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All about Derbyshire Oatcakes
January 8, 2023Archives
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Have you ever tasted a Derbyshire oatcake?
They are a specialty of the region. Because of the local climate, rocky outcrops and poor soil in the Derbyshire Peak District, oats were much easier to grow than wheat. This meant that oats replaced wheat in much of the bakery before the age of transportation and remained a traditional part of the staple diet for Derbyshire folk.
What is a Derbyshire oatcake
Derbyshire oatcakes are a cross between a pancake and a crumpet. Not to be confused with Staffordshire oatcakes which are much thinner and more like a French crepe or a Scottish oatacke which are crisp, dry biscuits. There is much debate between Derbyshire and Staffordshire as to who has the best oatcake. Of course Derbyshire oatcakes win hands down!

Derbyshire oatcakes are made with 50% oatmeal which is why they are a healthy option. They are traditionally served with bacon and eggs for breakfast instead of bread. When David was milking cows the family would have a late breakfast at 9am after the early morning milking. Starting with a bowl of porridge, followed by bacon, eggs and oatcake to keep their energy up for the rest of the farming day. Find out more about Farmhouse Breakfast Week on our blog.

Derbyshire Oatcake recipe
Ingredients
8oz of wholewheat flour
8oz of fine oatmeal
1 ¼ pints of warm milk and water mixed (50% of each)
½ oz fresh yeast
½ teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon of sugar
Method
- Add salt to the flour and oatmeal
- Dissolve the yeast with a little of the warm milk and water and then add the sugar
- Wait for the yeast to froth and then pour into the dried ingredients, gradually adding the rest of the milk and water
- Beat well to form a thin batter
- Cover with a cloth and rest for 2 hours or overnight until the mixture is well risen
- To cook the oatcakes pour a small measure of batter onto a greased and heated griddle or frying pan. (about 6 or 7 inches in diameter)
- Cook for about 4 minutes on each side – traditionally served flat with bacon and eggs, or wrap and roll with your favourite ingredients or leftovers
Top Tips
- Make sure the bowl you leave the batter in is big enough or the mix may spill over everywhere!
- Best fried in oil or butter, but can be grilled or baked in the oven
How long do oatcakes keep for?
Oatcakes will keep for 3 or 4 days in a bag in the fridge. Oatcakes freeze well, but make sure you put a sheet of baking parchment between each oatcake so you can take them out individually. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
What to serve Derbyshire oatcakes with
Traditionally Derbyshire oatcakes were served for breakfast with bacon and eggs. However they are a handy go to for a quick meal and can be served with savoury ingredients such as grated cheese, goats cheese, fried onions, peppers, mushrooms or spinach. Or if you have a sweet tooth with seasonal fruits and ice cream or natural yoghurt, honey and nuts. The only limitation is your imagination!
At only 175 calories per oatcake and jam packed with oats they are a satisfying healthy option for breakfast, which keeps you feeling fuller for longer. A real treat on a cold winter's day.
Where can you buy Derbyshire oatcakes
Derbyshire oatcakes are easy to make but if you want to try them without making them they are readily available from local butchers or bakers. Or if you stay in one of our cosy log cabins or glamping pods and want to try them you can buy them here at Hoe Grange in our little onsite shop.
Felicity







