Thank you Monarch for sponsoring this recipe!
February is almost here which means it’s nearly Pancake Day!
Since I have already perfected my vegan pancake recipe, I decided to create a twist, inspired by ‘Tortillas de Carnaval’.
These are small pancakes which are flavoured with cinnamon and lemon then fried. Traditionally, these are served during The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife on Shrove Tuesday, before the celebrations end on Ash Wednesday. It seems this has been going on for decades now and these pancakes have become a typical party dish around this time.
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is like Tenerife‘s answer to the Rio carnivals! Lot’s of fancy dress, bright colours (hence the sequins and vibrant shades in my photographs – I’m just trying to set the scene, OK???) plus music and parties.
It sounds spectacular, although I think I would prefer a carnival dedicated soley to pancakes.
So these are the perfect excuse to serve pancakes outside of breakfast. Although, if you do want to serve them for breakfast – go for it!
Perfect little delicious bites for parties and gatherings. Plus, an excuse to add a bit of sunshine and exotic flavour to this cold, grey time of year.
Traditionally, the pancakes are served with some warm honey but I used agave syrup instead. I also sprinkled on a little powdered sugar and served with lot’s of fruit. Stacking a few of the mini pancakes with some fruit and a cocktail stick is a super fun way to eat them.

Canarian Pancakes (Vegan)
Sweet, mini pancakes inspired by Tortillas de Carnaval
Ingredients
- ¾ cup plain flour
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder, or cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp agave nectar or maple syrup
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup dairy-free milk
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil + extra for frying
To serve
- Agave nectar or maple syrup
- Fresh fruit
Instructions
- Drizzle a frying with vegetable oil and put on a medium heat.
- Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Stir in the wet ingredients until well combined and the texture is runny but thick.
- Ladle approximately 2 tbsp of the batter onto the dry pan and cook for 10-20 seconds before carefully flipping onto the other side. Cook for another 10-20 seconds.
- Repeat with the rest of the batter. Makes approximately 10 mini pancakes.
- Serve and enjoy!

Pancakes outside of breakfast? Yaaas please! These are so sweet, Aimee and the bit of lemon is a nice addition. Delicious work!
Yay for mini pancakes! These are so much fun!!
Ohhh these look absolutely delicious! I could have them for breakfast, lunch and dinner (oh and as a snack in between, of course!) :D
yes! I like your thinking. pancakes all day!!
Yum! I love the cinnamon and lemon flavours, and well, they are pancakes, so I definitely love them too. As they are tiny does that means I can eat extra?!
I’ve never heard of Tortillas de Carnaval but it sounds pretty perfect if lots of pancakes are involved!
it absolutely means you can have extra!
Wow, these are adorable and look so delicious! I can’t wait to try them!
thanks Amanda! They’re so easy to whip up too, actually considering making some for brunch right now :-)
These are so cute and look delicious! I love mini foods, especially because you can eat much more right? Lol!
Exactly, Sophia! You get it :-)
These are so cute! Tiny food is always better than full-sized!
I know, right? I love miniature foods (maybe because it makes me feel I can eat more?)
I’ve never heard of these pancakes, but boy do they look amazing! And I always love the mini factor – easier to make and more fun to eat!
Thanks Alisa! I agree – miniature foods are so much fun
I’ve never heard of these, but my gosh they are so cute!! I’ll take the whole batch! :)
Thanks Jenn! I always love the cuteness factor :-)
A friend of mine showed me how to make fried pancakes like this years ago and every once in a while, I like to change it up and make these too. They are so fun and delicious!
Definitely! I will be making these kind more often now :-)
YUM! I’ve never heard of these but they sound amazing, I need to try them!
Thanks Karlie! Let me know if you give them a try :-)
These look so good! I bet the lemon zest makes them taste fresh and bright!
Definitely! Thanks Becky :-)
Loving the Carnaval feel of these pancakes!
Thanks Mariana!