Because words are hard, pancakes is an expression of fondness, infatuation, and affection when no other expression seems to fit or is appropriate. It is something you can say to someone so that they will know, and you will know, even though neither of you really know. There is also an emoji for it, so that is nice.
No, I got tongue-tied and said, "I really like pancakes."
Well, did she get it?
Yeah, because she said she likes pancakes too, and then we totally nibbled.