banana Oat PancakesI concocted these fluffy banana oatmeal pancakes using a muffin recipe. We love them topped with strawberry jam for breakfast, supper or even just snacking. They're delicious drizzled with maple syrup, too. —Janie Obermier, St. Joseph, Missouri
Birthday Cake PancakesFor my kids' birthdays, I like to make these cake mix pancakes. Frosting and more sprinkles seal the deal! —Dina Crowell, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Fluffy Pumpkin PancakesThese pumpkin pancakes are also delicious served with butter or whipped topping and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Freeze any extras in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then store in a freezer bag. They're great fresh out of the toaster! —Mindy Bauknecht, Two Rivers, Wisconsin
Buttermilk PancakesYou just can't beat a basic buttermilk pancake for a down-home country breakfast. Paired with sausage and fresh fruit, these pancakes are just like the ones you get at Cracker Barrel. —Betty Abrey, Imperial, Saskatchewan
Carrot Cake PancakesHere's a way for fans of carrot cake to have their favorite dessert for breakfast. These delicate, decadent pancakes are drizzled with sweet and spicy maple syrup that complements the sour cream and nut topping. —Leane Goering, Salem, Indiana
Banana Nut PancakesI enjoy these versatile banana nut pancakes. Besides being a satisfying breakfast, they can be a deliciously different dessert. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Brown Sugar Oatmeal PancakesMy family absolutely loves these oat pancakes. I make them every Saturday and Sunday. If I don't, they don't believe it's the weekend! My son's friends often spend the night, and I think it's because they like these oatmeal pancakes so much. They are especially delicious served with molasses and syrup. —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
