Who doesn’t love the warm, cozy flavors of apple pie? That’s exactly what these Apple Pancakes bring to the table. They’re light, soft, and infused with those comforting apple pie spices we all know and love. Topped with a homemade caramelized apple topping, these pancakes are the perfect way to start your day.

Apple Pancakes are a fun twist on the classic breakfast favorite. They’re perfect for when you want something a little extra but still crave the simplicity of a homemade pancake. This recipe combines the best of both worlds, giving you the sweetness and spice of apple pie with the light, airy texture of pancakes.

Why you’ll love these Apple Pancakes

Easy to Make:
These pancakes come together quickly with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. No need for fancy equipment or complicated steps—just mix, cook, and enjoy!
Bursting with Flavor:
The combination of apple pie spices and caramelized apples makes each bite a burst of sweet, spiced goodness. It’s like enjoying a slice of apple pie for breakfast.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a special brunch with family, these pancakes are sure to impress. They’re comforting, delicious, and bound to become a new favorite in your home.

Cozy Mornings

There’s something truly comforting about a stack of apple pancakes. The warmth of the spices and the sweetness of the apples make these pancakes a great way to start the day. They’re perfect for those mornings when you want to enjoy a little extra comfort and flavor, turning an ordinary breakfast into something special.

Ingredients Needed for Apple Pancakes

Apple Pie Spice: This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice gives the topping that classic apple pie flavor.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the apple mixture, giving it that perfect saucy consistency.
Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the apples.
Apples: I recommend using medium-sized apples that are peeled, cored, and finely diced. Granny Smiths or Honeycrisp work great!
Sugar: Just a touch to sweeten the apples and create a caramelized effect.
Water: Used to cook the apples and create the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for your pancakes.
Baking Powder: Gives the pancakes their fluffiness.
Sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to the batter.
Milk: Whole milk makes the pancakes nice and tender.
Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
Unsalted Butter: Melted and mixed into the batter for flavor and moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.

How to make Apple Pancakes

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Mix apple pie spice and cornstarch in a small bowl.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter, diced apples, and granulated sugar

Sprinkle the spice mixture over the apples and add water.

Cook until the apples are tender.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and apple pie spice.

In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined.

Pour 1/3 cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake.

Flip the pancakes and cook until golden brown.

Serve the pancakes warm with a generous topping of the apple mixture.

Variations

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: Swap the apple pie spice for cinnamon and add a swirl of cinnamon-sugar mixture to each pancake as it cooks. Top with cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
Blueberry Apple Pancakes: Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter before cooking. The burst of blueberries pairs wonderfully with the apple topping.
Apple Walnut Pancakes: Stir in some chopped walnuts into the pancake batter for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the apples perfectly.
Maple Pecan Pancakes: Top the pancakes with the apple mixture and a drizzle of maple syrup, then sprinkle with toasted pecans.
Chocolate Chip Apple Pancakes: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet surprise in every bite. The combination of chocolate and caramelized apples is a match made in heaven.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Style: Serve the pancakes stacked high with a generous spoonful of the apple topping and a drizzle of maple syrup. Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
With Ice Cream: For a dessert twist, top your pancakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The warm pancakes and cold ice cream create a delicious contrast.
Crispy Bacon: Serve these pancakes alongside crispy bacon for a sweet and savory breakfast combo that’s hard to resist.
Yogurt and Granola: Top the pancakes with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a wholesome breakfast that’s still packed with flavor.
Holiday Brunch: Make these pancakes the star of your holiday brunch spread, pairing them with scrambled eggs, sausage, and fresh fruit.

Storage and Freezing

How should I store Apple Pancakes?

Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a warm oven until heated through. Store the apple topping in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Can I freeze Apple Pancakes?

To freeze, let the pancakes cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the toaster or a warm oven. You can freeze the apple topping separately in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

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Tips & Tricks

Don’t Overmix: When mixing the pancake batter, be sure to stir just until combined. Overmixing can make the pancakes tough instead of light and fluffy.
Test Your Pan: Before you start cooking the pancakes, do a test pancake to ensure the pan is at the right temperature. The pancake should cook evenly without burning.
Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold up well when cooked and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Adjust Thickness: If you prefer thicker or thinner pancakes, adjust the batter consistency by adding a bit more flour or milk. Thicker batter will result in fluffier pancakes, while thinner batter will spread out more.
Make-Ahead Option: You can make the apple topping ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving with your fresh pancakes.

More Yummy Sweet Treats

FAQ

Can I use a different type of apple for the topping?
While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their firm texture, you can use any apple you like. Just keep in mind that softer apples may cook down more and become mushy.
What if I don’t have apple pie spice?
No problem! You can make your own by mixing 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves. Or, simply use cinnamon if that’s all you have on hand.
Can I use plant-based milk in this recipe?
Yes! Almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk can be used in place of whole milk. The pancakes may be slightly less rich, but they’ll still be delicious.
How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Look for bubbles forming on the surface of the pancake. Once the edges start to look set and the bubbles don’t immediately fill in, it’s time to flip.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to make the batter fresh, but if you’re in a pinch, you can refrigerate it for up to 1 hour before cooking. Just give it a quick stir before using.
What if my pancakes are browning too quickly?
If your pancakes are browning too quickly, the heat is likely too high. Try lowering the heat to medium or medium-low. Cooking pancakes at a lower temperature ensures they cook through evenly without burning on the outside. You can also flip them sooner if you notice they’re browning too fast.
Can I add nuts or other fruits to the batter?
Yes, adding nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans can give your pancakes a delicious crunch. You can also mix in fruits like blueberries or even extra diced apples for more flavor. Just be mindful that adding fruits might require a bit more cooking time to ensure the batter cooks through.
How do I keep my pancakes warm while I finish cooking the rest?
To keep your pancakes warm while you cook the rest, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at around 200°F. This will keep them warm without drying them out. Alternatively, you can cover them with a clean kitchen towel to retain heat.

Apple Pancakes

These Apple Pancakes combine fluffy pancakes with the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or special brunch!

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings Pancakes

Calories 370 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Apple Topping:

2 teaspoons of Apple pie spice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ cup butter
2 medium-sized apples peeled, cored, and finely diced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ cup water

For the Pancakes:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup sugar
2 teaspoon apple pie spice
1½ cups whole milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

For the Apple Topping:

Mix 2 teaspoons of apple pie spice and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a small bowl.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter, diced apples, and granulated sugar. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the butter has melted and the sugar is dissolved.
Sprinkle the spice mixture over the apples and add 1/2 cup of water. Cook for about 5 minutes until the apples are tender, stirring occasionally. If you find the sauce too thick, add more water until you reach the consistency you like.
Remove the skillet from heat and let the apple mixture cool. As it cools, the cornstarch will help thicken the filling.

For the Pancakes:

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2 teaspoon apple pie spice.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups whole milk, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps in the batter are fine.
Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
Pour 1/3 cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles start to form on the surface.
Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm while you cook the remaining batter.
Serve the apple topping generously over the warm pancakes and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 7gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 407mgPotassium: 214mgFiber: 3gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 586IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 219mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Brunch, Fall, Fluffy, Fruit, Kid Friendly

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