Name: Apple Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 cup grated or very finely diced apple (about 1 medium apple); 1 ¼ cups milk (plus 2-3 tablespoons extra, if needed); 1 large egg (beaten); 3 tablespoons butter (melted); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Maple syrup; Butter; Powdered sugar; Whipped cream; Applesauce; Yogurt; Peanut butter; Chopped pecans or walnuts; Chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, banana chunks, macadamia nuts, blueberries (as alternate mix-ins)

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy breakfast that feels like a warm hug, then this Apple Pancakes Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These fluffy, tender pancakes studded with juicy apple pieces bring a perfect balance of sweet and spice that will brighten your morning and fill your home with the most delightful aromas. Whether you’re serving them for a family brunch or a special treat, this Apple Pancakes Recipe turns a simple meal into a comforting celebration that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A brown bowl filled with a thick light beige batter that has small, uneven lumps throughout, with a metal whisk with a light wooden handle resting inside. The bowl is placed on a white marbled textured surface. Next to the bowl, there are two red and yellow apples, one whole and one sliced. A light grey towel with white stripes is casually draped at the top edge of the scene. The number 4 in bold black font is inside a white circle near the top left corner of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Apple Pancakes Recipe lies in its simplicity—the essential ingredients come together to create that signature fluffy texture, pleasant sweetness, and gentle spice that make these pancakes unforgettable. Each component has a purpose, from the flour providing the base, to the apples giving a fresh bite and natural sweetness.

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Acts as the sturdy foundation for your fluffy pancakes, ensuring they hold together perfectly.
3 ½ teaspoons baking powder: This leavens the batter, creating lightness and fluffiness with every bite.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the sweet and spicy flavors.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm, inviting spice notes that pair beautifully with apple.
¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Gives a subtle depth and aroma to the flavor profile.
1 cup grated or very finely diced apple: The star ingredient, fresh apples add moisture, sweetness, and bursts of texture.
1 ¼ cups milk: Provides the perfect consistency to the batter, making it smooth and easy to pour.
1 large egg (beaten): Binds everything together while contributing richness.
3 tablespoons butter (melted): Infuses flavor and keeps the pancakes tender on the inside.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the taste with a sweet, fragrant hint.

How to Make Apple Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. This ensures all the dry flavors are well distributed and ready to embrace the wet ingredients in the next steps.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Apples

Make a well in the center of your dry mix, then gently stir in the grated apple, milk, beaten egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine everything until just mixed—some small lumps in the batter are perfect and help keep your pancakes tender. Let your batter take a little breather for 5 to 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and the baking powder get to work.

Step 3: Heat the Pan and Cook

Warm a lightly greased skillet or griddle over medium to medium-high heat. Scoop out portions of about ¼ cup batter onto the hot surface. You may want to nudge the batter slightly to spread it, since it’s a bit thicker from the apple. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, roughly 2 to 3 minutes, then flip and cook the other side until golden and cooked through for another 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once cooked, serve your apple pancakes warm with your favorite toppings—this is where the fun really begins!

How to Serve Apple Pancakes Recipe

A tall stack of five thick, golden-brown pancakes sits in the center of a white plate with a speckled pattern. On top of the pancakes is a layer of cooked apple chunks mixed with pecan halves, giving a warm orange and brown color contrast. Above this is a dollop of white cream topped with small bits of pecans. Around the plate are scattered pieces of apple and pecan for decoration. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a blurred background featuring a clear glass bottle filled with milk, a white cup, and some stacked white plates. A silver fork rests on the plate next to the pancakes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple touches like a pat of melting butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar make these apple pancakes sing. For a creamy contrast, try whipped cream or a dollop of tangy yogurt. For texture and flavor bites, scatter chopped pecans or walnuts over the top.

Side Dishes

Complement your Apple Pancakes Recipe with fresh fruit salad for a refreshing crunch or a side of crispy bacon for a savory balance. A small bowl of applesauce on the side also pairs beautifully if you want to lean into the apple theme.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, stack your apple pancakes with layers of peanut butter and honey or swirl in chocolate chips for extra decadence. Try rolling them up with cream cheese and sliced apples inside for a pancake roll-up that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious to serve.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any apple pancakes left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh without drying out so you can enjoy a quick breakfast or snack later.

Freezing

Apple pancakes freeze brilliantly. Lay them flat on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents sticking and lets you pull out as many as you need at a time. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To bring your frozen or refrigerated apple pancakes back to life, pop them in the toaster or microwave until warmed through. For better texture, reheating in a skillet with a light spray of butter gives them a crisp edge and soft inside, just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully, as they hold their texture and add varying sweetness and tartness to your pancakes.

What can I substitute for milk if I am lactose intolerant?

You can substitute any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk without affecting the recipe too much. Just use the same amount and enjoy your apple pancakes with a dairy-free twist.

Can I make these pancakes vegan?

To make this Apple Pancakes Recipe vegan, swap the egg with a flax egg or mashed banana, use a plant-based milk, and replace butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil. The texture will still be delightful!

Is it necessary to let the batter rest before cooking?

Yes, letting the batter rest for 5 to 10 minutes helps the baking powder activate fully and gives the flour a little time to hydrate, resulting in fluffier pancakes with better texture.

How do I prevent the pancakes from sticking to the pan?

Make sure your skillet or griddle is adequately greased with butter or oil and well-heated before adding the batter. Cooking at medium heat helps prevent sticking while cooking the pancakes evenly.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the comforting feel of homemade apple pancakes, and this Apple Pancakes Recipe has become such a treasure in my breakfast rotation. It’s straightforward, scrumptiously flavorful, and flexible enough to suit any mood or pantry. I can’t wait for you to try this for yourself and share the joy of this warm, cozy dish with the people you love.