IHOP is giving away free pancakes today for National Pancake Day

If you woke up craving a free stack of buttermilk pancakes, you’re in luck. Because it’s apparently National Pancake Day.

And to celebrate, IHOP is giving away free short stacks of buttermilk pancakes, and asking customers to consider leaving a donation for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, or other designated local charities. The restaurant chain has been giving away free pancakes on National Pancake Day since 2006.

IHOP has raised around $16 million since 2006 and is looking to raise at least $3.5 million this year.

If you’re in the mood to make pancakes at home, the possibilities are endless. To get you started, here’s a recipe for cornmeal pancakes, or try this recipe for Country’ Gourmet’s whole wheat pancakes.

Try whipping up a batch of pancakes with walnuts and blueberries from Clinton Street in New York City or another recipe for blueberry ricotta pancakes from BLD in Los Angeles.

And if you’re a pumpkin fan, here’s a recipe for spiced pumpkin pancakes with a little ginger, allspice and cinnamon. Just don’t forget to dust a little powdered sugar on top.

Sometimes I think free food tastes better. Follow me on Twitter @Jenn_Harris_