On 17 February 2026, something glorious happens. Chinese New Year 2026 and Shrove Tuesday 2026 fall on the exact same day.
That means welcoming the Year of the Horse while flipping pancakes like your reputation depends on it.
Two food-centred celebrations. One date. Unlimited excuses for indulgence. And honestly? We think this might be the most delicious calendar collision of the decade.
In 2026, Chinese New Year begins on 17 February and marks the start of the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac cycle.
The Horse symbolises:
- Energy
- Confidence
- Ambition
- Freedom
- Momentum
So if you were waiting for a sign to be bold in 2026, this is it.
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is rooted in centuries of tradition and family celebration and is one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture.
The celebration centres around:
- Reunion dinners
- Red decorations for luck and prosperity
- Giving red envelopes
- Symbolic foods that represent wealth and abundance
Food is never random. It always means something. For example:
- Dumplings symbolise wealth
- Long noodles represent longevity
- Oranges represent good fortune
- Spring rolls symbolise prosperity
Now let us talk about the other star of 17 February 2026.
Shrove Tuesday, better known in the UK as Pancake Day, happens the day before Ash Wednesday. Traditionally, it was the last chance to use up rich ingredients like eggs, milk and sugar before Lent began.
In other words, it is historically built around indulgence.
UK traditions include:
- Burning the first pancake and eating it immediately
- Pancake flipping
- Pancake races
- Lemon and sugar stacks
- Syrup situations that get out of hand
It is chaotic, comforting and completely carb led. Overeating is not a recognised word on this day.
Both celebrations are about:
- Transition
- Fresh starts
- Abundance
- Gathering people around food
Chinese New Year marks the beginning of a new zodiac year while Shrove Tuesday marks the final indulgence before restraint.
One says “step boldly into your future.”
The other says “eat the good stuff while you can.”
Combine them and you have our permission to go BIG.
And if you are already planning something indulgent, you might want to browse our gourmet brownie gift boxes for next day postal delivery.
Because if 2026 is about boldness, plain pancakes are not going to cut it and you can always supercharge them by adding brownies into the mix.
We love playing around with unexpected flavours at Bad Brownie, so it's time to merge traditions Bad Brownie style.
These are not subtle. They are non traditional but symbolic. They are indulgent. And they are absolutely Horse energy.
The colour red signifies luxury and prosperity in many Chinese cultures and adds a visual wow factor when used for pancakes. The soy caramel below is as easy as normal salted caramel but with a an unexpected twist
Red Beet Pancakes with Soy Caramel recipe:
1. Use your favourite pancake recipe to make fluffy thick pancakes but add some red beet powder to get a wonderfully rich colour (use as much as you need; we suggest 1-2 teaspoons)
2. Either make your own caramel or just buy a shop bought caramel (but ensure it is regular caramel NOT salted caramel) and then add in 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce (important it is light not dark) per 100ml of caramel and mix thoroughly into warmed up caramel
3. Drizzle generously over your stack of pancakes and finish with a hefty sprinkle of lightly toasted black sesame seeds
It is sweet. It is salty. It is unapologetic. Very Bad Brownie.
If you love bold flavour combinations, you might also like our No Brainer Chocolate brownie box which has some interesting flavours inside
Red bean paste is a classic East Asian dessert ingredient and symbolises sweetness and good fortune.
Pair it with dark chocolate and suddenly you have something rich, earthy and completely unexpected.
Red Bean and Chocolate Filled Pancake recipe:
1. Make thin crepe style pancakes (use your favourite recipe)
2. Spread a small amount of ready made sweet red bean paste across each
3. Drizzle generously with melted dark chocolate
4. Add goji berries for a bit of sharpness
5. Roll into neat little scrolls
The red colour nods to prosperity. The chocolate nods to indulgence. The result is dangerously good.
If you are feeling extra, you could crumble one of our Salted Caramel brownies inside for texture.
Chinese five spice blends star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel and Sichuan pepper. It is warm, aromatic and complex.
Add it to chocolate pancake batter and suddenly Pancake Day feels grown up.
Five Spice Chocolate Pancake recipe:
1. Add 1 level teaspoon five spice to your pancake batter (per 8 pancakes)
2. Fold in dark chocolate chips or chunks (as many as you want)
3. Cook as normal
4. Finish with sea salt and a drizzle of honey, and if you want extra oomph use hot honey, or add some chilli flakes to your honey
The spice adds warmth and depth. The chocolate keeps it indulgent. It feels like Pancake Day on a backpacker holiday.
17 February 2026 is not just another Tuesday. It is:
- Chinese New Year
- The start of the Year of the Horse
- Shrove Tuesday
- And most importantly, a fully justified excuse to go big
Both celebrations are about stepping into something new. Both are about abundance. Both are about gathering people you love around food.
So this year, there's no reason to choose between traditions.
Merge them instead and add symbolism to your stack by spicing up your batter this year.
And don't forget to drizzle like you mean it.
Because if 2026 is about confidence, you might as well start it covered in chocolate and sesame caramel.
At full gallop.
The gift of prosperity, luck and love.
And if you are gifting something sweet to mark the occasion, our luxury chocolate brownie boxes make celebrating dangerously easy.
The easiest way to catch up on all the latest Bad Brownie gossip. Read our brownie blog now!
