Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes (with Coconut Syrup!)

Made with simple ingredients, these pineapple upside-down pancakes are not too sweet and are a totally fun way to kick off the summer! With caramelized pineapple rings in the center and a drizzle of homemade coconut syrup, your family will love this recipe.

Picture this: fluffy pancakes infused with tangy pineapple slices, caramelized to perfection, and topped with a homemade coconut syrup that’s simply irresistible.

Well, that’s what this recipe is inspired by – one of my favorite breakfasts from a family vacation growing up. Sweet coconut with a side of pineapple, eaten next to the ocean under swaying palm trees, an entire day of snorkeling and laying in the sand ahead of you…what could be better?

I was determined to replicate that delicious tropical flavor, and ladies and gents, I think I’ve gone and done it. Say hello to your new go-to pancake recipe!

Here’s What You’ll Need

This recipe uses mostly pantry staples (which you probably already have on hand!). Jump to the recipe for the full quantities.

• Pancake Dry Ingredients: Flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt are our staple dry ingredients.
• Pancake Wet Ingredients: Add in milk, egg, and butter to form the perfect pancake batter! Any type of milk will work, and you can always use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
• Pineapple Slices: I use canned, but fresh will work; just be sure to remove the core.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the pineapple slices. Coconut sugar will work, too.
• Coconut Milk: The key ingredient for the decadent coconut syrup, lending a creamy and tropical taste. Canned or boxed coconut milk both work.
• Sugar: Sweetens the coconut syrup and balances the flavors. I just use white sugar, but maple syrup will work too.
• Vanilla Extract: Every recipe’s best hype, man! Vanilla makes everything taste more like itself.

How To Make Pineapple Pancakes

This is just an overview – jump to the recipe card for the full instructions.

Step 1: Make the Batter
Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to create a well-balanced dry mixture. We add the milk, egg, and butter to this dry mixture.

Step 2: Cook Pineapple
Cook the pineapple in a skillet until it develops a caramelized sweetness. To enhance its taste, we sprinkle brown sugar over the slices, similar to what we do for grapefruit brulee.

Step 3: Make the Syrup
Remove the pineapple rings from the pan, but leave the brown sugary juices! In the skillet, combine coconut milk, sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract, allowing the mixture to simmer gently. Once the syrup reaches the desired consistency, please remove it from the heat and let it cool, allowing it to thicken further.

Step 4: Make the Pancakes
Place a caramelized pineapple ring on the skillet, then ladle ¼ cup of the prepared pancake batter onto the pineapple ring, allowing it to spread slightly. As the pancake cooks, look for bubbles forming on the surface, which indicates it’s time to flip. Cook the pancake on both sides until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 5: Serve!
Place the cooked pancakes in the oven at a low temperature until ready to serve. When ready to serve, generously drizzle the homemade coconut syrup over the warm pancakes for the perfect tropical bite!

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FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple slices?

Absolutely! You can substitute fresh pineapple slices for the canned ones. Just make sure to slice them into rings of similar thickness to ensure even cooking and caramelization.

Can I freeze the leftover pancakes?

Yes, you can freeze any leftover pancakes. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in a toaster or microwave.

Can I substitute the coconut milk with another type of milk?

If you’re not a fan of coconut milk or don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with regular milk, almond milk, or any other non-dairy milk of your choice. However, keep in mind that using coconut milk enhances the tropical flavor profile of the dish.

Can I omit the brown sugar in the pineapple caramelization step?

While the brown sugar adds sweetness and aids in caramelization, you can omit it if you prefer a less sweet version. The natural sweetness of the pineapple will still shine through, though the caramelization may be less pronounced.

Can I add other toppings to these pancakes?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Some popular additions include whipped cream, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. Customize the pancakes to your liking and enjoy experimenting with different flavors.