Buttermilk Pancake Cupcake Towers

Name: Buttermilk Pancake Cupcake Towers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 towers
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 ¼ cups buttermilk; 1 large egg; 3 tablespoons melted butter; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2-3 tablespoons milk; Maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

Highlighted under: Treats & Confections

I absolutely love serving a delightful twist on traditional pancakes, and these Buttermilk Pancake Cupcake Towers never fail to impress. Imagine fluffy pancakes layered with sweet frosting, creating an eye-catching dessert that tastes just as good as it looks. Whether it’s for brunch or a special occasion, this recipe brings a playful element to the table. I can’t resist the combination of textures and flavors, from the buttery pancakes to the creamy topping, making them a hit with family and friends alike.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:49:28.004Z

When I first tried blending pancakes and cupcakes into one delicious creation, I knew I was onto something special. The fluffy buttermilk pancakes serve as the perfect base, while the additional frosting elevates them into a charming dessert. I experimented with different flavors and settled on vanilla buttercream that complements the pancakes beautifully. It took a few tries to get the layering just right, but the process was worth every minute when I saw the smiles on my friends’ faces!

One tip I learned is to let the pancakes cool slightly before stacking them with frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting too quickly and provides a delightful contrast in temperature when served. I also recommend adding a drizzle of maple syrup between the layers for extra sweetness. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat for all your celebrations!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fluffy buttermilk pancakes are transformed into a fun dessert
The combination of sweet frosting with warm pancakes creates a delightful treat
Perfect for impressing guests at brunch or special occasions

Perfecting Your Pancake Batter

To achieve the ideal pancake batter for your Buttermilk Pancake Cupcake Towers, it's crucial not to overmix. Once you combine the dry and wet ingredients, stir until just combined; a few lumps are perfectly acceptable. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense pancakes instead of the light, fluffy texture you want. I recommend using a rubber spatula for folding in the wet ingredients gently, ensuring a smoother batter without overworking the gluten.

In addition to texture, the right temperature of your ingredients plays a significant role in the outcome. Using room temperature buttermilk and egg helps create a more homogenous mix, allowing for better aeration when cooked. If you're short on time, I often place the egg in warm water for a few minutes to bring it to room temperature quickly.

Cooking Tips for Fluffy Pancakes

When cooking your pancakes, maintaining the perfect heat level is key. Start with a medium heat setting—too high, and your pancakes will burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. A good test is to sprinkle a few drops of water on the skillet; if they sizzle and evaporate almost immediately, you're at the right temperature. I recommend adjusting the heat between batches to keep consistent results.

For even cooking and to avoid sticking, lightly grease your griddle or skillet with butter or oil, wiping off excess with a paper towel. This small step ensures you achieve those golden edges that make the presentation of your stacked pancakes more appealing.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started.

For the Pancakes

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 ¼ cups buttermilk
1 large egg
3 tablespoons melted butter

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons milk
Maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

Make sure to have everything measured out and ready for assembly!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Buttermilk Pancake Cupcake Towers.

Make the Pancake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Cook the Pancakes

Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown. Repeat for the remaining batter.

Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Add in the vanilla extract and enough milk to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Assemble the Towers

Once the pancakes are cool, take one pancake and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Stack another pancake on top, repeating the process until you have a mini tower. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired.

Enjoy your delightful Buttermilk Pancake Cupcake Towers!

Pro Tips

For an extra pop of flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or blueberries to the pancake batter before cooking.

Frosting Variations

The frosting can bring a whole new dimension to your cupcake towers. While the classic buttercream is delicious, feel free to get creative. Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to the frosting for a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the pancakes. Alternatively, swap out the vanilla extract for almond or coconut for a unique flavor twist.

For a more decadent approach, try folding in melted chocolate into your frosting for a rich chocolate buttercream. This will not only enhance the overall dessert experience but also create an exciting flavor contrast with the buttermilk pancakes.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you plan on serving these towers for a brunch gathering, you can prepare the pancakes ahead of time. Once cooked, let them cool completely, then layer between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container stored in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, you can either reheat them quickly in a warm skillet or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

However, I recommend assembling your cupcake towers just before serving to ensure the pancakes remain fluffy and the frosting doesn't melt. If you're making these for a special occasion, you can prepare the frosting the night before and keep it in the fridge, then whip it until fluffy again before assembly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the pancakes in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pancakes a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat before assembling the towers.

→ What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice for a similar effect.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a soft texture.

→ Can I freeze the pancakes?

Yes, once cooked and cooled, stack them with parchment paper in between and freeze for up to a month.