If you’re on the hunt for a delightful breakfast that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the crisp tang of fresh apples, this Apple Pancakes Recipe is about to become your new favorite morning ritual. Fluffy, tender pancakes studded with grated tart apples make for a comforting and delicious start to any day!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Bursts of fresh apple flavor: Grated apples mixed into the batter ensure every bite is juicy and slightly tart, adding natural sweetness.
Perfectly spiced warmth: Cinnamon and nutmeg give these pancakes a cozy aroma that feels like a hug on a plate.
Fluffy and tender texture: The balance of baking powder and baking soda creates light, airy pancakes that melt in your mouth.
Simple ingredients, amazing results: Using pantry staples plus just two apples delivers a gourmet breakfast without fuss.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of this Apple Pancakes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the fluffy flour base to the warming spices, and the tender, juicy apples folding in just before cooking. It’s a harmony of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly with basic kitchen staples.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for fluffy pancakes; you can swap half for whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note and sweetness; feel free to use coconut sugar for a different but equally rich flavor.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Work together to give the pancakes their lift and lightness.
- Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: The perfect spiced duo that complements the apples beautifully.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the batter and adds tanginess; if you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Eggs: Bind the batter and add richness.
- Unsalted butter: Melted into the batter for moisture and flavor; you can replace with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil.
- Apples (Granny Smith or another tart variety): The star fruit of the recipe—grated to infuse every bite with fresh sweetness and crunch.
- Vegetable oil: For cooking the pancakes, ensuring a golden, crispy exterior.
How to Make Apple Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, start by whisking together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Breaking up any clumps here ensures a smooth batter. This spice-infused dry mixture is the foundation that brings the pancakes their irresistible flavor and lightness.
Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Keeping the wet ingredients separate prevents overmixing and lets you combine everything gently for fluffy pancakes. This mix adds moisture and richness, making every pancake tender.
Step 3: Combine and Fold in Apples
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mix and fold together gently with a spatula or spoon. A few lumps are perfectly fine—overmixing can toughen your pancakes. Then peel, core, and grate the apples right over the batter, folding them in lightly to distribute that fresh apple burst evenly.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat a griddle or large frying pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Once shimmering, scoop ¼ cup-sized dollops of batter onto the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until both sides boast a golden brown crust. Repeat until all batter is cooked, adding more oil as needed.
How to Serve Apple Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
These apple pancakes shine with simple toppings like a pat of butter and a drizzle of pure maple syrup. For a little extra indulgence, try a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts. Fresh apple slices or a spoonful of cinnamon-spiced applesauce also make fabulous garnishes that echo the pancake’s flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your apple pancakes with crispy bacon or sausage links to bring in savory balance. A fruit salad or a small bowl of yogurt with granola can add freshness and texture, making your breakfast plate a complete, satisfying experience that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your pancakes tall and layer between each with a spoonful of apple compote or cream cheese frosting for a show-stopping brunch centerpiece. For gatherings, serve in a pancake bar style with bowls of toppings like nuts, fresh berries, honey, and cinnamon sugar so everyone can customize their own masterpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. This way, your delicious apple pancakes stay moist, ready to be enjoyed again without losing their charm.
Freezing
Apple pancakes freeze wonderfully! Lay them flat on a baking sheet with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, allowing you to have quick and tasty breakfasts whenever you please.
Reheating
Reheat pancakes in a toaster, oven, or on a skillet over medium heat to bring back their crispy edges and warm up the apples inside. If reheating from frozen, allow a minute or two longer and cover gently to avoid drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness and hold their texture well, you can use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples depending on your sweetness preference. Just keep in mind that softer apples might make the pancakes a bit moister.
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What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 ½ cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and it will mimic the tangy acidity of buttermilk needed to activate the leaveners.
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Why is it important not to overmix the batter?
Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher pancakes. A few lumps in the batter are fine and help keep your pancakes light and fluffy — a key element to this Apple Pancakes Recipe’s success.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or similar for structure. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor from the apples and spices will still shine.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Apple Pancakes Recipe enough for those moments when you want to turn breakfast into a cozy celebration. The tender, spiced pancakes studded with fresh apples bring a warmth that’s hard to resist. So gather your ingredients, make a stack, and enjoy some morning magic with each bite!
Print
Apple Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and fluffy apple pancakes made with grated tart apples and a spiced batter. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, these pancakes combine warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors with the tartness of Granny Smith apples, cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Other
- 2 apples (Granny Smith or other tart variety), peeled, cored, and grated
- Vegetable oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to combine and break up any clumps.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and melted unsalted butter until fully blended.
- Make Batter: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients, then gently mix with a rubber spatula or spoon just until combined. It’s fine if the batter is slightly lumpy; avoid overmixing to prevent tough pancakes.
- Add Apples: Peel, core, and grate the apples over the batter. Gently fold the grated apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Heat Pan and Cook: Add a small amount of vegetable oil to a griddle or frying pan and heat over medium-high heat until hot. Scoop the batter in ¼ cup portions onto the pan, gently shaping each scoop into a round pancake if needed.
- Cook Pancakes: Cook the pancakes for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until both sides are golden brown.
- Serve: Remove cooked pancakes from the pan, add more oil if needed, and continue cooking the remaining batter. Serve warm with desired toppings such as maple syrup or butter.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep pancakes fluffy and tender.
- Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning while ensuring the pancakes cook through.
- These pancakes freeze well; reheat in a toaster or oven for a quick breakfast.
- Optional toppings include maple syrup, fresh fruit, nuts, or whipped cream.
