Apple pancakes are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Combining the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apples, and the fluffiness of traditional pancakes, this recipe creates a dish that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a lazy Sunday brunch or a festive fall breakfast, apple pancakes are sure to please.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Bursting with Flavor: Fresh apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make every bite rich and aromatic.
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Easy to Make: Uses basic pantry ingredients with minimal prep time.
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Perfect for Any Meal: These pancakes work well for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
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Family Favorite: Kid-friendly and ideal for serving a crowd.
Ingredients List
To make a batch of fluffy apple pancakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pancakes
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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¾ cup buttermilk
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1 large egg
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and grated (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Optional Toppings
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Maple syrup
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Whipped cream
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Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
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Apple slices sautéed in butter and cinnamon
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 4 (makes about 8 pancakes)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Pancakes
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently. Avoid overmixing. Fold in the grated apple at the end.
Step 4: Preheat and Grease
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Scoop ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2–3 minutes on one side or until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Serve pancakes hot off the griddle with maple syrup, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings.
Best Apples to Use
Tart Apples
Granny Smith apples hold their shape well and offer a slight tartness that balances the sweetness of the pancakes.
Sweet Apples
Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples provide a natural sweetness and work wonderfully if you prefer a sweeter pancake without extra sugar.
Substitutions and Variations
Dairy-Free Option
Use almond milk or oat milk instead of buttermilk, and replace butter with coconut oil or margarine.
Gluten-Free Version
Swap out all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Add-In Ideas
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Raisins or dried cranberries
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Chopped nuts
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A swirl of caramel or maple syrup in the batter
Tips for Success
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Don’t overmix the batter. Lumps are okay and help keep the pancakes fluffy.
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Grate the apple finely to ensure it blends into the batter and cooks evenly.
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Use a non-stick pan or griddle for even browning and to prevent sticking.
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Cook on medium heat so the pancakes cook through without burning the outside.
What to Serve With Apple Pancakes
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Drinks: Hot coffee, chai tea, or apple cider
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Sides: Bacon, sausage links, or a side of scrambled eggs
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Fruits: Sliced bananas, berries, or citrus segments for balance
Make-Ahead and Storage
Refrigeration
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Place cooled pancakes in a zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a toaster, oven, or microwave until warm. Toasting gives a crisp edge while microwaving keeps them soft.
Apple Pancake Topping Ideas
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Cinnamon-Sautéed Apples: Dice apples, sauté in butter, cinnamon, and sugar, then spoon over pancakes.
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Maple Yogurt Drizzle: Mix Greek yogurt with maple syrup and drizzle for a creamy topping.
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Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle adds visual appeal and sweetness.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts for texture.
Healthier Apple Pancakes
To make this recipe healthier:
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Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose.
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Reduce sugar or use honey as a natural sweetener.
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Use unsweetened applesauce in place of some of the butter.
Making Apple Pancakes for a Crowd
Double or triple the recipe, and keep cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet until ready to serve. Stack with parchment between layers to avoid sticking.
Apple Pancakes as Dessert
Transform your apple pancakes into a dessert by adding:
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream
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A drizzle of caramel sauce
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A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar Perfect for a comforting fall evening or holiday treat.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Stir gently before using.
Can I use applesauce instead of grated apple?
Yes, substitute ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce, but the texture will be slightly different—softer and moister.
Can I bake the pancakes?
This recipe is best pan-fried, but you can try spooning the batter into a muffin tin and baking at 350°F for 12–15 minutes for a unique twist.
Why are my pancakes soggy in the middle?
This can happen if the heat is too high. Lower the heat and cook a bit longer to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
Apple pancakes are a comforting and flavorful way to enjoy breakfast or brunch. With warm spices, sweet apple goodness, and a fluffy texture, they are perfect for cozy mornings or holiday gatherings. Whether you make them with grated apples, experiment with toppings, or go for a healthier twist, this recipe is endlessly versatile and satisfying. Enjoy each bite with a drizzle of syrup and a smile.