Pin it
Turn your breakfast routine upside down with these decadent pineapple cherry pancakes that bring cake vibes to your morning meal. The sweet, caramelized fruit creates an amazing contrast against the soft, airy pancakes—it's basically dessert you can eat in the morning without anyone judging you!
I whipped these up when my little girl asked for "birthday cake at breakfast time" and now we can't go a Sunday without making them when we're craving something better than our usual pancake stack.
What You'll Need
- Pancake mix or batter: store-bought or homemade both work great for this recipe
- Canned pineapple circles: they bring that tropical sweetness and save you prep time
- Red maraschino cherries: they add that pop of color that makes everyone smile
- Cooking butter: helps get those edges nice and golden brown
- Sugar dust: a light coating makes everything look fancy
- Pure maple syrup: the real stuff takes these pancakes to another level
How To Make Them
- Whip Up Your Batter:
- Get your pancake mix going according to the box or your own recipe. Let it sit for 5 minutes so it gets nice and fluffy - this little break makes all the difference.
- Get Your Pan Ready:
- Put your skillet on medium and drop in some butter. Let it melt all over the pan. You want it to make a soft sizzle sound but not smoke up your kitchen.
- Start Cooking:
- Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto your buttered pan. Leave room between them so you can flip easily. Make them a bit bigger than your pineapple slices.
- Top With Fruit:
- When you see bubbles forming and the edges getting firm after about 1-2 minutes, place a pineapple ring right in the middle of each pancake. Put a cherry in the center hole of the pineapple. Push down just slightly so they stick to the batter.
- Flip Them Over:
- Once the bottom looks golden, grab a big spatula and flip each pancake quickly but carefully. You don't want the fruit to slide off! Cook another minute or two until this side gets golden too.
- Plate And Enjoy:
- Put pancakes on plates with the fruit facing up. Shake some powdered sugar over them using a small strainer. Serve them right away with warm maple syrup on the side.
Pin it
The first time these hit our breakfast table, my kiddo called them "the prettiest breakfast I've ever seen" and wouldn't let anyone take a bite until she got pictures. The golden rings with bright red centers really do make your plate look totally share-worthy.
Prep Ahead Ideas
Fresh pancakes can't be beat, but you can still save some morning time with prep work. Mix your dry stuff the night before and add wet ingredients when you wake up. You can also blot your pineapple and cherries dry and keep them ready in the fridge. If you're feeding a crowd, keep finished pancakes warm in your oven at 200°F for up to half an hour.
Try These Twists
You can play around with this recipe in so many ways. Swap in peach slices if pineapple isn't your thing. Sprinkle some cinnamon into your batter for a cozy twist. Want to go extra tropical? Add a spoonful of coconut extract to the mix and top with some toasted coconut. You can even make tiny versions with small pancakes and pineapple chunks for cute brunch bites.
What To Serve With Them
These eye-catching pancakes work great as the star of your brunch table. Balance out the sweetness with some crispy bacon or sausage links. Add a bowl of fresh cut fruit on the side for something refreshing. Coffee with a splash of cream goes really well with these flavors, or pour some tropical juice to match the pineapple theme. For grown-up gatherings, try making pineapple mimosas to go alongside.
Pin it
Bring a taste of vacation to your breakfast with these show-stopping fruity pancakes that'll have everyone grabbing seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is fresh pineapple okay to use?
Of course! Fresh pineapple works perfectly. Cut it into rings, take out the core, and dry the rings a little before using them.
- → What’s the best pancake batter for this?
Whether it’s from scratch or the box, a thick and fluffy batter pairs best with the fruit toppings.
- → How can I stop the pancakes from sticking?
Preheat your pan well and spread some butter before starting. A non-stick pan also makes things easier.
- → Can I swap the cherries for something else?
Totally! Try berries, mango chunks, or banana slices if you don’t have cherries.
- → Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
They’re tastiest fresh, but you can reheat them gently in a pan or microwave when needed.