Apple Pancakes: A Sweet, Fluffy, and Fruity Breakfast Delight

If you’re dreaming of a warm, comforting breakfast that tastes like fall on a plate, these apple pancakes are it. Fluffy, golden, and infused with cinnamon and shredded apple, each bite bursts with cozy flavor. They’re easy enough for a weekday and special enough for a weekend brunch.

Pair them with maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce, and you’ve got yourself a morning treat that feels straight out of grandma’s kitchen—without all the fuss.

Let’s flip into something delicious.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons melted butter or neutral oil

Apple Add-In:

• 1 ½ cups grated or finely chopped apple (peeled or unpeeled)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to keep apples from browning)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

• Grate or finely dice your apples.
• Toss them with lemon juice and set aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, both sugars, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

• Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
• Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
• Fold in the grated apples gently.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

• Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
• Lightly grease with butter or oil.
• Pour ¼ cup batter for each pancake.
• Cook until bubbles form and edges look set, about 2–3 minutes.
• Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve Warm

• Stack ’em high.
• Top with maple syrup, apple slices, or cinnamon sugar.

Tips for Perfect Apple Pancakes

• Use a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Don’t overmix the batter—it makes pancakes tough.
• Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes for fluffier results.
• Keep pancakes warm in a 200°F oven while you finish cooking the batch.
• For thicker pancakes, reduce the milk slightly.

Flavor Variations

• Apple Pie Pancakes: Add a pinch of allspice and top with caramel sauce.
• Apple-Cheddar: Mix in shredded sharp cheddar for a sweet-savory combo.
• Apple Oat Pancakes: Replace ½ cup flour with oat flour or quick oats.
• Apple-Walnut: Fold in ¼ cup chopped walnuts for crunch.
• Vegan Version: Use flax eggs and plant-based milk and butter.

Best Toppings for Apple Pancakes

• Maple syrup
• Cinnamon-sugar butter
• Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
• Caramel drizzle
• Toasted pecans or walnuts
• Fresh apple slices sautéed in butter

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make ahead: Prepare batter up to 1 day in advance (store in the fridge).
• Fridge storage: Cooked pancakes last 3–4 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: Stack with parchment between, freeze in bags up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Toast, microwave, or heat in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes.

Print

FAQS

1. What kind of apples work best?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady are ideal. They hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

2. Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apple?

You can! Substitute ½ cup applesauce for the grated apple. Your pancakes will be softer and slightly sweeter.

3. Are these pancakes gluten-free?

They can be! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or oat flour. Check your baking powder is gluten-free too.

4. Can I make them vegan?

Yes. Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based milk and oil.

5. Should I peel the apples?

That’s up to you. Peeled apples create a smoother texture, while unpeeled adds fiber and a bit more bite.

6. Can I add other fruits?

Absolutely! Try mixing in pear, banana slices, or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.

7. What’s the best pan for pancakes?

A non-stick skillet or a flat griddle works best. Make sure it’s well-greased and preheated for even cooking.

8. Can I add protein powder?

Yes, just reduce flour slightly and add extra milk if the batter thickens too much. Choose a mild-flavored protein.

9. Why are my pancakes too dense?

You may have overmixed the batter or used too much apple. Try folding ingredients gently and sticking to the recipe’s ratio.

10. How do I serve apple pancakes for a crowd?

Keep batches warm in the oven, serve with a toppings bar, and let everyone customize! They also work great as mini pancakes for brunch platters.