Sri Lankan Pancake

A Sweet Traditional Delight

Sri Lankan Pancake, locally inspired by both traditional village sweets and colonial influences, is a soft crepe-style pancake filled with Pol Pani—a rich mixture of freshly grated coconut and sugar, dark kithul or jaggery syrup. Unlike thick Western pancakes, Sri Lankan pancakes are thin, delicate, and gently folded around a warm, aromatic filling.

Often enjoyed as an evening tea-time treat or served to guests on special occasions, this pancake beautifully showcases Sri Lanka’s love for coconut-based sweets. The natural sweetness of jaggery, combined with subtle spices like cardamom, creates a comforting dessert that is simple yet deeply satisfying. Light, fragrant, and homemade with love, Sri Lankan pancakes are a timeless favourite across generations.

 

Sri Lankan Pancake Recipe (Pol Pani Pancake)

Ingredients

For the Pancake Batter

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric
  • A pinch of salt

 

For the Caramelized Coconut Filling

  • 1½ cups freshly grated coconut
  • ¾ cup Sugar, kithul treacle or grated jaggery
  • ½ tsp cardamom powder
  • A pinch of salt

 

Method

Prepare the Caramelized Coconut Filling

  1. In a pan over low heat, add the Sugar,  jaggery or kithul treacle.
  2. Once melted and turned in to light brown color, add grated coconut, cardamom, and salt.
  3. Mix well and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly sticky.
  4. Set aside to cool.

Make the Pancake Batter

  1. In a bowl, whisk flour, salt, and turmeric into a smooth, thin batter.
  2. Rest the batter for 10 minutes.

Cook the Pancakes

  1. Heat a non-stick pan and lightly grease it.
  2. Pour a ladle of batter and swirl to form a thin pancake.
  3. Cook for about 1 minute until the edges lift slightly—do not overcook.

Fill and Fold

  1. Place a spoonful of Caramelized Coconut in the center.
  2. Fold the pancake into a roll or triangle.
  3. Serve warm.

Serving Tips

  • Enjoy with a cup of Ceylon tea for an authentic Sri Lankan experience.
  • You can add chopped cashews or sesame seeds to the filling for extra texture.

Conclusion

Sri Lankan Pancakes with Caramelized Coconut are a perfect balance of softness and sweetness, celebrating local ingredients and traditional flavors. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, this humble dessert brings the warmth of Sri Lankan kitchens straight to your table. 🥞🥥

 

Share this tour




Share

Sri Lankan Pancake