Suggestions for Pancake Filling

Pancakes can even be filled with melted chocolate for a decadent dessert.

Whether sweet or savory, filling pancakes, also called crepes, with a variety of foods lends extra flavor to them. Ranging in flavor, the fillings are spooned in to the middle of the pancakes as soon as they are taken off the griddle and the flour-based flatbread is then folded or wrapped around it. There are a variety of fillings that can be used; however, which ones are placed in the middle are usually dictated by what part of the meal they are meant to be -- whether snack, main or dessert. Does this Spark an idea?

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Fruits
- Simple cut-up fruits are one of the most common additives to pancakes. These can be used on their own, with a small amount of jam, or cream cheese for a delightful breakfast. However, for a sweeter version, whether as a snack or dessert, the fruits can also be heated and caramelized with a little sugar and even spices to create a heated, sweet filling. Utilize fresh apple, with cinnamon and sugar, to create a filling similar to apple pie.
Confectionary
- When creating pancakes for a dessert, the fillings for them are part of the confectionary family. This can range from meringues to ganache. Chocolate, ranging from white to dark, is one filling and as it can be combined with a variety of other flavors, such as candied ginger or dried cherries, it creates a flavorful dessert with a myriad of tastes. Add small pieces of chocolate with melted marshmallow to the inside of the crepe to create a s'more-like treat, or banana pie filling and whipping creme as an ode to banana cream pie.
Vegetables
- Sauteed vegetables are often overlooked as fillings for crepe, but can provide a hearty and savory meal when combined with the flatbread. Combine cheese, beans, caramelized onions and salsa fresca to create a crepe that is reminiscent of Mexican cuisine, or saute mushrooms in a white wine cream sauce for an elegant side dish. Vegetables that have been stir fried can also be served in the crepe, as it can act as a bowl.
Meats
- For a hearty pancake that can create a meal in and of itself, add cooked meats to the middle of the pancake. This can range from sliced chicken breast to rare grilled steak. The pancake can also be an addition to many meat-based meals, or replace the usual bread, such as for meatball sandwiches or sloppy joes. Always add a sauce or other moist food to the pancake if the meat is being placed on its own without a dressing to retain a pleasant texture to the cake.