Pancakes are a beloved breakfast food in America, known for their fluffy, flat shape and versatile toppings. But pancakes actually go by a few different names depending on the region of the United States.
The History of Pancakes in America
Pancakes have a long history in the United States. Some of the earliest references to pancakes on American soil come from the east coast colonies in the 18th century. Back then, pancakes were sometimes called “flapjacks” or “griddlecakes” and were a staple breakfast food, along with eggs and bacon.
As America expanded westward in the 19th century, pancakes continued to grow in popularity. The food was well-suited for frontier life because the ingredients were simple – just flour, milk, eggs, baking powder, and salt. Pioneers would cook pancakes over an open fire in a skillet or on a griddle.
By the early 20th century, pancakes became a breakfast staple across the country. Diners and coffee shops featured pancakes on their menus. As pancakes grew in popularity nationwide, some distinct regional names for the food emerged.
The Major Regional Names for Pancakes
While pancakes go by one common name across much of the United States, there are a few notable regional variations:
- Flapjacks – Used primarily in New England
- Hotcakes – Common in the Midwest and West
- Griddlecakes or Griddlecakes – Used in parts of Appalachia and the South
Flapjacks
The term “flapjacks” for pancakes is most popular in New England, particularly in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and other northern areas. Some linguists theorize “flapjacks” arose in this region because early English colonists were familiar with the similar British dish called “drop scones” or “Scotch pancakes.”
“Flapjacks” makes sense as a descriptor because pancakes are thin, flat cakes that flap when flipped in the pan. The term appears in New England cookbooks and menus dating back to the 1800s. Author Stephen King, who grew up in Maine, even used “flapjacks” to refer to pancakes in his writings.
Hotcakes
The name “hotcakes” is very prevalent for pancakes in the Midwest and Western states. From Ohio to Iowa to North and South Dakota, you’ll often see pancakes referred to as “hotcakes” on diner menus and in cookbooks.
In the South and Southwest, including Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri, “hotcakes” is also a common regional name. The term may have arisen in these areas because pancake batter cooks into hot cakes directly in a skillet or on a griddle.
Griddlecakes or Griddlecakes
In parts of Appalachia, including West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee, pancakes have long gone by the name “griddlecakes” or “griddlecakes.” This seems to be a direct reference to cooking pancakes on a griddle.
“Griddlecakes” also turns up in the southern states of Georgia and Alabama. Cookbooks from the early 1900s feature recipes for “griddlecakes and syrup” in these southern areas where grillades were traditionally served for breakfast.
Pancake vs Hotcake Google Trends Data
We can look at Google search trends data to see how the use of the terms “pancake” vs. “hotcake” varies by region in the United States.
| Region | Most Popular Term |
|---|---|
| Northeast | Pancake |
| Midwest | Hotcake |
| South | Pancake |
| West | Hotcake |
This data indicates that “hotcake” is the preferred term in the Midwest and Western states, while “pancake” dominates in the Northeast and South.
Other Regional Pancake Names
There are a few other hyper-regional or outdated names for pancakes that turn up in small pockets of the United States:
- Battercakes – Historic New England name
- Flapsticks – Rare southern Appalachian name
- Johnnycakes or Jonnycakes – Rhode Island and parts of Appalachia
- Wheatcakes – Rare historic name used in western states
But these names are rarely heard today compared to the common options of “pancake,” “hotcake,” “griddlecake” and the New England favorite “flapjack.”
Pancake vs Flapjack Google Trends Data
We can also look at Google search trends to compare “pancake” to “flapjack.”
| Region | Most Popular Term |
|---|---|
| Nationwide | Pancake |
| New England | Flapjack |
| Midwest | Pancake |
| South | Pancake |
| West | Pancake |
This comparison shows that “flapjack” is preferred over “pancake” only in New England, while the rest of the country strongly favors the term “pancake.”
Conclusion
While pancakes are beloved across the United States, their names vary by region. The top names are:
- Pancake – The standard name used in most of the country
- Flapjacks – Used in New England
- Hotcakes – Preferred in the Midwest and West
- Griddlecakes – Used in parts of the South
So the answer to “What are pancakes called in America?” depends on where you live. But no matter what you call them, pancakes remain a cherished American breakfast tradition.