Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes

This luscious pineapple upside down pancake recipe transforms a beloved classic cake into a breakfast delight that will brighten any morning. The sweet caramelized pineapple and cherries create a perfect contrast with fluffy pancakes for a breakfast that feels like dessert but is perfectly acceptable before noon.

I first made these for my daughter's birthday breakfast when she requested "cake for breakfast" and now they've become our Sunday morning tradition when we want something a little fancier than regular pancakes.

Ingredients

• Your favorite pancake batter: works perfectly here whether homemade or from a mix
• Pineapple rings: add sweetness and tropical flavor select canned rings for convenience
• Maraschino cherries: bring that classic upside down cake look choose bright red ones for the best visual impact
• Butter for cooking: creates the perfect crispy golden exterior
• Powdered sugar: for dusting adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness
• Maple syrup: complements the fruity flavors beautifully use real maple for the best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Pancake Batter:

Mix your favorite pancake batter according to package instructions or use your go to homemade recipe. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes to allow the leavening agents to activate which will result in fluffier pancakes.

Heat The Cooking Surface:

Warm a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small pat of butter. Allow it to melt completely and spread evenly across the cooking surface. The butter should sizzle gently but not smoke.

Pour The Batter:

Ladle about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot surface. Make sure to leave enough space between pancakes for easy flipping. The size should be slightly larger than your pineapple rings.

Add Pineapple And Cherry:

When the edges begin to set and small bubbles form on the surface about 1 to 2 minutes gently place a pineapple ring in the center of each pancake. Add a maraschino cherry in the middle of each pineapple ring. Press down very slightly to ensure good contact with the batter.

Flip With Care:

Once the bottom is golden brown and the top is beginning to set carefully flip each pancake. Use a large spatula and a quick confident motion to avoid disrupting the fruit placement. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the second side is golden.

Finish And Serve:

Transfer finished pancakes to plates with the pineapple side up. Dust with powdered sugar using a fine mesh strainer for an even coating. Serve immediately with warm maple syrup on the side.

Pin it

The first time I served these to my family, my youngest declared them "the most beautiful breakfast ever" and insisted on taking photos before we could eat. The combination of the golden pineapple ring with the bright red cherry center truly does make for an Instagram worthy plate.

Make Ahead Options

While pancakes are always best fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline your morning. Mix dry ingredients the night before and add wet ingredients in the morning. You can also pat the pineapple rings and cherries dry and keep them ready in the refrigerator. Complete pancakes can be kept warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes if you're serving a crowd.

Creative Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different flavor preferences. Try using peach slices instead of pineapple for a different fruit option. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for warm spice notes. For a tropical twist, add a tablespoon of coconut extract to your pancake batter and top with toasted coconut flakes. You can even make miniature versions using silver dollar pancakes and pineapple tidbits for a fun brunch appetizer.

Serving Suggestions

These pancakes make a stunning centerpiece for a brunch spread. Pair them with savory sides like crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness. A bowl of fresh fruit provides a refreshing contrast. For beverages, coffee with cream complements the flavors beautifully, or try a tropical fruit juice to enhance the pineapple theme. For special occasions, pineapple mimosas would make a delightful adult accompaniment.

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Bring the tropics to your breakfast table with these show-stopping pancakes and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple works great! Just slice it into rings and remove the core. Make sure to dry the slices gently before using in the recipe.

→ What type of pancake batter should I use?

You can use homemade or store-bought pancake batter. A fluffy batter complements the pineapple and cherry topping best.

→ How do I keep the pancakes from sticking to the skillet?

Make sure to heat the skillet well and coat it with butter before adding the batter. Use a non-stick pan for best results.

→ Can I use another fruit instead of cherries?

Absolutely! You can try berries, diced mango, or even banana slices as alternatives to cherries.

→ Can I prepare these pancakes in advance?

While these pancakes are best served fresh, you can reheat them gently in a warm skillet or microwave before serving.