13 Creative Pancake Toppings To Elevate Your Mornings

There might just be a crisis brewing in the pancake-topping world. Statistics indicate that maple syrup is on its way out, despite its longtime popularity. According to a recent Google Consumer Survey panel (via The Washington Post), most Americans prefer their pancakes dressed with pancake syrup that doesn't come from actual maple trees. This could very well mean that traditional pancake toppings are out, making room for new ways to serve one of the world's favorite breakfasts.

Shocking? Maybe. But the good news is that folks who aren't too keen on traditional maple syrup have plenty of alternatives to choose from. If you're sick of drowning your flapjacks in the same old sticky stuff, consider branching out and trying some more unusual toppings. From thick, rich custard to cool matcha cream, there are many different ways to dress up your breakfast without ever having to buy a jug of liquid gold. Cooks who are willing to dedicate a little bit of extra time and effort to their platters of hotcakes will quickly reap the rewards. These creative pancake toppings will transform the classic breakfast into a full-blown delicacy.

If you want to give your pancakes a rich, dessert-like feel, you don't have to rely on the expected whipped cream and strawberries. Instead, try using custard. Unlike whipped cream, which is light and fluffy, custard is thick and velvety. This delightful combination of cream, milk, sugar, and eggs has all the richness of ice cream, plus the savory undertone of raw yolk. Because of this, a generous dollop of custard can seriously elevate your pancakes, giving them a deep flavor and plush texture that will surely call to mind pastries like the éclair. 

The best part is, custard pairs easily with many other pancake toppings. Spread it over your pancakes and sprinkle a bit of cocoa powder on top for a gourmet breakfast with a lusciously chocolatey feel. Alternatively, you can balance out the sweetness of your custard topping by serving it with a handful of tart seasonal berries. 

To add an additional boost to your breakfast, you can even make your own custard and flavor it with ingredients like ginger or fruit. If you're looking to add a vegan twist, try switching out the cream for thick, fatty coconut milk.

Bubble tea may be able to trace its origins to Tainan and Taichung, but the sweet beverage is now an international sensation. Originally a combination of black tea, simple syrup, and tapioca spheres, bubble tea has come to encompass a wide variety of variations. One of the most popular ones involves adding brown sugar to the tapioca "bubbles" to create a smooth and sweet mixture reminiscent of caramel or toffee. This tantalizing combination is so rich that you can find it on everything from ice cream to cakes. And, of course, it can make a mouthwatering addition to your flapjacks. 

To create the perfect brown sugar boba topping, start out by boiling your tapioca spheres. Once they become soft — but not mushy — remove them from the stove and mix them into a small bowl of brown sugar. As your stir, the heat from your boba should melt the sugar, making it soft and somewhat reminiscent of caramel. These flavors add a homey, country-esque element to your dish. 

When you finally add a few spoonfuls to your pancakes, the melted brown sugar should drizzle across the surface, calling to mind classic maple syrup. But in terms of texture, brown sugar boba will seriously elevate your pancakes from the typical maple-infused mush. This combination interrupts the monotony of your plate with chewy, gel-like bursts that spice up every other bite.  

If you're the kind of person who absolutely needs to have your coffee in the morning, you might enjoy topping your pancakes with tiramisu cream. In a traditional tiramisu recipe, espresso, egg yolks, mascarpone cheese, sugar, and cream are whipped together, then this marvelous combination is served over ladyfinger cookies. To apply this strategy to your breakfast menu, prepare the tiramisu cream and pour it over a batch of chocolate pancakes. 

The dough of your flapjacks soaks up some of the espresso flavor, which pairs beautifully with the sweetened bitterness of the chocolate. Meanwhile, the cream element adds silkiness to your otherwise bready flapjacks. Ultimately, this elevates your pancakes, giving them a smooth, velvety texture. 

To make the ultimate tiramisu pancakes, however, you might want to amp up your presentation even further. Slice your already-cooked flapjacks into strips, then arrange them in a martini glass so that they wrap around the sides. When you pour your mascarpone and coffee cream on top, you will have created the ultimate brunch twist. Guests will adore your unique take on this classic breakfast. For the best results, be sure to apply a thick coat of cocoa powder to each serving. 

Cannoli cream isn't just for the beloved tubular dessert — it can also add complex flavors to your breakfast routine. Topping your pancakes with a decadent Sicilian cannoli cream is the perfect way to elevate them. The mixture of ricotta and sugar offers a delightful contrast between nutty cheese and sweet, sugary overtones. The ricotta also adds a smooth yet heavy consistency to this pancake topping, which adds a wonderfully substantial note atop fluffy flapjacks. 

One of the biggest benefits of spreading cannoli cream on your pancakes is the versatility of this ingredient. Not only can you pair it with the traditional garnish of vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate chips, but you can also use it as an elevated substitute for whipped cream. Pair it with raspberries or freshly-sliced peaches; the relative mildness of the ricotta permits the tart flavors of the fruit to shine through. 

As an added bonus, cannoli cream is much thicker than whipped cream, meaning you can also pair it with heartier toppings, like toasted granola or nuts. One especially good execution of this idea is to sprinkle crushed pistachios and dried apricots over your pancakes to add a woodsily sweet flavor. 

If you are searching for a real challenge, try making creme brûlée pancakes. This dish is certainly not the easiest to make — especially if you're afraid to use a blow torch. Nevertheless, it can render truly spectacular results and impress practically any guest. To prepare this unique pancake topping, start by mixing the ingredients for white chocolate creme brûlée. However, instead of baking the custard, pour a very thin layer of it over your pancakes so that the liquid is barely dripping over the edge. Sprinkle a healthy portion of sugar over the top, then cook it with a blow torch until the custard forms a caramel-colored crust.

The beauty of this process is that it creates a classic creme brûlée shell over the top of your pancakes. Once served, guests can crack this layer of burnt sugar with a spoon, then scoop out a spoonful of soft pancake dough. The crunchy of the caramelized sugar adds some much-needed texture to your flapjacks. Additionally, you'll notice that the creamy overtones of white chocolate add rich flavor to your plate. Creme brûlée can turn your pancake breakfast into an unforgettable experience.

To give your pancakes a boozy kick, try topping them with Bailey's-infused chocolate mousse. This delectable ingredient combines the fire of Irish whiskey with the softer flavor of cream to create a uniquely balanced pancake topping. The addition of chocolate also brings a slight bitterness into the mix, upping the overall complexity of the flavors, making these pancakes more like a dessert than a breakfast food. 

In terms of texture, this light, airy mousse gives your flapjacks a cloud-like feel — especially if they're served at room temperature. But serving a hotter plate of pancakes has its advantages too. Specifically, such heat melts the mousse, allowing it to transform into a gooey, chocolatey sauce that seeps wonderfully into the dough.

Do you like chocolate-dipped strawberries? Thinly slice a few strawberries and toss them on top for a sweet and fruity counter to the rich chocolate mousse.

Bailey's isn't the only type of liquor that pairs beautifully with pancakes. Rum, when added properly, can add some sweet yet funky notes to your golden pancakes. One of the best ways to integrate this unique ingredient into your recipe is by making piña colada sauce. Grab a bottle of dark rum, whisk it with pineapple juice and condensed milk, then throw this combo on the hot stove until it cooks down into a glaze. Drizzle it over your pancakes and top it with a handful of toasted coconut.

In this ingenious combination, the acidity of the pineapple juice contrasts with the sugary creaminess of the condensed milk. The final product is a glaze that's both sweet and balanced. When paired with the shaved coconut, the whole thing takes on a slightly earthy flavor with melted butter overtones. Meanwhile, the rum gives your pancakes a unique kick, all while its rich caramel flavors blend perfectly with the milkiness of the coconut. The result is delicious pancakes that pack a bit of a punch.

Not all pancake toppings are reminiscent of dessert. In many cultures, pancakes are a savory dish to be enjoyed with a little bit of spice. Chinese pancakes, for example, often contain scallions in the batter and can be served with a hot crisp dip. If you are planning on making a batch of these peppery crepes, be sure to place a jar of chili crisp at the center of the table. This incredible topping can contain ingredients, like ginger, fermented black beans, and plenty of hot chilies. When spread over the top of Chinese pancakes, chili crisps often turn up the heat, all while providing funky undertones that can really elevate your dish.

Compellingly, you can combine your spicy crisp with plenty of other savory ingredients — especially proteins. Throw some pork, duck, or even shrimp onto the frying pan, and then serve it hot over your pancakes with a side of dipping sauce. The burn from the crisp will highlight the deep umami of your meat. Not only will this transform your casual breakfast into a hearty meal, but it will also add a sophisticated twist to your final creation.

China isn't the only country where people enjoy savory pancake toppings. In France, thin buckwheat pancakes called "galettes" are also topped with richer ingredients like cheese or meat. To serve a pancake that recalls the fresh flavors of the French countryside, try topping it with goat cheese, dried figs, and chopped apples. In this combination, the goat cheese adds a creamy yet tart flavor to your flapjacks, elevating them far above the less complex whipped cream cakes. Meanwhile, the natural sugars in your dried figs and chopped apples will soften the acidity of the goat cheese and balance out the overall flavor. 

In terms of texture, you probably can't get much better than this classic French topping. The rich density of the apple slices adds some crunch to your bite, while the thickness of the figs provides some chewiness. Interestingly, the consistency of goat cheese can vary, depending on how you serve this dish. For the best results, remove it from the fridge as soon as you start making your pancakes to help it come down to room temperature. Then, place it upon your hot pancakes, as this will soften the goat cheese enough to make it spreadable. Avoid serving this ingredient cold on pancakes, however, as this will often result in a hard chunk of cheese sitting in the center. 

This might just be the ultimate pancake topping. A popular menu item at the creperie Pastel et Sarrasin in Toulouse, France, this combination of ingredients pairs high-quality cured ham from Spain with a small scoop of basil sorbet. Although this pairing is rather unusual, something about it just works. The gamey yet salty flavors from the Serrano ham bring a sense of umami to the dish, while the basil sorbet prevents the richness of the ham from becoming overwhelming. If anything, the sorbet serves as a palate cleanser, allowing you to return to the meatier portion of your plate with a fresh perspective on the flavors.

You can combine these two ingredients with a number of other elements to dress your pancakes up even more. At Pastel et Sarrasin, these toppings are also served with a red pepper compote and pesto. However, you can experiment with other options. Good-quality Spanish olive oils and grated cured cheeses both taste famously wonderful with Serrano ham. Tomatoes also pair well with this ingredient; however, be sure to select sun-dried ones so that the juices don't turn your pancakes into an acidic pile of mush.

Although basil sorbet might be a delicious addition to your breakfast, saffron ice cream can also seriously elevate your pancakes. This unique flavor originated in the early 1900s in Iran, thanks to the ingeniousness of ice cream parlor owner, Akbar Mashti. It is famous for combining the mild earthiness of saffron with the sugary taste of frozen cream to create a dessert that is sweet yet light. Because saffron ice cream often contains bitter undertones, it pairs well with fruits rich in sugar content, such as bananas or ripe strawberries. For this reason, it is the perfect substitute for whipped cream when you are making berry pancakes.

If, however, you want to prepare a truly sophisticated plate of flapjacks, look no further than Iran's rich culinary history. In Tehran, it is common to find saffron ice cream paired with the elegant, perfume-like flavor of rose water. This frozen ingredient is also served with the wood-like flavors of pistachio nuts. In practice, this means that you can top your pancakes with saffron and rose-flavored ice cream, then crumble crushed pistachios on top. Thanks to the vibrant yellow and deep green colors of these ingredients, your plate of pancakes will have a gorgeous presentation.

In the United States, avocados are largely considered a savory item. You can often find them served in spicy guacamole or over a meaty hamburger patty. Even so, it is still not too common to find them on a dessert menu. 

In Brazil, however, nothing could be further from the truth. In the "Land of the Palms," as the Guaraní people once nicknamed it, avocados are generally served with sweetened condensed milk to create a creamy dish full of sugary goodness. Here, the smooth consistency of the avocado shines, especially when paired with the milky tones of the sweetener. To preserve the gorgeous green shade of the fruit, Brazilian cooks often add a spoonful of citrus juice. This can also add a sour tinge to the dish, preventing the condensed milk from becoming overwhelming.

To enjoy avocados the Brazilian way, mash up two medium-sized avocados and throw them in the food processor along with a small can of condensed milk and a bit of lime juice. Grab the resulting avocado cream and pour it liberally over your pancakes. Similar to maple syrup and butter, this combination involves highly sweet and deeply fatty ingredients. However, as an added bonus, this mixture provides nuttiness undertones too.

Matcha tea has been a Japanese favorite since it arrived on the islands in the 12th century. While it was originally consumed as a hot beverage, matcha's grassy yet savory flavors have made it a popular dessert item. These days, you can find it in cookies, ice cream, and even fondue. To enjoy this earthy ingredient at breakfast time, prepare a matcha cream pancake sauce. Simply combine matcha powder with whipping cream and pour the result over your flapjacks. Here, the bitterness of the tea will balance out the buttery sweetness of your whipped cream, leaving you with a scrumptious harmony of flavors.

When it comes to texture, the airy nature of your matcha cream will accentuate the fluffiness of your pancakes. Since whipped cream melts down when exposed to heat, this topping is bound to seep into your pancake's warm upper layer. This process will infuse your flapjacks with the umami of the matcha, creating the impression that your batter is matcha-infused, as well.