50 + Pancake Toppings for the BEST Breakfast EVER!

Pancakes, in one form or another, can be found around the world. They can be sweet or savory and served for breakfast, dinner, or a snack. Here in the US, they're most commonly served for breakfast (although who doesn't love a good brinner)? Pancake toppings can vary even more, turning your typical homemade pancake into a full-fledged dinner or even a dessert.

Most of the time when I serve pancakes - even just for my own family - I set out a variety of things to put on the pancakes and let everyone add what they're in the mood for. Everyone loves a good pancake bar and it's so easy to throw together!

Just prep your pancake toppings, place them in bowls, and make the pancakes. Keep the first few batches of pancakes warm in a 200°F oven if you want to serve them all at once.

Here are some delicious pancake topping ideas to ensure your breakfast is never boring!

Best Pancake Topping Ideas

1. Butter and Maple Syrup

This might be the most common way to top your breakfast pancakes, but that doesn't mean it doesn't deserve the top spot. There's a reason this combination is so beloved: when that butter melts and seeps into the pancakes, then it's topped with sweet, sticky maple syrup, it's a damn tasty combination.

If you can find some locally made maple syrup, that's really the way to go. We love Butternut Mountain Farm when we run out of our favorite local brand, so give that a try and see the difference that is "real" maple syrup. I'll admit that nothing beats what my grandpa made when he used to tap his trees, but this is pretty close!

2. Peanut Butter and Maple Syrup

Personally, this is probably my favorite combination when it comes to pancake toppings. If you haven't tried it, you're really missing out! The peanut butter melts and becomes almost a thick liquid, which combines perfectly with maple syrup. Sometimes - if I'm feeling really indulgent - I'll spread a little butter on before the peanut butter. Don't miss this epic combo!

(Other nut butters, such as almond butter, are delicious, too!)

3. Whipped Cream

If you're in the "dessert for breakfast" camp, then whipped cream will be your new best friend. It works best in combination with fresh berries, bananas, or chocolate chips, but we're talking whipped cream here, so go for it if you're in the mood!

I almost always whip my own cream, but when it comes to pancakes, I almost always use it straight from a can. I tend to keep breakfast or brunch as easy as possible, plus there's less waste if it doesn't all get used. I know, I know...it's the opposite of what I always preach. In this case, however, I like to take the shortcut. Freshly whipped is definitely better in both taste and texture, so go with whichever you feel like.

4. Chocolate Chips

This is another topping that is great when mixed into the batter or when used as a topping. I use regular-sized chocolate chips if mixing into the batter and mini-chips for sprinkling over the top. Mini chips melt faster, making them better as a topping. Add a little whipped cream for a wonderful breakfast treat.

(You can also skip the chips and drizzle chocolate sauce on, too.)

5. Nutella

A thick spread of Nutella that gets all melty is just about the perfect pancake topping! Add bananas - freshly sliced or caramelized - and it's even more amazing. Sprinkle on some of those toasted nuts and a little whipped cream and you'll have the best food coma of your life.

6. Berry Syrups

Blueberry, blackberry, strawberry-almost any berry syrup is delicious over pancakes. Choose your favorite store-bought variety or make a simple homemade syrup with fresh or frozen berries. For something a little different, try peach cobbler syrup topped with fresh peach slices.

7. Fruit Jam

If you can't get your hands on some fresh berries, fruit jam is the next best thing. It might even be as good as fresh, since you can spread just a thin layer over your pancakes and still get a ton of flavor. Strawberry and raspberry are our favorites, but definitely give orange jam a try, too!

8. Bacon or Sausage

If bacon or sausage make great companions to pancakes for breakfast, they're even more amazing used as a pancake topping. Try adding crispy, cooked, and crumbled bacon to the batter for an extra special treat!

9. Caramel Sauce

Adding a drizzle of caramel sauce definitely puts pancakes into dessert territory. It goes incredibly well with freshly sliced or caramelized bananas, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, and a dollop of whipped cream.

10. Fried Chicken

A drizzle of maple syrup is so delicious over fried chicken, it's no wonder that it works so well as a pancake topping! I like to make fried chicken tenders since they're much easier to eat, but any fried chicken will do the trick. This one's definitely better served as a dinner, and it's one you won't soon forget!

11. Lemon Curd

A thin layer of lemon curd on pancakes makes a really delicious treat. Add some chopped, toasted nuts for great flavor and texture.

12. Lemon Juice and Powdered Sugar

If peanut butter and maple syrup is my favorite pancake topping, then lemon juice and powdered sugar is right up there with it. This topping works best on crepes but I'll add it to my buttermilk pancakes if they're not available. It's fresh and just sweet enough yet I don't feel like I've been overloaded with sugar. You can also add a little lemon zest straight into the batter (this works especially well with ricotta pancakes).

Sweet and Savory Pancake Toppings

• Bacon
• Boiled or fried eggs
• Burger patty
• Candied pecans
• Cereal
• Chocolate shavings
• Crushed candy
• Fried apples
• Fried chicken
• hash browns
• Marshmallows
• Melted Snickers
• Mini M&Ms
• Sausage or sausage gravy
• Smoked salmon
• Soft cheeses
• Sprinkles

Pancake Sauces, Syrups & Spreads

From classic maple syrup to rich chocolate sauce, these pancake toppings are easy ways to add extra flavor. Try one on its own or combine a few for something different.

Syrups & Sauces

• Maple syrup
• Berry syrups
• Caramel sauce
• Chocolate sauce
• Honey
• Fruit compote
• Hot sauce

Nut Butters & Spreads

• Peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Nutella
• Apple butter
• Jelly or jam
• Orange marmalade
• Lemon curd

Creamy Toppings

• Whipped cream
• Cream cheese
• Crème fraîche
• Marshmallow cream
• Frosting
• Ice cream

Best Pancake Topping Combinations

• Bananas and chocolate chips
• Bananas and peanut butter
• Bananas, blueberries, and syrup
• Butter and honey
• Butter and maple syrup
• Lemon juice and powdered sugar
• Marshmallow cream, chocolate sauce and mini marshmallows
• Nutella and strawberries
• Peanut butter and maple syrup
• Peaches and whipped cream
• Powdered sugar, chocolate, and whipped cream
• Salsa and guacamole
• Sliced bananas with vanilla and cinnamon
• Smoked salmon and crème fraîche
• Yogurt, honey and nuts

Healthy Pancake Toppings

1. Fresh Berries

Fresh berries are such a fantastic pancake topping that they'll often be mixed right into the batter before hitting the griddle. Blueberries are the most common for this, but try adding fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries once the pancakes hit your plate. The bonus is that you need much less syrup to sweeten your pancakes, and the berries add a nice dose of fiber, too.

2. Bananas

I have fond memories of watching my mom quickly slice a banana over the top of my pancakes when I was a kid. This was one of my favorite ways to enjoy pancakes and it still is today! Add a drizzle of maple syrup and, if you really want a treat, spread some peanut butter on the pancakes before adding the bananas.

Although it's an extra step, caramelizing the bananas with a little butter before adding them to your pancakes takes them up another notch. Add a little brown sugar and cinnamon to the pan about a minute or so before they're ready, and you've really got yourself a fantastic pancake topping!

3. Chopped Nuts

Toasted, chopped pecans add wonderful flavor and texture to pancakes! Add them alongside almost any of the other pancake toppings in this list. Walnuts and almonds are also great choices.

4. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is thick and tangy on pancakes. If you're looking for more ways to incorporate Greek yogurt into your diet, try using it as a pancake topping. Add fresh berries for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.

If you have your own favorite pancake toppings that we should add to this list, tell us in the comments below!

More Healthy Pancake Topping Ideas

• Applesauce, unsweetened
• Avocado slices
• Cinnamon
• Cottage cheese
• Dried raisins or cranberries
• Flavored yogurt
• Granola
• Hummus
• Pico de gallo
• Poached pears
• Toasted coconut

Pancake Fillings vs. Toppings

Many pancake toppings also work as fillings. Try adding blueberries, sliced bananas, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts to the batter before cooking. For thin pancakes or crepes, fillings such as Nutella, lemon curd, sweetened cream cheese, or fresh fruit work especially well.

Try these Pancake Recipes and add your new favorite toppings!

• Oatmeal Pancakes
• Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
• Raspberry Almond Flour Pancakes