Pancake Day: The perfect pancake, according to the British public

37 per cent of British people eat pancakes only one day a year, poll claims

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The perfect pancake is apparently 3.93 millimetres thick, 16.07 centimetres in diameter and golden brown in colour, according to polled Britsh people.

Of the 2,000 polled, 64 per cent enjoy eating ones they’ve made themselves, and a further quarter admitted to gorging on them yet don't cook them themselves.

In the spirit of Pancake Day, 85 per cent intend to cook pancakes, with 64 per cent opting to make them from scratch.

But one in five buy pre-made batter to create their own pancake.

It also emerged that on average, British people will devour more than three pancakes per sitting - and make as many as they can eat – with just a single pancake left over for each household on average.

The crepe-style pancake is the nation’s preferred type, with 56 per cent of British people favouring them over the thicker American version.

Mylène Denicolaï, spokesperson for Maple from Canada, which commissioned the survey, said: “The noble pancake has become a favourite for all every February when Shrove Tuesday arrives.

“It’s most definitely a way to get the whole family involved in a timeless activity - and who doesn’t love attempting to perfectly land a pancake in the pan?

“Pancake Day also sparks the classic ‘sweet or savoury’ debate, which draws passionate opinions from opposing sides.

“Luckily, pure Canadian maple syrup can go with either.”

The study also revealed the classic topping combination of lemon and sugar is the most popular, followed by maple syrup and chocolate spread – with bacon voted as the best savoury option.

65 per cent of those polled prefered sweet pancakes over the savoury variety; although though nearly a quarter like both options equally depending on their mood.

Inspired by the increased popularity of veganism, 15 per cent will even be attempting a vegan-friendly pancake.

It also emerged more than eight in 10, apparently, believe there’s no other way to turn a pancake other than tossing it in the air from the pan – a tradition which dates back to 1619.

When the pancake flipping goes wrong, nearly 40 per cent of such pancakes hit the floor instead of the plate.

Many British people also rate themselves as pancake connoisseurs, with 50 per cent claiming to not ruin any of their batch (some concede at least one they produce isn't good enough to eat).

Making batter too thick or thin, and over or under cooking were the main reasons that some British pancake makers' results dissapointed.

As fun as pancake-making can be, a third of people dread the state of the kitchen afterwards - though 43 per cent think it's worth the mess, according to the OnePoll survey.

Most pancakes in the UK seem to all be created on the week of Pancake Day, with 37 per cent only eating them one day a year. One in four, however, will whip some up every few months.

Ms Denicolaï added: “Pancake Day has been celebrated in Britain for centuries but in Canada, we enjoy pancakes all year round, whether it’s for breakfast, brunch or a dessert.

“Of course, we always cover them with pure Canadian maple syrup.

“We were delighted to learn that maple syrup is one of Britain’s favourite pancake toppings.

"We can understand why - whether it’s used on its own or accompanying another sweet or savoury topping, pure Canadian maple syrup is a delicious option.”

Britian's top 20 pancake toppings:

1. Lemon

2. Sugar

3. Maple Syrup

4. Chocolate spread

5. Golden syrup

6. Honey

7. Cream

8. Jam

9. Chocolate sauce

10. Banana

11. Bacon

12. Strawberries

13. Blueberries

14. Ice Cream

15. Raspberries

16. Mixed berries

17. Cinnamon

18. Cheddar cheese

19. Smoked salmon

20. Greek yoghurt

SWNS