Queen Elizabeth's Favorite Scottish Pancake Recipe Has Resurfaced—Here's How to Make the Royal Tea-Time Treat (2024)

Known as drop scones in the U.K., these silver-dollar sized cakes were once served to a former U.S. president.

By

Nashia Baker

Queen Elizabeth's Favorite Scottish Pancake Recipe Has Resurfaced—Here's How to Make the Royal Tea-Time Treat (1)

Nashia Baker is a skilled writer and editor in the journalism industry, known for her work interviewing global thought leaders, creatives, and activists, from Aurora James to Stacey Abrams. She has over five years of professional experience and has been a part of the Martha Stewart and Martha Stewart Weddings teams for the last 3 years.

Published on October 11, 2022

Queen Elizabeth's Favorite Scottish Pancake Recipe Has Resurfaced—Here's How to Make the Royal Tea-Time Treat (2)

Over the course of her life, Queen Elizabeth was known for her sweet tooth (she loved indulging in the royal family's famous Christmas cookies!). She also enjoyed one particular tea-time treat: Scottish pancakes. According to Simplemost, Queen Elizabeth's personal recipe for the dish, also known as drop scones, has surfaced on Reddit in the weeks following her passing. It's the very same one she used when hosting President Dwight Eisenhower during his trip to Balmoral Castle in Scotland back in 1959.

The drop cakes were apparently so delicious, the former president requested the recipe during his stay, and Queen Elizabeth shared it in a letter five months later: "Dear Mr. President. Seeing a picture of you in today's newspaper, standing in front of a barbecue grilling quail, reminded me that I had never sent you the recipe of the drop scones which I promised you at Balmoral," the Queen wrote. "I now hasten to do so, and I hope you will find them successful."

These tea-time treats aren't exactly like the pancakes often served with syrup on breakfast tables in the United States; Scottish pancakes are dollar-sized delights that are best paired with honey, butter, and jam (like scones!). They are, however, still prepared on a greased pan or griddle—just like traditional American pancakes. Follow these steps to make the royal-approved batter:

  1. Beat two eggs with 4 tablespoons of sugar and about one teacup (or 3/4 of a cup) of milk
  2. Add 4 teacups of flour and mix in another teacup of milk "as required"
  3. Mix in 3 teaspoons of cream of tartar and 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate soda (baking soda)
  4. Fold in 2 tablespoons of melted butter

As for the the royal matriarch's other tips? Beat the batter "a great deal" before adding dollops to the pan—and when you do, let the drop scones cook for a few minutes on each side, slightly longer than traditional American pancakes (Scottish pancakes are thicker). The Queen also suggested serving them with treacle or golden syrup.

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Queen Elizabeth's Favorite Scottish Pancake Recipe Has Resurfaced—Here's How to Make the Royal Tea-Time Treat (2024)

FAQs

What is Queen Elizabeth's pancake recipe? ›

Beat two eggs with 4 tablespoons of sugar and about one teacup (or 3/4 of a cup) of milk. Add 4 teacups of flour and mix in another teacup of milk "as required" Mix in 3 teaspoons of cream of tartar and 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate soda (baking soda) Fold in 2 tablespoons of melted butter.

Who got Queen Elizabeth's scone recipe? ›

This recipe is traditionally said to have been sent by Queen Elizabeth II to President Eisenhower around 1960.

What's the difference between American pancakes and Scotch pancakes? ›

Also called Drop Scones, Scotch pancakes are enjoyed for breakfast and as a snack in the United Kingdom. The main difference between Scotch and American pancakes is that the Scotch version is simpler. Ingredients include self-rising flour, salt, caster sugar, and eggs. Caster sugar provides a more caramelized taste.

Did the Queen eat pancakes? ›

The Queen was fond of pancakes

"Dear Mr President," wrote the Queen. "Seeing a picture of you in today's newspaper, standing in front of a barbecue grilling quail, reminded me that I had never sent you the recipe of the drop scones which I promised you at Balmoral. I hope you will find them successful."

What was Queen Elizabeth's favorite dish? ›

Game Meats and Wild-Caught Fish Dinners

The queen's preference for game meats even extended to more casual meals; she was, reportedly, a big fan of hamburgers made with ground venison. She usually skipped any potatoes, pastas or grains at her evening repast, but almost always had room for dessert.

What was Queen Elizabeths breakfast? ›

Queen Elizabeth prefered to keep it simple when it came to breakfast. A bowl of Special K with some assorted fruits was apparently her go-to meal to get the day started the right way. On special occasions, she allegedly treated herself to some scrambled eggs and smoked salmon if she felt like it!

Why are my Scotch pancakes flat? ›

A flat pancake is usually the result of the batter being too wet. This is because there isn't enough strength from the flour to trap the bubbles produced by the baking soda. This recipe produces a good viscosity but sometimes it's hard to replicate quantities exactly.

What are pancakes called in England? ›

In the UK, the word pancakes refers to the same thing, but the word flapjacks refers to something entirely different: a baked good made from oats, resembling what elsewhere may be called a granola bar or oat bar. The word flapjack is traced back to the late 1500s.

Are Scotch pancakes ready to eat? ›

Ready to eat. This product may be served hot or cold. Remove all packaging.

Can the Queen eat pasta? ›

Proving that royalty really isn't all it's cracked up to be, it's emerged that the Queen doesn't eat pasta, potatoes or garlic. Royal chef Darren McGrady, who has cooked for the monarch for 15 years, revealed that the Queen doesn't eat starchy foods unless for a state dinner.

Did the Queen eat oatmeal? ›

Quaker Oats

The Queen likes a hearty breakfast, including a piping hot bowl of oatmeal some mornings. (After all, porridge is a very traditional British breakfast.)

Did Queen Elizabeth eat eggs? ›

Scrambled eggs were an occasional part of Queen Elizabeth's breakfast, and her favorite toppings were royally delicious.

What is Queen Elizabeth cake made of? ›

Queen Elizabeth cake is a dessert cake prepared with sugar, flour, dates, eggs, and butter, and topped with a sugary icing infused with shredded coconut. The cake is named after Elizabeth II. It is a popular cake in Canada. The coconut topping is prepared by broiling or grilling.

What's the difference between British pancakes and crepes? ›

A pancake and crepe are quite similar, the most obvious visual difference is that a pancake tends to be smaller and thicker whilst a crepe is much wider but also thinner.

What are British pancakes made of? ›

Method. Put 100g plain flour, 2 large eggs, 300ml milk, 1 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil and a pinch of salt into a bowl or large jug, then whisk to a smooth batter. This should be similar in consistency to single cream. Set aside for 30 mins to rest if you have time, or start cooking straight away.

Why are restaurant pancakes so fluffy? ›

The secret to fluffy restaurant style pancakes? Buttermilk! The acid in the buttermilk reacts to the leavening agents in the pancake batter, creating air bubbles that make the pancakes tall and fluffy. It's a simple switch that makes all the difference.

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