Food

All About Czech Pancakes: Lívance, Palačinky, and Bramboráčky

There are different versions of pancakes worldwide. And for the Czechs, it’s all about Lívance, Palačinky, and Bramboráčky. Although there are other pancake recipes to choose from, these three are the most popular for the Czechs. Read on if you want to learn more about Czech pancakes.

Lívance

This is a traditional Czech dish. It is their version of the fluffy American-style pancakes. They are small and fluffy from using yeast instead of baking soda or baking powder. These pancakes are cooked using a unique frying pan that has four circular wells. 

Find a recipe of lívance from https://palacinky.org if you want to recreate this at home. This is perfectly partnered with a dollop of sour cream and a drizzle of hot fruit syrup of your choice. Serve lívance with a sprinkle of icing sugar or cinnamon sugar on top. Lívance can be enjoyed as a sweet treat or paired with a savory meal

Palačinky

This is the Czechs’ version of the popular French crepes. They are thin crepe-like breakfast goodness made of flour, milk, and eggs. Unlike the lívance recipe, no raising agent is required for Palačinky. The pancake batter is also simple and quick to make. 

This pancake can be enjoyed either sweet or savory. As a dessert, serve Palačinky with jam, chocolate, or fruit. Then top it with confectioner’s sugar or whipped cream. It can also be served as a main course with cheese, ham, or spinach on the side. 

Bramboráčky

This is a popular Czech street food that is often served at festivals and market stalls. These are potato pancakes fried in oil for a crispy texture. These small pancakes are made using grated potatoes. What makes Bramboráčky’s recipe unique is it’s infused with garlic. And like regular pancakes, it is held together by a mixture of egg and flour. 

Bramborák is a must-try when it comes to Czech cuisine. It is commonly enjoyed with guláš or goulash as a comforting dish during colder months. 

Recreate Your Favorite Czech Pancake at Home

Pancake recipes are pretty simple. It’s often just a combination of the most common ingredients – flour, eggs, and milk. Through the years, more recipes have been introduced. And if you visit other countries, you will find that they also have their version of this breakfast dish. And for the Czechs, it’s Lívance, Palačinky, and Bramboráčky.