National Dish New Zealand: Pikelets with Butter and Jam (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Pikelets with Butter and Jam, the little pancakes that generations of New Zealanders have grown up on. Light, fluffy and barely bigger than the palm of your hand, they come together from storecupboard basics in a matter of minutes. Spread warm with butter and a spoonful of jam, they are equally at home on a lazy weekend breakfast table or an afternoon tea tray.
About Pikelets with Butter and Jam
Pikelets are a traditional New Zealand speciality, loved for how light and fluffy they are. These small pancakes suit just about any occasion and can be served as a quick snack or as a sweet start to the day. They are most often finished with butter and jam, which deepens their flavour beautifully. Best of all, they are exceptionally quick to make — a batch is ready in the time it takes the kettle to boil.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 cup flour (wheat or gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 cup milk (or a plant-based alternative)
- 1 egg
- Butter, for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for pikelets are easy to find in almost any supermarket. Look out for fresh eggs and good-quality milk or a plant-based alternative. If you would like to make gluten-free pikelets, there are dedicated flour blends you can use in place of wheat flour. It is also worth seeking out an aromatic jam — a sharp berry or apricot preserve — to bring the very best out of your pikelets.
Preparing the dish
Getting ready to make pikelets is simple and takes only a few minutes. Begin by setting out all your ingredients so the cooking itself moves along quickly. Measure everything accurately and keep it within easy reach. That way you can concentrate on what matters in the kitchen: turning out these delicious little pancakes.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt together thoroughly.
- In a second bowl, whisk the milk and the egg until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones and fold gently until you have a smooth batter.
- Heat a frying pan over a medium heat and add a knob of butter.
- Spoon a ladleful of batter into the pan and fry until golden brown.
- Flip the pikelets and brown the other side as well.
- Serve warm, topped with butter and jam to taste.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend, which is stocked by most supermarkets. Check that everything else — the baking powder and the milk included — is also gluten-free. To make lactose-free pikelets, reach for lactose-free milk or a plant-based option such as almond or oat milk. These small adjustments mean that anyone with particular dietary needs can still enjoy them, much as they can with a batch of gluten-free Corn Fritters.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of pikelets, replace the egg with apple purée or a “chia egg” (1 tablespoon chia seeds soaked in 3 tablespoons water). The milk should also be swapped for a plant-based alternative so the pikelets contain no animal products at all. Use vegan butter or coconut oil for frying. These minor changes make pikelets accessible to everyone at the table.
More tips and tricks
To make the pikelets even fluffier, bring the eggs and milk up to room temperature before you start. Make sure the pan is properly preheated too, so the pikelets colour evenly. If you fancy a change, fold fruit such as bananas or blueberries through the batter. They add extra aroma and a welcome nutritional boost.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The pikelet recipe leaves plenty of room for adaptation. Stir in cocoa powder for a chocolatey version, or cinnamon for a warm, spiced note. Playing with different sweeteners — honey or agave syrup, for instance — creates interesting variations too. Let your imagination run and taste as you go.
Ingredient substitutions
If you have no eggs to hand, a commercial egg replacer is a sound alternative; health food shops carry products designed specifically for pancake batters. Beyond that, you can experiment with different flours such as oat flour or rice flour, both of which give excellent results. The same spirit of substitution works nicely in a Banana Cake — there is really no limit to what you can try.
Drink pairing ideas
A freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee makes a lovely companion to your pikelets. For something more refreshing, try iced tea or a fruit smoothie. Fruit juices, especially citrus, harmonise wonderfully with the sweet little pancakes. Pick whichever drink appeals most to you.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present your pikelets attractively, stack them up and garnish the top layer with fresh fruit and a dusting of icing sugar. A little whipped cream or Greek yoghurt makes the plate even more tempting — the same finish that works so well on Scones with Jam and Cream. Use colourful plates or wooden boards to play up the natural feel of the ingredients. A creative presentation lifts the whole eating experience.
A bit of history
Pikelets originated in New Zealand and Australia and remain a popular breakfast dish in both countries. The name “pikelet” may well come from the simple fact that they are smaller than conventional pancakes. Historically they served as a plain, nourishing option for quick meals that were easy to throw together. Today they are a much-loved fixture of New Zealand cuisine and an important part of the country’s food culture.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Pikelets with Butter and Jam
Pikelets are a delicious and versatile New Zealand speciality, easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether at breakfast or as a snack, these little pancakes offer countless ways to personalise and adapt them. With a wide range of recipe tweaks and creative presentation ideas, you can turn your pikelets into a real highlight. Let this New Zealand classic win you over and share a plateful with the people you love.
