18 Fluffy Panikeke Recipes with Tropical Flavors

Carmen Eldridge

April 1, 2025

Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game? Look no further! Panikekes, also known as coconut cakes or kekis, are a popular Filipino treat that’s perfect for any time of day. These fluffy, moist treats are infused with the rich flavors of tropical fruits and spices, making them a delight to enjoy. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 18 mouth-watering panikeke recipes that will transport your taste buds to the sunny islands of the Pacific.

From classic combinations like coconut milk and banana honey to innovative twists featuring mango, pineapple, and passion fruit, these panikeke recipes are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast on-the-go or a decadent dessert to impress your friends, we’ve got you covered with these easy-to-make and utterly delicious treats.

So, which tropical flavor combination will be the first to tempt your taste buds? Let’s dive in and explore the wonderful world of panikekes!

Coconut Milk Panikeke

Coconut Milk Panikeke
These fluffy and flavorful panikekes are a popular breakfast or snack option in many tropical countries. By incorporating coconut milk into the batter, we add an extra layer of creaminess and nutty flavor to this beloved treat.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– Vegetable oil for greasing

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a non-stick skillet or pan with vegetable oil.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add coconut milk, egg, and baking powder. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the prepared skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to curl.
4. Flip the panikeke and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Repeat with remaining batter.

Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes

Banana and Honey Panikeke

Banana and Honey Panikeke
A delicious twist on traditional pancakes, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the warmth of honey, creating a tasty breakfast or brunch treat.

Ingredients:

– 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Butter or cooking spray for greasing the pan

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, milk, and egg. Stir until smooth.
3. Add honey to banana mixture and stir well.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grease with butter or cooking spray.
6. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the pan.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
8. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on pancake size)

Pineapple Upside-Down Panikeke

Pineapple Upside-Down Panikeke
This recipe combines the classic upside-down pineapple with the crispy, savory goodness of panikeke (a type of Indonesian pancake). The result is a sweet and indulgent treat that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients:

– 1 ripe pineapple, sliced into rings
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix coconut milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
5. Arrange pineapple slices in a single layer on a 9-inch (23cm) round baking dish.
6. Pour the batter over the pineapple, spreading evenly.
7. Sprinkle brown sugar on top of the batter.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Flip onto a plate and serve warm with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Mango and Coconut Panikeke

Mango and Coconut Panikeke
Panikeke, a popular Filipino snack, gets a tropical twist with the addition of sweet mango and creamy coconut. This recipe is perfect for a quick dessert or snack.

Ingredients:

– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– Vegetable oil for greasing

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a non-stick pan with vegetable oil.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add sugar, milk, and egg. Whisk until smooth.
4. Fold in diced mango and shredded coconut.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth out.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Vanilla Bean Panikeke

Vanilla Bean Panikeke
Elevate your breakfast game with these tender and fluffy Vanilla Bean Pancakes, infused with the warmth of real vanilla beans.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup pure vanilla extract
– 2 real vanilla beans, split lengthwise

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.
4. Stir in vanilla extract and split vanilla beans.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Drop 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface.
7. Flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.

Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes for 8-10 pancakes.

Chocolate Swirl Panikeke

Chocolate Swirl Panikeke
Panikeke, a popular Filipino snack, gets a luxurious twist with this chocolate swirl recipe. Soft and fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and drizzled with rich chocolate sauce, these treats are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes or squares.
4. Brush tops with vegetable oil and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave (30-second increments, stirring between each interval) or in a double boiler.
6. Drizzle melted chocolate over the panikeke while still warm. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Pandan Leaf Panikeke

Pandan Leaf Panikeke
In this traditional Southeast Asian recipe, pandan leaves impart a unique flavor and aroma to the pandanikeke, a sweet and fragrant rice cake.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups cooked glutinous rice (sticky rice)
– 1/4 cup palm sugar
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
– 2 pandan leaves, cut into small pieces
– Water, as needed

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked glutinous rice, palm sugar, coconut milk, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the vegetable oil and mix until the rice is evenly coated.
3. Fold in the pandan leaf pieces.
4. Gradually add water to achieve a dough-like consistency.
5. Knead the mixture for 5-7 minutes until smooth and pliable.
6. Shape into small patties or desired shapes.
7. Cook the pandanikeke on a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat, 2-3 minutes per side, or until lightly browned.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Sweet Potato Panikeke

Sweet Potato Panikeke
Sweet Potato Panikeke Recipe: A Delicious Twist on Traditional Pancakes!

These sweet potato panikeke are a tasty and unique breakfast or brunch option, perfect for a cozy morning gathering with friends and family. With the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the fluffiness of pancakes, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!

Ingredients:

– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Optional: brown sugar, cinnamon, or chopped nuts for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add mashed sweet potatoes, milk, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients; stir until smooth.
4. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the preheated skillet or griddle.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to dry. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve warm with your choice of toppings.

Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on the number of panikeke you make.

Guava Glazed Panikeke

Guava Glazed Panikeke
Panikeke, a popular Filipino snack, gets a tropical twist with this easy-to-make guava glazed version. The sweet and tangy glaze pairs perfectly with the crispy panikeke.

Ingredients:

– 1 package of panikeke mix
– 1/2 cup guava jam
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the panikeke mix according to package instructions.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together guava jam, honey, and water until smooth.
4. Brush the glaze onto the panikeke during the last 5 minutes of baking.
5. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Lemon Zest Panikeke

Lemon Zest Panikeke
Add a burst of citrusy freshness to your breakfast routine with this easy-to-make Lemon Zest Panikeke recipe. This Japanese-inspired pancake is flavored with the brightness of lemon zest and perfect for a weekend brunch.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Whisk together flour, eggs, milk, sugar, and salt in a bowl until smooth.
2. Add lemon zest and whisk until well combined.
3. Pour in melted butter and whisk until the batter is free of lumps.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Drop 1/4 cupfuls of the batter onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface.
6. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with confectioners’ sugar sprinkled on top (if desired).

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Caramelized Banana Panikeke

Caramelized Banana Panikeke
Transform traditional panikeke into a sweet and indulgent treat by caramelizing ripe bananas and layering them with crispy pancakes. This unique dessert is perfect for banana lovers and anyone looking for a creative twist on breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients:

– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– Butter or cooking spray for greasing the pan

Instructions:

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, salt, and sugar.
3. Add milk and mix until smooth batter forms.
4. Grease the preheated pan with butter or cooking spray.
5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface.
6. Flip the pancake and cook for an additional minute.
7. Repeat with remaining batter, then set aside.
8. In a separate pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
9. Add sliced bananas and cook for 2-3 minutes, until caramelized and golden brown.
10. Assemble by layering cooked pancakes with caramelized banana slices.

Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes

Taro and Coconut Panikeke

Taro and Coconut Panikeke
A traditional Hawaiian treat gets a delicious twist with this sweet and savory panikeke recipe featuring taro and coconut. These crispy, golden brown pancakes are perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups taro flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons melted butter, cooled
– Flavorings of choice (e.g., vanilla extract, honey)

Instructions:

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and coconut.
3. In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add melted butter to the wet ingredients and mix well.
5. Pour batter into the skillet or griddle in 1/4 cup increments.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes

Blueberry Infused Panikeke

Blueberry Infused Panikeke
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of blueberries in this unique panikeke recipe, perfect for a breakfast or brunch treat.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Fresh blueberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 6-inch pan or non-stick skillet.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, flour, and salt until smooth.
3. Add melted butter and whisk until combined.
4. Fold in blueberries into the batter.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth out.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
8. Serve warm, garnished with additional blueberries if desired.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Cinnamon Spiced Panikeke

Cinnamon Spiced Panikeke
Warm up with this sweet and comforting Cinnamon Spiced Panikeke, a perfect treat for any time of the day.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, milk, egg, and cinnamon. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the batter is smooth.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Passion Fruit Drizzle Panikeke

Passion Fruit Drizzle Panikeke
Discover the tropical flavors of Hawaii with this sweet and tangy panikeke (Hawaiian-style pancake) recipe, infused with the sweetness of passion fruit.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup passion fruit puree
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in passion fruit puree.
6. Cook panikekes for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Enjoy your delicious Passion Fruit Drizzle Panikeke!

Pumpkin Spice Panikeke

Pumpkin Spice Panikeke
Start your day with a warm and comforting Pumpkin Spice Panikeke, perfect for the fall season.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, pumpkin puree, egg, milk, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Strawberry Jam-Filled Panikeke

Strawberry Jam-Filled Panikeke
Panikeke, a popular Filipino dessert, gets a delicious twist with the addition of sweet strawberry jam. This treat is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
– Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add milk, egg, and mix until smooth batter forms.
3. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Using a ladle, scoop the batter into the hot oil to form small balls.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. While still warm, use a fork to create a hole in each panikeke and fill with strawberry jam.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on the size of the panikeke)

Toasted Coconut Panikeke

Toasted Coconut Panikeke
Elevate your breakfast game with these toasted coconut panikeke, a Hawaiian-inspired treat that combines the warmth of coconut and the fluffiness of pancakes.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Optional: whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes for topping

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Fold in toasted coconut flakes.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
8. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on pancake size)

Summary

Get ready to indulge in the tropical flavors of 18 fluffy panikeke recipes! From classic coconut milk and banana and honey, to unique pineapple upside-down and mango and coconut, there’s something for every palate. Try adding some exotic twists with pandan leaf, guava glazed, or taro and coconut. Or, go sweet with caramelized banana, blueberry infused, or strawberry jam-filled. And don’t forget the spices – cinnamon spiced and pumpkin spice will warm your heart. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or adventurous eaters, these panikeke recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.

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