National Blueberry Pancake Day
Wake up to a breakfast that's bursting with juicy, fruity flavor! Fluffy circles of joy topped with a melty pad of butter and syrup.
Who doesn’t love waking up to a fresh plate of blueberry pancakes, or even indulging in them, piled high with whipped cream, for a delicious dessert? They truly are a food of the gods, and they are so universally loved that they even have their own day!
That’s right, National Blueberry Pancake Day is a special and beautiful reason to enjoy this dish in an extra special way.
One day of each and every year, it’s possible to celebrate the sacred blueberry pancake and give it the love and respect it deserves.
Get ready for National Blueberry Pancake Day!
History of National Blueberry Pancake Day
While putting blueberries in pancakes is a more modern practice, this history of pancakes probably goes back several centuries.
Originally pancakes would not have been as sweet as they are today, but the creation of a paste made from wheat that is then fried in a pan, or even directly on the hot ashes of an open fire, may go back as far as 30,000 BC, during the stone age.
In fact, researchers have found something like pancakes in the stomach of Otzi the Iceman, who was preserved in the ice for at least 5000 years!
Of course, various recipes for these early versions of pancakes eventually developed to include milk, eggs, oil, fruit and even ingredients that wouldn’t be used today, such as cheese, potash or cabbage.
But because blueberries are native to North America, it took some time until they were part of the evolution of the pancake.
Today, blueberries are known as a “superfood” but even hundreds of years ago, Native Americans knew how great they were and would use them for medicinal and health purposes.
Once Europeans made their way west, they learned about how amazing blueberries truly are, but they still continued to only grow in the wild until the early 1900s, when a farmer and botanist were able to domesticate them.
Eventually, settlers in the New World began including blueberries not only in their own recipes but also in other products such as cosmetics and alcohol. And, eventually, of course, they made their way into pancakes, which is the very reason for the celebration of this particular day.
And now, it’s time for the celebration of National Blueberry Pancake Day!
How to Celebrate National Blueberry Pancake Day
Getting involved with celebrating this day can be loads of fun–and super delicious as well! Get inspired with some of these ideas for making the most of National Blueberry Pancake Day:
Go Out for National Blueberry Pancake Day
Select diners and restaurants participate in the day, serving up extra special, and – of course – extra big, stacks of pancakes oozing with delicious blueberries all day long.
Since this day is the celebration of all things related to blueberry pancakes, it’s quite likely that some restaurants that serve them will be offering special discounts or coupons for their customers in honor of the day!
What could be better than celebrating at a place that has “pancake” in the name?! Although the selections tend to change each year, IHOP (International House of Pancakes), is a US chain that has been known to offer deals for this day in the past.
With locations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and many international stores (including United Arab Emirates, Mexico, the Philippines and Canada), it’s easy to find a fix of blueberry pancakes at a nearby IHOP.
Make Blueberry Pancakes at Home
This is one day when it is perfectly acceptable to eat blueberry pancakes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert with no guilt or judgment.
Why not check out some recipes and have some fun creating twists on the classic pancake recipe, and be sure to stock up on blueberries for those inevitable second helpings!
Some people find it’s easiest to just whip up a bowl full of batter that comes from a box of pancake mix–and really, who is going to know?
But, for those who are purists, or just don’t happen to have any pancake mix in the pantry, making them from scratch is fairly easy and only requires a few ingredients: flour, baking powder (for leavening), salt, sugar (white or brown) milk, eggs, vanilla, melted butter and, of course, blueberries.
Try Out a Variation on Blueberry Pancakes
While a basic pancake recipe sprinkled with blueberries is certainly a classic that no one is going to turn their nose up at, today might be a great day to get creative and try out a new twist on this special favorite.
Any of these recipe ideas can easily be made vegan by substituting almond or oat milk for dairy, as well as coconut oil and/or greek yogurt instead of butter.
- Cornmeal Blueberry Pancakes. Cornmeal and coconut oil add a delicious flavor and a texture that is to die for.
- Lemon Poppyseed Blueberry Pancakes. Take everything one step further by adding lemon juice, lemon zest, and topped with pure maple syrup. It’s like the flavors of a favorite blueberry muffin and a lemon poppyseed muffin, all rolled into one.
- Blueberry Pancake Poppers. Using a regular pancake batter but made in mini muffin tins, these little treats can be easily popped into your mouth at any time!
- Blueberry Oat Pancakes. Make things a bit healthier (and gluten free!) by using oats and oat flour, rather than wheat flour.
Share Some Blueberry Pancakes
While a pile of blueberry pancakes with a pat of butter and real maple syrup is delicious even when eaten alone, wouldn’t they be even better when shared with someone else you love?!
Grab a friend, family member, neighbor or coworker and get ready to enjoy a big old stack of yummy breakfast food in honor of National Blueberry Pancake Day!
Learn About Blueberry Health Benefits
Although pancakes certainly aren’t the healthiest food around, there are ways to make them better for you by making them vegan, using oats, and throwing in a handful of blueberries.
As a superfood, blueberries have all sorts of health benefits that can take a carb-filled breakfast and add at least a few vitamins and antioxidants.
Here are some of the ways blueberries bring health benefits to the body:
- Blueberries are a low-calorie, high-nutrient food that are made up of approximately 85% water.
- Filled with Vitamin C & VItamin K as well as manganese, these little purple fruits also contain quite a bit of fiber (4 grams in a 1-cup serving).
- Want to be protected against aging and cancer? Then blueberries are a great friend! High in antioxidants, this fruit has the powerful ability to neutralize those highly damaging free radicals.
- In addition to preventing oxidation of DNA, the antioxidants in blueberries protect the LDL cholesterol in the blood from leading toward the development of heart disease. So, for some people, blueberries might play a small part in saving their lives!
National Blueberry Pancake Day FAQs
Why do people celebrate Blueberry Pancake Day?
Blueberry Pancake Day celebrates the tradition of mixing fresh berries into pancakes, which likely dates back to early American settlers.
Native Americans shared their knowledge of blueberries with settlers, and these berries quickly became breakfast favorites.
Pancakes themselves have a long history, from ancient Greece to medieval Europe, often featuring berries or nuts when possible.
Adding blueberries gives a sweet-tart kick and a nutritional boost, and today, people celebrate this tradition by adding fresh or frozen blueberries to their batter.
When did blueberry pancakes first become popular in the U.S.?
Blueberry pancakes became popular in the U.S. in the early 20th century when commercial blueberry farming took off.
Improved agricultural methods allowed blueberry crops to expand, and these berries found their way into breakfast dishes.
By the 1920s, blueberries were advertised as healthy and affordable, spurring recipes like blueberry pancakes in homes and diners alike.
How are blueberry pancakes celebrated differently around the world?
While the U.S. often celebrates blueberry pancakes with a hearty breakfast, Finland’s similar mustikkapannukakku, or blueberry pancake, is baked rather than fried.
In Germany, blueberries sometimes top pancakes rather than being mixed in, creating a blueberry-studded crepe-like dessert.
In Japan, pancake mixes often include blueberry flavoring, making it an easy grab-and-go treat.
Are there any myths or superstitions around blueberries and pancakes?
Some folklore links blueberries to protection against evil spirits, and early settlers thought blueberry pancakes could “ward off” bad luck.
Native American myths also tell of “star berries” (the star shape at the berry’s top), believed to have healing powers. Some early settlers even served blueberry pancakes as good luck symbols during harvest season.
Why do blueberries turn pancakes blue?
The anthocyanins in blueberries react with the baking soda in the pancake batter, creating a bluish-purple hue.
These antioxidants are highly reactive to pH changes, giving the pancakes a fun, natural color.
The shade varies based on the ingredients, so lemon juice or vinegar can make the pancakes more purple.
Why are blueberries such a common pancake addition?
Blueberries are sturdy, keeping their shape in heat and adding texture without overwhelming the batter.
Their tartness balances the sweetness of pancakes, creating a complex flavor profile.
Other berries, like raspberries, often lose form or add too much liquid, which changes pancake consistency.
Can I celebrate by making blueberry pancakes differently than the usual method?
Try making Dutch baby pancakes with blueberries. This baked pancake puffs up, creating a unique look and taste.
Swedish-style blueberry pancakes with thinner batter are great for rolling or stacking. Adding lemon zest or ricotta cheese also adds variety to traditional blueberry pancakes.
How do blueberry pancakes fit into New England culture?
In New England, blueberry pancakes are a staple at diners and local breakfast spots. Maine is one of the top blueberry producers, so fresh blueberries are often used.
Festivals like the Maine Wild Blueberry Festival celebrate blueberries, often featuring blueberry pancakes as a star breakfast item.
What’s the difference between using wild and cultivated blueberries in pancakes?
Wild blueberries are smaller and more intense in flavor than cultivated ones, giving pancakes a richer taste.
Their small size also allows for a more even distribution in the batter. Cultivated blueberries are juicier and sweeter, creating a softer texture and a milder flavor in pancakes.
Are there any surprising health benefits to celebrating with blueberry pancakes?
Yes! Blueberries contain antioxidants that help combat inflammation and support heart health.
When paired with whole-grain pancakes and natural sweeteners, blueberry pancakes provide fiber and sustained energy. Just watch the toppings, as excess syrup can mask these benefits.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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