A
pancake is a flat cake, often thin, and round, prepared from a starch-based
batter that may also contain eggs, milk and butter and cooked on a hot surface such as a
griddle or
frying pan, often with oil or butter. In Britain, pancakes are often
unleavened, and resemble a
crêpe. In North America, a raising agent is used (typically
baking powder). The American pancake is similar to a
Scotch pancake or
drop scone. Commercially prepared pancake mixes are produced in some countries.