There is something truly magical about starting your morning with warm, fluffy pancakes infused with the sweet and spicy notes of fresh apples and cinnamon. The Apple Cinnamon Pancakes Recipe brings together tender pancake batter bursting with juicy grated apple and the comforting aroma of cinnamon for a breakfast that feels like a cozy hug. These pancakes are delightfully simple to make but taste like a special treat that will have your whole family asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a leisurely weekend brunch or a weekday pick-me-up, this recipe is an absolute winner that blends texture, flavor, and warmth in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is where the magic of this Apple Cinnamon Pancakes Recipe begins. Each component plays a vital role—from the flour that provides structure to the fresh apple adding moisture and natural sweetness. With just a few pantry staples and one fresh apple, you’re all set for a delicious pancake experience.
- Flour (1 ½ cups): The foundation of your pancakes, ensuring a tender but sturdy texture.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the tartness of the apple.
- Baking powder (3 teaspoons): Helps the pancakes rise light and fluffy.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- Milk (1 ½ cups): Creates the perfect batter consistency with creaminess.
- Unsalted butter, melted (4 tablespoons): Adds buttery flavor and helps keep the pancakes moist.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, fragrant note to the batter.
- Ground cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Delivers that unmistakable cozy spice kick.
- Large apple (1): A crisp, firm variety grated fresh for juicy bursts in every bite.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Start by preheating your griddle, skillet, or flattop to medium heat. If using an electric griddle, set it to 350ºF. This ensures that your pancakes will cook evenly and develop that perfect golden crust without getting burnt.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and baking powder. Mixing these dry ingredients well sets the stage for a fluffy pancake with perfectly distributed flavor and a gentle rise.
Step 3: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisking these together until smooth ensures the wet ingredients blend seamlessly into the dry for a luscious, rich batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and gently fold them together using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to over mix; a few lumps here and there are perfectly fine because they help keep the pancakes tender.
Step 5: Incorporate the Fresh Apple
Using a box grater, grate your apple carefully around the core. Fold the grated apple into the batter gently so that each pancake will have juicy pockets of apple flavor that melt beautifully when cooked.
Step 6: Cook the Pancakes
Lightly grease your preheated griddle or skillet. Then, using a spoon or a ¼-cup measuring cup, pour batter onto the surface, shaping into rounds. Cook each pancake for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side. Keep a close eye for little air bubbles popping on the surface — that’s your signal to flip! Cook the other side another 2 minutes until golden brown and perfectly done.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Remove the cooked pancakes and serve immediately. Repeat the cooking process until all the batter is used. The aroma and taste right off the griddle are unbeatable— especially when topped with your favorite syrup or extras.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Apple Cinnamon Pancakes Recipe, add a pat of butter that melts gracefully across the hot surface or a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. For a fresh twist, sprinkle some chopped toasted nuts for crunch or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness that really brightens the whole dish.
Side Dishes
These pancakes pair wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas add vibrant color and refreshing flavors. For a brunch-worthy spread, include a dollop of yogurt or cream to balance the sweetness and add creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Apple Cinnamon Pancakes Recipe high on a beautiful plate and arrange thin apple slices or a cinnamon stick beside them for a rustic touch. You can even create pancake sandwiches by layering between apple slices and a little nut butter for a playful bite. Presentation adds an element of joy to the meal and invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover pancakes, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container or resealable bag and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the pancakes moist and ready for quick breakfasts or snacks later.
Freezing
To freeze pancakes, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Then transfer the frozen pancakes to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months, making it super convenient to enjoy Apple Cinnamon Pancakes Recipe anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen pancakes in a toaster, oven, or microwave for a minute or two until warm. For best results, wrap pancakes in foil and warm in the oven at 350ºF. This method restores the texture close to freshly made, so your pancakes stay delightful.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
While you can use various apples, a firm and tart variety like Granny Smith works best as it holds its texture after grating and adds a nice balance to the sweetness in the batter.
What can I substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk is just fine as called for here, but for extra tang, you can add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Why shouldn’t I over mix the pancake batter?
Over mixing develops gluten in the flour which can make pancakes tough and chewy. A few lumps are okay and actually help create fluffy, tender pancakes with a lovely texture.
Can I prepare the batter the night before?
It’s best to grate the apple and mix the batter fresh for the fluffiest pancakes, but you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance. If you do refrigerate the mixed batter, expect a slightly denser texture.
What’s the best way to tell when to flip the pancake?
Look for little bubbles forming and popping in the center of the pancake; once they appear and the edges look set, it’s time to carefully flip for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm comfort of homemade pancakes, and this Apple Cinnamon Pancakes Recipe truly hits the sweet spot. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary morning into a special occasion packed with flavor and love. So grab that grater and apple, and make these pancakes your new favorite breakfast tradition—you won’t regret it!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These fluffy apple pancakes combine the sweet and tart flavors of fresh grated apples with warm cinnamon, creating a perfect breakfast treat. Lightly spiced and tender, these pancakes are easy to make on a griddle or skillet and best served fresh with pure maple syrup.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 large apple, hard variety (grated)
Instructions
- Preheat the Cooking Surface: Pre-heat a griddle, flattop, or skillet to medium heat. If using an electronic griddle, set it to 350ºF to ensure even cooking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and baking powder. Stir these together so they are well distributed.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract thoroughly until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture. Gently fold with a rubber spatula until the ingredients are just combined. Do not overmix; it’s normal to see some lumps.
- Add Grated Apple: Using a box grater, grate the apple around the core to get fine shreds. Fold the grated apple gently into the batter using the rubber spatula.
- Cook the Pancakes: Lightly grease the griddle or skillet. Using a spoon or a ¼ cup measuring cup, pour batter onto the hot cooking surface, shaping it gently into circles. Cook multiple pancakes, filling the surface as desired.
- Flip at the Right Time: Cook pancakes for 2-3 minutes until small air bubbles start to appear and pop on the surface. Carefully flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Remove pancakes once golden brown on both sides. Repeat in batches as necessary. Serve immediately, best enjoyed with pure maple syrup.
Notes
- Use a hard apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and tartness.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep pancakes fluffy and tender.
- Adjust griddle temperature as needed if pancakes brown too quickly or cook too slowly.
- These pancakes can be kept warm in a low oven (about 200°F) while finishing remaining batches.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with plant-based milk and butter with a vegan alternative.
