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If you love a mix of retro charm and weekend luxury, these Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes deliver it all. Fluffy pancakes get a sunny crown of caramelized pineapple and a drizzle of buttery homemade syrup. Every forkful is sweetly nostalgic and unbelievably easy to make at home. Perfect for those mornings when you want to surprise the family or turn brunch into a celebration.
The first time I flipped these pancakes and saw the glossy pineapple ring come free was one of my proudest breakfast moments. There is nothing like the buttery smell that fills your kitchen.
Ingredients
- Buttermilk pancake mix: makes these pancakes super light and easy. Look for one that has a tender crumb
- Water: simple and helps bring the mix together. Cold water makes for a fluffier batter
- Canned pineapple rings: pick a can with thicker pineapple slices for bold flavor. Drain well and pat dry for perfect caramelization
- Brown sugar: gives the classic upside down flavor. Light brown works for gentle sweetness
- Whipped cream for garnish: use real whipped cream if possible for the fluffiest result
- Cinnamon for garnish: just a dash adds warmth and brings out the pineapple’s sweetness
- Butter: for syrup and cinnamon butter opt for unsalted and good quality
- Granulated sugar: builds the syrup’s sweetness and smooth texture
- Heavy cream: rich and makes the sauce silky
- Buttermilk in the syrup: tangy and balances all the sweetness
- Vanilla: real extract gives the syrup and pancakes warmth
- Baking soda in syrup: helps the sauce bubble and thicken beautifully
- Salt: enhances the flavor in both syrup and butter
- Honey: in the cinnamon butter brings floral sweetness
- Powdered sugar: smooths the cinnamon butter and creates that melt in your mouth finish
Instructions
- Prepare the Syrup:
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat until it starts to foam. Add granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture looks glossy and the sugar is dissolved. Pour in the heavy cream and buttermilk very slowly as it may bubble. Stir in vanilla salt and baking soda. Simmer the syrup for two minutes while stirring until thicker and set aside
- Prep the Cinnamon Butter:
- In a bowl mix softened butter honey powdered sugar and cinnamon. Use a fork to whip until fluffy and smooth. Chill until ready to use
- Caramelize the Pineapple:
- Pat pineapple slices as dry as you can with paper towels. Sprinkle brown sugar over one side and place sugared side down on a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook for about two minutes or until caramelized golden and sticky. Turn and cook for one more minute. Remove from skillet
- Mix the Pancake Batter:
- Combine pancake mix and cold water in a mixing bowl. Use a whisk to combine just until no dry spots remain. The batter should be a little lumpy for light pancakes. Let it rest for five minutes
- Cook the Pancakes:
- Wipe the skillet clean and return to medium low heat. Lightly grease with a bit of butter. Pour about half a cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Quickly press a caramelized pineapple slice into the batter. Cook pancakes for three minutes or until bubbles form on top. Flip carefully with a large spatula and cook for another two minutes until golden
- Assemble and Serve:
- Place pancakes pineapple side up and drizzle generously with warm vanilla syrup. Add a flourish of whipped cream and a scoop of cinnamon butter. Dust with cinnamon and enjoy right away
My favorite part is watching the pineapple bubble and brown in the skillet. My oldest son once asked for these for his birthday breakfast and it has been our family tradition ever since.
Storage Tips
Wrap pancakes in layers of wax paper and keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven to keep them fluffy. Extra syrup can be stored in a jar and warmed as needed for ice cream or future pancakes.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap canned pineapples for fresh if you want more tartness and bright flavor. Dairy free margarine and almond milk pancake mix also work beautifully here if you need a vegan option. A sprinkle of toasted coconut is a fun and tasty addition on top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pancakes at a brunch buffet alongside crispy bacon and strong coffee. You can even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an over the top dessert for a crowd or for special occasions.
Cultural and Historical Context
Pineapple upside down cake has been an American classic since the early twentieth century as pineapples became a symbol of warmth and welcome. These pancakes pay tribute to that sunny flavor and bring nostalgic comfort straight to your breakfast table.
Seasonal Adaptations
Try sliced peaches or nectarines in summer. Use cinnamon apples or pears in autumn. Top with shredded coconut or fresh mint for a bright holiday touch.
Success Stories
A friend made these for a Mother’s Day brunch and said the whole family now begs for pancakes every weekend. My neighbor once took leftovers to work and started a midday pancake trend in their office kitchen.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Layer cooked pancakes with wax paper and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat on a hot skillet. Frozen syrup can be thawed in a water bath and used as a decadent topping for toast or waffles.
This breakfast will brighten any morning—save a little cinnamon butter for your next batch. Enjoy every bite of pineapple perfection!
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve caramelized pineapples for topping?
Sauté pineapple rings with brown sugar in a hot skillet until golden and slightly sticky, then place on warm pancakes.
- → Can I prepare the vanilla butter cream syrup in advance?
Yes, the syrup keeps well in the refrigerator. Gently reheat before serving for best texture and flavor.
- → What is the best way to keep pancakes fluffy?
Avoid overmixing the batter and cook on medium heat until bubbles form on the surface before flipping.
- → Are fresh pineapples suitable instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple rings caramelize beautifully—just slice thinly for even cooking.
- → What can I use as a garnish for extra flavor?
A dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey beautifully complements the dish.