Blackstone Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes combine the nostalgic flavors of a classic pineapple upside-down cake with the fluffy texture of homemade pancakes. Sweet pineapple rings, juicy maraschino cherries, buttery brown sugar glaze, and soft golden pancakes come together on the Blackstone griddle for a breakfast that’s both eye-catching and delicious.

Cooking pancakes on a Blackstone griddle offers several advantages over a traditional skillet. The large flat-top cooking surface provides even heat, making it easy to cook multiple pancakes at once while giving each one a perfectly golden exterior. The pineapple caramelizes beautifully in butter and brown sugar before the pancake batter is added, creating the signature upside-down cake flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re serving a special weekend brunch, celebrating a holiday breakfast, or simply surprising your family with something different, Blackstone Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes are guaranteed to impress. They look elegant enough for entertaining while remaining simple enough for home cooks of any skill level.

The combination of sweet fruit, buttery caramel, fluffy pancakes, and warm maple syrup creates a comforting breakfast that’s perfect year-round. Every bite delivers tropical sweetness, soft pancake texture, and rich caramel notes that make this recipe unforgettable.

Ingredients

For the Pancake Batter

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1¾ cups buttermilk
¼ cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pineapple Topping

8 pineapple rings, drained
8 maraschino cherries
¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar

Optional Flavor Enhancers

½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon coconut extract
½ teaspoon rum extract

Garnishes

Maple syrup
Whipped cream
Toasted coconut
Chopped pecans
Fresh mint
Powdered sugar

Why These Ingredients Work

Buttermilk produces light, fluffy pancakes while brown sugar and butter caramelize into a rich glaze similar to pineapple upside-down cake. Pineapple rings become lightly grilled on the Blackstone, developing deeper sweetness and beautiful color. Maraschino cherries provide the classic presentation while vanilla and cinnamon enhance the warm bakery flavors.

How To Blackstone Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl combine:

Flour
Sugar
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

In another bowl whisk together:

Eggs
Buttermilk
Melted butter
Vanilla

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined.

Do not overmix.

Allow the batter to rest for:

10 minutes

Step 2: Preheat the Blackstone

Preheat the Blackstone griddle to:

Medium-Low Heat

A moderate temperature allows the fruit to caramelize without burning.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel

Melt butter on the griddle.

Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.

Allow the mixture to bubble gently.

Step 4: Add the Pineapple

Place pineapple rings directly onto the butter and brown sugar mixture.

Cook for:

2 to 3 minutes

until lightly caramelized.

Step 5: Add the Cherries

Place one maraschino cherry into the center of each pineapple ring.

Step 6: Pour the Batter

Carefully ladle pancake batter over each pineapple ring.

Completely cover the fruit.

Step 7: Cook the Pancakes

Cook for:

3 to 4 minutes

Small bubbles should begin forming across the surface.

The edges should appear set.

Step 8: Flip Carefully

Using a wide spatula, gently flip each pancake.

Cook the second side for:

2 to 3 minutes

until fully cooked.

Step 9: Check for Doneness

The pancakes should be:

Golden brown
Fluffy
Fully cooked in the center

Step 10: Serve

Transfer to serving plates.

Serve pineapple-side up.

Top with your favorite garnishes.

You Must Know

Medium-Low Heat Works Best

Cooking too quickly can burn the brown sugar before the pancakes finish cooking.

Dry the Pineapple Well

Pat pineapple rings dry with paper towels before placing them on the griddle.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

A few small lumps are perfectly acceptable.

Overmixing creates dense pancakes.

Resting the Batter Matters

Allowing the batter to rest helps activate the leavening agents.

Use a Wide Spatula

The fruit makes these pancakes slightly heavier than traditional pancakes.

Butter Prevents Sticking

A thin layer of butter helps create beautiful caramelization.

Flip Only Once

Frequent flipping reduces fluffiness.

Fresh Pineapple Can Be Used

Fresh pineapple provides wonderful flavor if sliced evenly.

Maraschino Cherries Are Traditional

They complete the classic pineapple upside-down cake appearance.

Serve Immediately

These pancakes are at their best while warm and freshly caramelized.

Topping Variations

Classic Maple

Top with:

Warm maple syrup
Butter

Coconut Paradise

Add:

Toasted coconut
Coconut whipped cream

Tropical Delight

Top with:

Mango
Kiwi
Banana slices

Pecan Caramel

Add:

Toasted pecans
Extra caramel sauce

Cream Cheese Glaze

Drizzle with sweetened cream cheese icing.

Vanilla Bean

Top with:

Vanilla whipped cream
Fresh mint

Banana Foster Style

Add:

Caramelized bananas
Brown sugar glaze

Berry Blend

Top with:

Strawberries
Blueberries
Raspberries

Chocolate Lovers

Finish with:

Chocolate drizzle
Mini chocolate chips

Holiday Brunch

Top with:

Candied pecans
Cinnamon butter
Powdered sugar

Make It A Meal

Weekend Breakfast

Serve with:

Crispy bacon
Breakfast sausage
Scrambled eggs

Family Brunch

Pair with:

Hash browns
Fresh fruit
Yogurt parfaits

Tropical Breakfast

Serve alongside:

Coconut yogurt
Pineapple juice
Mango smoothie

Holiday Morning

Add:

Cinnamon rolls
Fruit salad
Coffee

Kids’ Breakfast

Serve with:

Strawberry milk
Banana slices
Yogurt

Backyard Brunch

Pair with:

Omelets
Breakfast potatoes
Grilled fruit

Sweet and Savory Plate

Balance the sweetness with:

Ham
Bacon
Breakfast sausage

Dessert Brunch

Serve with:

Vanilla ice cream
Caramel sauce
Whipped cream

Pro Tips

Use Buttermilk

It creates exceptionally tender pancakes.

Preheat the Griddle Properly

Even heat ensures consistent cooking.

Measure the Batter

Using the same amount for each pancake creates uniform results.

Keep the Pineapple Centered

Centered fruit improves presentation.

Lightly Grease Between Batches

A small amount of butter maintains an even cooking surface.

Avoid Excess Brown Sugar

Too much sugar may burn before the pancakes finish cooking.

Use Fresh Vanilla Extract

Pure vanilla enhances the overall flavor.

Cook in Small Batches

This makes flipping easier and prevents overcrowding.

Keep Finished Pancakes Warm

Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a warm oven until ready to serve.

Garnish Just Before Serving

Fresh toppings stay vibrant and crisp when added at the last minute.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes.

Canned pineapple rings work perfectly for this recipe.

Can I use fresh pineapple?

Absolutely.

Slice it evenly and remove excess moisture before cooking.

Why did my pancakes stick?

The griddle may not have been properly greased or preheated.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best prepared fresh, but it can be refrigerated for a few hours.

How do I keep pancakes warm?

Place them in a:

200°F (93°C)

oven until serving.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes.

Freeze cooled pancakes for up to:

2 months.

What’s the best way to reheat them?

Reheat in a toaster oven, oven, or air fryer for the best texture.

Can I substitute the cherries?

Yes.

Use raspberries, strawberries, or simply omit them.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes.

Use a quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Are these suitable for brunch parties?

Absolutely.

They’re visually impressive, easy to prepare in batches, and always a crowd favorite.

Blackstone Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes

Print Recipe

Blackstone Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes are a special treat that you and your family will love every day of the week as it combines pancake batter, pineapple, brown sugar, and Maraschino cherries to create a sweet decadent breakfast in minutes!

Author: Brandy
Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

Scale

20 oz Can Pineapple Slices
Maraschino Cherries
¼ Cup Brown Sugar
Pancake Batter

Instructions

Preheat your Blackstone to medium heat.
Dip pineapple slices in brown sugar, coat both sides.
Grill the pineapple for 1-2 minutes per side.
Place a maraschino cherry in the center.
Pour pancake batter over the top, apex. ¼ cup of batter.
Cook until the edges start to set and you see some bubbling starting on top. Aprx 2 minutes.
Carefully flip.
Cook for an additional 1 ½ minutes or until just brown on the bottom.
Serve immediately & Enjoy!