Apple Pancakes Recipe

by Lori Yates August 29, 2024 0 comments

Apple Pancakes are tender and fluffy, spiced with cinnamon and ginger, and studded with grated apple. Big slices of juicy sautéed apple is the irresistible finishing touch.

A stack of three apple pancakes topped with sauteed apples and maple syrup on a textured white plate.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Michigan Apple Commitee. All opinions are 100% my own.

This is the Best Apple Pancake Recipe

If you have a favorite dish, I’ve probably found a way to incorporate apples into it. I’m from Michigan, after all! We’re the nation’s second-largest producer of apples.

What do you want from me? To NOT go the apple orchard in the fall, buy WAY too many apples for a family of 3, and then not spend the next month putting them in anything and everything? At this point, it’s an annual tradition.

My apple mac and cheese and apple cider coleslaw recipe are truly just the tip of the iceberg. I’ve even put apples in chili for a tailgate and I stand by that decision.

Michigan Apples have a way of turning even a classic comfort food dish into something special and irresistible, and these apple pancakes are the epitome of a cozy fall morning.

Tender, fluffy buttermilk pancakes are spiced with cinnamon and ginger and studded with lots of grated apple for a nice thick pancake that is truly something satisfying. Then, big slices of warm, juicy sautéed apples are the perfect finishing touch.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

These pancakes offer all the classic comfort of traditional pancakes, but with an elevated flavor profile and the added gourmet appeal of an apple topping.
They store and reheat well, so you can use them for meal prep by making a big batch and reheating throughout the week.
All the apple goodness adds lots of vitamins and fiber compared to regular pancakes.

Ingrediens on a wooden surface, including red apples, flour, brown sugar, butter, buttermilk, spices, oil and an egg.

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes Ingredients

flour – no fancy flour needed here, regular all-purpose flour is the backbone of this apple pancakes recipe.
apples – Michigan Gala apples will infuse the pancakes with natural sweetness, moisture, and big apple flavor. We’ll also be using this variety to make the apple topping.
light brown sugar – to sweeten both the pancakes and the apple topping for pancakes.
baking powder – one part of the leavening agents for this apple pancake recipe.
baking soda – the other leavening agent!
cinnamon – adds warm spice to both the pancakes and the topping.
ginger – another fall spice that enhances the flavor the apples and cinnamon.
salt – just a pinch to balance the sweetness of the pancakes.
egg – binds the pancake batter together and provides structure.
buttermilk – creates light and fluffy pancakes with a slightly tangy flavor.
vegetable oil – add moisture and gives the pancakes a tender crumb.
vanilla – enhances the overall flavor of the pancake batter.

How to Make Apple Pancakes

Before and after photos showing dry baking ingredients being whisked together in a rustic bowl.

1. DRY INGREDIENTS. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt until combined.

Before and after photos showing wet baking ingredients being whisked together in a rustic bowl.

2. WET INGREDIENTS. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg, and then whisk in the buttermilk, oil and vanilla.

Before and after photos showing a beige batter and shredded fruit being whisked together in a rustic bowl.

3. COMBINE. Add the wet ingredients and the grated apple to the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined.

An apple pancake recipe being cooked on a black griddle.

4. GRIDDLE. Transfer the batter by heaping 1/4-cupfuls to a griddle or skillet prepped with nonstick cooking spray and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked all the way through.

How to Make Apple Topping for Pancakes

Before and after photos showing apple topping for pancakes being cooked in a small pot.

1. COOK. Melt the butter in a medium pot, then add the apples, water, brown sugar and cinnamon. Cover and cook 4 minutes, then remove the lid and cook until the apples are softened and the liquid is reduced to a thicky, glazy sauce.

Apple Pancake Home Chef Tips

Use the freshest Michigan apples you can find for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing will lead to tougher pancakes. Use a spatula to combine the wet and dry ingredients until they are only JUST combined. The batter will be lumpy and this is totally OK.
If your griddle or nonstick pan can’t hold 8 pancakes at one time, use your oven set at 200 degrees F to keep the finished griddled pancakes warm while you finish cooking the rest.

A white scalloped platter topped with apple cinnamon pancakes, sauteed apples, whipped cream and maple syrup.

How to Serve this Apple Pancake Recipe

These apple cinnamon pancakes are perfect simply topped with the apple topping, but you can also add a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream (or both).

For an extra indulgent breakfast, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a handful of toasted nuts (I especially like walnuts and pecans here). You can even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream; I won’t tell anyone.