Apple Cinnamon Pancakes: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, look no further than Apple Cinnamon Pancakes: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe. These pancakes are a delightful blend of fluffy batter, sweet apples, and fragrant cinnamon, all coming together to create a breakfast experience that’s both comforting and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe promises a stack of golden, tender pancakes that’ll fill your kitchen with the cozy scent of autumn and have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these pancakes starts with simple, everyday ingredients that each add something special: structure, moisture, warmth, or sweetness. Every component plays a vital role, from the flour that gives body to the batter to the cinnamon that fills the air with that signature comforting aroma.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of your pancake batter, giving it that perfect fluffiness and thickness.
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Essential for making your pancakes rise and become wonderfully light and airy.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, spicy note that defines this recipe.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty depth that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to bring everything together without overpowering.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the batter and adds richness.
- 1 ¼ cups milk: Provides moisture, creating a smooth, pourable batter.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and keeps pancakes tender; also used for greasing the pan.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor with a fragrant, sweet hint.
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced: The star ingredient that gives these pancakes their fresh, juicy bursts of flavor.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Pancakes: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. This not only blends your seasoning uniformly but also ensures your pancakes have that perfect rise and balanced flavor with every bite.
Step 2: Whisk in Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. The melted butter adds richness, while the vanilla infuses sweetness and aroma that complement the apples and cinnamon.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, gently folding until just combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing; a few lumps in the batter ensure your pancakes stay tender and fluffy instead of tough.
Step 4: Fold in the Apples
Carefully fold the diced apples into the batter until they’re evenly spread out. These juicy apple chunks will give your pancakes delightful little bursts of fruitiness with each bite.
Step 5: Rest the Batter (Optional)
Let the batter sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This simple step gives the baking powder time to activate fully, resulting in even fluffier pancakes loaded with apple goodness.
Step 6: Prepare the Cooking Surface
Heat a lightly greased griddle or large frying pan over medium heat. A well-heated surface is important for that perfect golden crust on your pancakes.
Step 7: Pour the Batter
Use a ¼ cup measuring cup to pour the batter onto the hot griddle, leaving enough space between pancakes to flip them easily. This helps each pancake cook evenly and maintain its perfect shape.
Step 8: Cook the First Side
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set but not dry. This signals it’s time for the flip to keep your pancakes from sticking and start developing that lovely golden color.
Step 9: Flip and Cook the Second Side
Flip carefully and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the bottoms turn a beautiful golden brown. This step locks in flavor and ensures the apples soften gently inside the batter without burning.
Step 10: Keep Warm
If making a big batch, keep finished pancakes warm in a preheated oven at 200°F (about 93°C) until you’re ready to serve. This keeps them tender and warm without drying out or overcooking.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Pancakes: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the flavor, top your pancakes with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans adds a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft apples inside.
Side Dishes
Serve these pancakes alongside crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory contrast. Fresh fruit, like sliced bananas or berries, brightens the plate and introduces refreshing notes, balancing the warm cinnamon nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the pancakes high with apple slices layered between each pancake for a stunning breakfast tower. You can also turn this recipe into fun apple cinnamon pancake muffins by spooning the batter into a muffin tin – perfect for grab-and-go mornings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pancakes tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They retain their flavor well and are perfect for quick reheats.
Freezing
To freeze, separate the pancakes with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent sticking. Frozen pancakes will keep for up to 2 months and are a lifesaver when busy mornings roll around.
Reheating
Reheat pancakes in a toaster, oven, or microwave. The toaster crisps them up nicely, while the oven ensures even warming. If microwaving, cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Varieties like Granny Smith add a tart tang, while Fuji or Honeycrisp offer sweeter, juicier bites. Choose based on your taste preference for the perfect balance.
What if I don’t have nutmeg on hand?
No worries! Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth, but if you skip it, the cinnamon will still give your pancakes plenty of flavor. You can also try a pinch of allspice or cloves as alternatives.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the milk for any plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a delicious dairy-free version.
How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Look for bubbles forming and popping on the surface, and make sure the edges look set and slightly dry. This is your cue that the first side is cooked and ready for flipping.
Can I prepare the batter the night before?
While you can mix the batter ahead, it’s best to add the apples just before cooking to keep their texture fresh. Resting the batter overnight may also cause the pancakes to be denser.
Final Thoughts
Once you try your first bite of Apple Cinnamon Pancakes: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite. The cozy flavors, tender texture, and those sweet apple pieces make it a breakfast treat worth waking up for. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a morning feast that truly feels like love on a plate!
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Apple Cinnamon Pancakes: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Pancakes combine the sweetness of fresh apples with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices for a comforting and delicious breakfast. Fluffy and moist, these pancakes offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them an ideal way to start your day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sugar until well blended.
- Whisk in Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine to keep the pancakes light and fluffy.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout without breaking them down.
- Rest (Optional): Let the batter rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the baking powder to activate, resulting in lighter pancakes.
- Prepare Cooking Surface: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or large frying pan over medium heat to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Pour Batter: Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake, spacing them to avoid merging as they cook.
- Cook First Side: Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, signaling readiness to flip.
- Flip and Cook Second Side: Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and cooked through.
- Keep Warm (Optional): Place cooked pancakes in a preheated oven at 200°F to keep them warm while you finish cooking the batch.
Notes
- Peeling and dicing the apple finely ensures even distribution in each pancake bite.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain fluffiness and tender texture.
- Using a non-stick griddle or pan helps prevent sticking and allows for easy flipping.
- Optionally, add a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar when serving.
- These pancakes can be frozen; layer with parchment paper between each pancake and store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: apple cinnamon pancakes, breakfast recipe, easy pancakes, homemade pancakes, cinnamon apple recipe
