What is the Difference Between Flapjacks and Pancakes?

In North America, the terms "flapjacks" and "pancakes" are interchangeable and refer to the same thing: flat, leavened griddle cakes served at American diners. Both terms are used to describe a thin, flat cake of batter, usually fried and turned in a pan, and typically prepared with flour, eggs, milk, butter, and sometimes baking soda. Pancakes are usually eaten with syrup or rolled up with a filling.

However, in the UK, the term "flapjack" refers to a baked good made from oats, similar to a granola bar. This British version of a flapjack consists mainly of rolled oats, butter, and other ingredients, making it quite different from the North American flapjack or pancake.

In summary, the main difference between flapjacks and pancakes lies in the regional preferences for the terms and the variation in the UK version of a flapjack:

• In North America, flapjacks and pancakes are the same, referring to flat, leavened griddle cakes.
• In the UK, flapjacks are a different food item, made from oats and resembling a granola bar.

Comparative Table: Flapjacks vs Pancakes

Here is a table highlighting the differences between flapjacks and pancakes:

Flapjacks in the United Kingdom are made from rolled oats, butter, sugar, and syrup, and they have a dense, chewy texture closer to a granola bar than a pancake. In contrast, pancakes in the United States and Canada are typically made from a batter consisting of flour, eggs, milk, and a leavening agent, and they have a soft, fluffy texture. Pancakes are cooked on a griddle pan or frying pan, while flapjacks are baked in an oven.