National Pancake Day 2025

National Pancake Day is celebrated on February 28th every year. 

National Pancake Day is a moment of joy for pancake lovers nationwide as it is an annual celebration that unites pancake enthusiasts to cherish the fluffy, golden delights. 

National Pancake Day happens twice a year, and the second one is celebrated on September 26th. 

What is National Pancake Day

National Pancake Day is a charitable event held at the end of February or beginning of March every year to raise money for charity.

The concept of National Pancake Day was introduced by IHOP in 2006, and it is associated with the “Free Pancake Day” promotion. The purpose behind this celebration is to not only cherish the delectable snacks but also give back to the community. 

What distinguishes IHOP's National Pancake Day is its charitable component. On this day, IHOP provides customers with a free stack of buttermilk pancakes. In return, the restaurant suggests that patrons consider leaving a donation. The funds raised from these donations are used to support children's hospitals and other health organizations.

 IHOP's National Pancake Day is a fun and purposeful celebration that fuses the tradition of pancakes with a sense of goodwill. 

This event has grown in popularity, bringing together pancake enthusiasts and families for a day of indulgence and giving.

IHOP was founded in 1958, and it has been a popular chain of pancake bakeries earning itself a reputation for its delicious and diverse pancake offerings. 

Over the years, IHOP has consistently celebrated the joy of pancakes, making them the main focus of their menu and promotional activities.

The History of Pancakes

Pancakes have been around for a very long time! The Ancient Greeks made pancakes called tēganitēs or tagēnitēs, which come from the word tagēnon, meaning “frying pan.” These pancakes were made using simple ingredients like wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and curdled milk. They were a popular choice for breakfast and were even mentioned by Greek poets as far back as the 5th century BC.

Another type of Greek pancake was staititēs, made with spelt flour, a type of ancient grain. People would top these pancakes with honey, sesame seeds, and cheese, as described in an old Greek book called Deipnosophistae.

The Romans also had their version of pancakes, which they called alia dulcia, meaning “other sweets” in Latin. While these were different from modern pancakes, they were still a sweet treat people enjoyed.

The word “pancake” first appeared in English in the 15th century, showing that this beloved dish has been part of many cultures for centuries.

Flipping Flavors and Sharing Smiles

IHOP's National Pancake Day also helps both chefs and customers to let their creative juices flow as the menu offers a diverse range of pancake flavors starting from the classic buttermilk to special variations and toppings. 

The event encourages attendees to experiment with different combinations, adding a culinary element to the celebration.

IHOP's National Pancake Day is more than just pancakes; it's also a digital celebration.

Customers use the hashtag #NationalPancakeDay to share photos, stories, and experiences about their pancake stacks on social media.

This online gathering turns into a virtual community where pancake lovers can connect and share their joy.

Beyond the social media buzz, National Pancake Day at IHOP is a genuine celebration, not a marketing gimmick.

As people across the country enjoy their complimentary stacks, they join a larger community committed to making a positive difference. This day is truly special because of IHOP's commitment to combining culinary delight with philanthropy - a feast for the senses and the soul.