National Blueberry Pancake Day is celebrated on January 28 each year. Blueberry pancakes are fluffy pancakes dotted with sweet, juicy blueberries, usually served with butter and maple syrup. They're a favorite at diners, brunches and weekend breakfasts at home. Frozen blueberries make it easy to enjoy them in the middle of winter.
History of National Blueberry Pancake Day
Pancakes are one of the oldest foods. Ancient Greeks and Romans ate flat cakes made from flour, milk and eggs, and many cultures developed their own versions, from French crêpes to Russian blini. In early America, pancakes were known as johnnycakes, hoecakes or flapjacks, often made with cornmeal.
Blueberries are native to North America, and Indigenous peoples gathered wild blueberries for thousands of years, using them fresh, dried and in cooking. Early European settlers learned to use blueberries from Native Americans.
In the early 1900s, botanist Frederick Coville and farmer Elizabeth White of New Jersey worked together to domesticate the highbush blueberry, and the first commercial crop was sold in 1916. Cultivated blueberries became widely available, and blueberry pancakes became a classic American breakfast. Maine is famous for wild blueberries, which are smaller and more intense in flavor. Who created National Blueberry Pancake Day is not documented.
Why National Blueberry Pancake Day Matters
Blueberry pancakes combine comfort food with fruit, adding color, flavor and nutrients to breakfast.
Blueberries are a good source of fiber and vitamin C, and they're among the most popular fruits in the United States.
Making pancakes is a fun family activity that even young children can help with, from stirring batter to dropping in berries.
Pancakes are also a great way to practice cooking with kids. Measuring flour, cracking eggs and watching for bubbles before flipping teach basic kitchen skills and patience. Making a big batch on the weekend and freezing extras means homemade blueberry pancakes can be reheated in a toaster for quick breakfasts on busy school mornings.
How to Celebrate National Blueberry Pancake Day
- Make pancakes: add blueberries after pouring batter on the griddle.
- Use frozen berries: don't thaw them, to avoid purple streaks.
- Try toppings: add lemon zest, whipped cream or blueberry syrup.
- Go whole grain: use oat or whole wheat flour.
- Visit a diner: order a stack of blueberry pancakes.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, host a pancake breakfast with blueberries and other toppings. In classrooms, students can learn about native North American plants or measure ingredients for a pancake recipe. At home, families can make blueberry pancakes together, letting kids drop berries onto each pancake or make fun shapes. Let the griddle heat fully and flip when bubbles form on top.
Fun Facts About National Blueberry Pancake Day
- Highbush blueberries were first sold commercially in 1916.
- Blueberries are native to North America.
- Maine is famous for wild blueberries.
National Blueberry Pancake Day FAQs
When is National Blueberry Pancake Day?
National Blueberry Pancake Day is celebrated on January 28 each year.
How do you keep blueberries from sinking in pancakes?
Drop them onto the pancakes after pouring the batter on the griddle.
Can you use frozen blueberries in pancakes?
Yes. Use them frozen to reduce purple streaks.
Are blueberries native to America?
Yes. Blueberries are native to North America.
When were blueberries first farmed?
Highbush blueberries were first sold commercially in 1916.
What goes well with blueberry pancakes?
Maple syrup, butter, lemon zest, whipped cream or yogurt.