Not much beats the smell of pancakes at breakfast. The spicy goodness of apple pancakes makes the breakfast table come alive with the aromas of a crisp fall day wrapped up in fluffy and warm pancakes!
When a person thinks about the ultimate breakfast food, a pancake takes the "cake"! Quick and simple to make, pancakes are one of the most versatile breakfast foods ever created. One of the best things about pancakes is that they aren't just for breakfast anymore.
Are you trying to think of what to make for dinner? Make a quick batch of pancakes. Pancakes are so versatile; you can double or triple a pancake recipe for a large crowd or cut the recipe in half for a few people.
Pancakes can be made plain, with buttermilk, with berries, or even herb-infused or with a savory filling. Today we'll focus on the apple pancake version.
So get your skillet ready! We're going to make a batch of light and fluffy apple pancakes that the entire family will enjoy!
Some helpful tips for your apple pancake experience
#1. How will I know when it is time to flip the pancakes?
It is best to always cook pancakes on a flat surface like a griddle or large skillet. Cook over medium heat, and you will soon see bubbles starting to form on the top, and the edges become less shiny. That is when you will know that you need to flip them.
The cooked sides will have a golden brown look to them. Remember only to flip your pancakes once! By flipping too fast, you'll have a tough pancake; by flipping too late, you'll have a burnt or overcooked pancake.
Keep in mind that the flip side will cook much quicker than the first side. A good rule of thumb is to cook the first side for about 3-4 minutes and only 1-2 minutes for the second side. Do not press down on the cooking pancake. Let the batter do the work.
#2. Do I need to sift the dry ingredients at all?
Sifting the dry ingredients is necessary if you want to produce a fluffy pancake. However, if you have a hungry bunch of people waking up and no time to sift the dry ingredients, don't panic. You can make pancakes without sifting, just don't expect them to be as fluffy.
#3. Can white flour be substituted for wheat flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour or even gluten-free flour will work just as well as white flour. The only difference between white and wheat is that wheat flour makes a much more dense pancake.
#4. What type of syrup is best for pancakes?
The classic image of pancakes shows the never-ending pour of maple syrup running down a stack of hot and fluffy pancakes. A melting pat of butter on top makes it double delicious!
You can also top pancakes with fresh fruit, whipped cream, other syrups, and preserves. Try caramel apple pancakes, blueberry and cream pancakes, and so much more! Pancakes are so versatile; you can even top them with savory foods like hummus or creamed spinach.
Some other great suggestions for an apple pancake topping are:
- Apple compote
- Cream cheese and chives
- Honey
- Applesauce
- Nutella
- Chopped nuts
- Peanut butter
Is it easy to make apple pancakes?
Yes, making apple pancakes is as easy as making regular pancakes. With just a few simple instructions, you'll be on your way to flipping pancake after pancake with ease. There are four main steps to follow when making your easy apple pancakes:
#1. The Batter
You make the batter by mixing the dry ingredients first and then adding the wet ingredients all in one bowl.
#2. Adding the apples
After you mix the ingredients, gently fold the apples in.
#3. Get your skillet ready
Make sure the surface is flat and the heat is medium. Drizzle a bit of oil on the skillet to keep the pancakes from sticking, and you're good to go!
#4. Pour the batter, and cook those pancakes!
Pour the batter out to the desired size, watch for bubbles, flip until golden brown. It will only take a few minutes per side, so keep an eye on them so they don't burn!
The best apple pancake recipe
Apple cinnamon pancakes have the best of a hearty pancake batter and a healthy serving of the sweetest apples and spicy cinnamon. Apple pancakes are best if topped off with maple syrup. Let's get flipping!
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
- 1½ c. of all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp of sugar
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- 2 tsp of baking powder
- ½ tsp of salt
- 1 1/4 c. of milk (or you can use buttermilk for extra flavor)
- Two large eggs
- ¼ c. of applesauce
- 1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 c. of shredded granny smith apples
INSTRUCTIONS
Use a large mixing bowl, and sift the flour with sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Sifting will make for a fluffier pancake. Once you've mixed the dry ingredients, add the milk, eggs, applesauce, cinnamon, and whisk until combined.
Peel and core your apples. You can use an apple peeler to make the peeling go much faster and easier. Next, shred the peeled and cored apples and gently fold the shreds into your batter mixture.
Preheat your lightly greased flat griddle or large frying pan. Scoop or pour out ¼ c. of the pancake batter onto the heated griddle. Let the pancakes cook until you notice bubbles forming on the top, and the sides start to look slightly dry - about 3-4 minutes.
Flip the pancake over to cook it on the other side (your first side should look slightly golden brown.) Cook the second side for about 1-2 minutes. Gently lift the sides if you want to check the color of the griddle side. Once fully cooked, remove from heat, add your topping and enjoy!
What about the leftover apple pancakes?
It's best to eat your pancakes hot off the grill, but they can also keep for a few days. Simply freeze or refrigerate, and then reheat to enjoy them all over again.
- Storing -You can safely store your cooked and cooled pancakes in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
You can keep your pancakes in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply place them onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about 2 hours. Remove from the freezer, place the frozen pancakes into an airtight container, and return to the freezer.
- Reheating - You can quickly reheat your apple pancakes in the microwave. It only takes around 20-seconds to get them piping hot! Or, reheat your pancakes by placing them in a toaster until you feel they're warm enough.
If you have larger batches to reheat, place the pancakes in a single layer onto a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 350F. Cover the top of the pancakes with aluminum foil and back for approximately 10 minutes or until the pancakes are hot.
Can pancakes be left at room temperature?
Yes. If you've cooked your pancakes with apples properly, you can treat them very much like any other baked good. You can leave them out for about 2 hours, but it is best to refrigerate or freeze them if there are leftovers.
They won't necessarily go bad during those hours, but they may get a bit dry.
Apple pancakes: a crowd-pleasing plate for everyone
This apple cinnamon pancake recipe will be a hit with everyone at your table. Whether you serve them for breakfast or lunch or dinner, the warm, sweet, and aromatic treat will satisfy all of the senses. It's the food that your guests will flip over!