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    Home / Recipes / Breakfast

    Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Jul 10, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Jump to Recipe
    Apple pancakes with title text overlay.
    Apple pancakes with title text overlay.
    Apple pancakes with title text overlay.
    Apple pancakes with title text overlay.

    Dig into the warm, comforting flavors of apple cinnamon pancakes. These delectable breakfast treats are perfectly fluffy and packed with deliciousness.

    Cinnamon apple pancakes on white plate.

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    The combination of sweet and tart apples with warm and comforting cinnamon creates a truly satisfying flavor profile that is sure to please your taste buds. The fluffy texture of the pancakes perfectly complements the soft and juicy apple chunks, making every bite a delightful experience.

    Not only do these pancakes taste amazing, but they also fill your kitchen with the aroma of apple pie as they cook. The smell of freshly baked apples mixed with the enticing scent of cinnamon is enough to make anyone's mouth water.

    Whether you're enjoying them on a lazy Sunday morning or cooking up a batch for brunch with friends, apple cinnamon pancakes are guaranteed to bring joy to the table during the autumn season. So grab your griddle and get ready to indulge in this delicious treat that captures all the flavors of fall in one delectable dish.

    Reasons to Love

    • A delicious flavor combination. The sweetness of the apples and the warmth of the cinnamon create a perfect balance that is both comforting and satisfying.
    • Healthy and nutritious. Apples are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, while cinnamon has been linked to various health benefits, such as improving blood sugar control and reducing inflammation.
    • Warm and cozy. The aroma of cinnamon apples cooking instantly creates a cozy atmosphere.

    Ingredients

    All you need to make the pancake recipe batter are apples and basic baking ingredients.

    Ingredients for apple cinnamon pancakes.

    You'll need the following items to make these apple pancakes:

    • apples
    • flour
    • light brown sugar
    • ground cinnamon
    • ground nutmeg
    • baking powder
    • heavy cream
    • vanilla
    • egg
    • salt
    • maple syrup
    • vanilla extract
    • oil, for frying

    Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Once you have gathered all your ingredients, it's time to start making these fluffy pancakes with apple topping. Just follow the following step-by-step instructions.

    Dry ingredients combined in shallow bowl.

    Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl: all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, spices, baking powder, and salt.

    Wet ingredients in large measuring cup.

    Beat cream then add egg and continue beating. Add vanilla and water, then continue beating rigorously.

    Wet mixture added to dry ingredients.

    Gently whisk together the wet and dry pancake ingredients.

    Adding grated apple to pancake batter.

    Stir in freshly grated apples; visible lumps are okay. Add additional water if needed.

    Pancake batter in skillet with bubbles on top.

    Preheat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of the batter for each pancake.

    Cooked pancake in skillet.

    Flip the pancakes with a flipping spatula once the sides begin to set. Transfer to a plate when golden brown and fully cooked.

    Apple topping in skillet with wooden spoon.

    Pour water (or unsalted butter), maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the same skillet. Stir to combine. Toss in apples and bring to a gentle simmer until apples are crisp and tender.

    Adding apple topping to a stack of pancakes.

    Top the cinnamon apple pancakes with the hot apple mixture.

    Variations

    Want to customize these pancakes? Here are a few ideas you can try:

    • Chocolate Chip Delight: Adding a handful of chocolate chips to the apple cinnamon pancake batter can take these pancakes to a whole new level. The combination of warm melted chocolate and the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon creates an indulgent treat perfect for breakfast or brunch.
    • Nutty Goodness: Add some crunch and depth to your apple cinnamon pancakes, try incorporating chopped nuts into the batter. Walnuts or pecans work particularly well in this recipe, their earthy flavors perfectly complement the sweetness of the apples.
    • Fruity twist: Add sliced bananas or berries alongside the apples for an extra fruity twist.
    • Add buttermilk: If you prefer buttermilk pancakes, substitute some or all of the cream in your recipe for tangy buttermilk instead.

    You can also try making sheet pan pancakes or a pancake mug cake with the batter.

    Stack of pancakes with apple topping.

    Tips

    Top tip: When it comes to making this apple cinnamon pancakes recipe, the key is to wait for the perfect moment to flip them. Keep a close eye on the bubbles that form on the surface of the pancake. Once these bubbles start to pop and leave small holes behind, it's a sign that it's time to flip. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes of cooking on one side.

    • Ensure an even thickness using a measuring cup or spoon when pouring the batter onto the pan.
    • Cook pancakes until bubbles form on top before flipping them over for optimal texture.
    • Do not press down on the pancakes with your spatula while cooking; this can squeeze out moisture and produce a drier texture.
    • Keep cooked pancakes warm in an oven set at low heat while preparing additional batches.

    Serving suggestions

    These pancakes are perfect for a weekend breakfast at home. If desired, they can be garnished with a dollop of whipped cream or maple syrup drizzle. Add a handful of fresh berries for a pop of color and natural sweetness.

    For contrasting flavors, try serving your light and fluffy cinnamon pancakes with crispy bacon. The salty and savory taste profile of the bacon pairs surprisingly well with the sweet and aromatic flavors of the pancakes. This combination creates an exciting contrast that will satisfy sweet and savory cravings.

    If you serve these at a fall brunch, add another tasty autumn flavor, like pumpkin spice donuts.

    Storage

    It is important to separate the components of this apple pancakes recipe before storing. Allow the pancakes to cool completely. Then, stack them with parchment paper in between each pancake to prevent sticking. Place the stacked pancakes in an airtight container or sealable bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    For the chopped apple topping, transfer it into a separate container. Make sure the apples are fully cooled before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess. Seal the container tightly and refrigerate it separately from the pancakes. The chopped apple topping can typically be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

    When ready to serve, you can reheat the pancakes in a toaster or microwave until warm. Then, warm the chilled apple mixture in a small saucepan or microwave. Top the warm pancakes with topping and enjoy the delicious breakfast treat!

    Cinnamon apple pancakes on two serving plates.

    Related Recipes

    Want to try more delicious breakfast ideas for one or two people? Here are a few of our other recipes.

    • Healthy breakfast cookies are packed with wholesome ingredients.
    • Banana blueberry oatmeal muffins are moist and flavorful.
    • Microwave cinnamon rolls are quick and indulgent.
    • Waffle for one is perfect for a cozy and satisfying morning meal.
    • Air fryer french toast is an effortless golden and crispy treat.

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    Recipe

    Stack of pancakes with apple topping.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

    Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

    5 from 46 votes
    Start your day with apple cinnamon pancakes. Loaded with juicy apple pieces and fragrant cinnamon, this breakfast treat is pure bliss.
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time5 minutes mins
    Resting Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time30 minutes mins
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Vegetarian
    Servings (Adjustable): 2
    Calories: 573kcal
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    Ingredients

    PANCAKES:

    • 1 small Gala apple peeled, cored, and freshly grated
    • ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
    • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder preferably newly opened
    • ½ cup cream I used 30% whipping cream
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla
    • 1 large egg
    • 3 ½ tablespoons water
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • olive oil for frying or unsalted butter

    TOPPING:

    • 2 small Gala apples peeled, cored, and diced
    • 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 7 tablespoons water or unsalted butter)

    Instructions

    • PANCAKE:
    • Mix together all the dry ingredients in a large bowl: all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
    • Using a large measuring cup, rigorously beat cream for 1 to 2 minutes. Add egg and continue beating. Add vanilla and pour half of water then continue beating rigorously.
    • Slowly transfer cream-egg mixture to the flour-cinnamon mixture. Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients.
    • Stir in freshly grated apples. Add the remaining water (from the pancake recipe) if needed. Do not overmix the batter, some visible lumps are fine. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes.
    • Lightly brush heated skillet (pre-heat at 250F or 121C) with oil (or butter) and add 2 tablespoons of the apple-cinnamon pancake batter.
    • Turn down the heat to 140F (60C). Patiently wait for bubbles to appear. Once the sides begin to set, flip the pancake using a flipping spatula. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and continue with the remaining pancake batter.
    • TOPPING:
    • Using the same skillet, turn up the heat to 250F (121C). Pour water (or unsalted butter), maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir.
    • Toss in apples and bring to a gentle simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until apples are crisp and tender. For softer apples, cook for additional 1 to 2 minutes.
    • Top apple-cinnamon toppings over pancakes.

    Notes

    If you love cinnamon, add more cinnamon powder (about ½ teaspoon) to the pancake batter and additional ¼ teaspoon to the apple-cinnamon topping.
    Aside from Gala apples, you can use your favorite apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith.
    For the apple-cinnamon topping, skip or lessen the water if you prefer a buttery version. Instead, use 2 to 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
    Use newly opened baking powder or one that’s still recently opened. Old opened baking powder loses it’s effectiveness.
    Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. This would allow for the baking powder to work its magic.
    Baking powder and cream made the pancake batter light and fluffy without the need for baking soda or whipping egg whites separately.
    There are two ways to add the freshly grated apples in the pancake batter. To provide a bit of crunch, use a large grater. If you prefer a smoother batter, use a fine grater.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 573kcal | Carbohydrates: 86g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 743mg | Potassium: 397mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 999IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 327mg | Iron: 3mg

    Equipment

    Skillet

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 46 votes (40 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Michelle

      July 21, 2023 at 9:12 am

      5 stars
      These apple pancakes were delish -- I doubled the recipe since I had two apples left to use, and used butter instead of olive oil to fry them up. Will make again!

      Reply
    2. Allie

      July 21, 2023 at 1:15 pm

      5 stars
      My husband and I made these for brunch last weekend and..oh my gosh..they were to die for. I love the cinnamon-y apple flavor and will definitely be making these again!

      Reply
    3. Jane

      July 21, 2023 at 5:44 pm

      5 stars
      These pancakes are so fluffy! I made them for breakfast, and my husband said they were the best pancakes he’s ever had.

      Reply
    4. Julianne

      July 21, 2023 at 6:21 pm

      5 stars
      These were delicious! I really love the combination of apples and cinnamon together. This is perfect to serve at brunch!

      Reply
    5. Sarah

      July 22, 2023 at 11:28 am

      5 stars
      these were divine. made for breakfast this am and OMG, that topping! these have earned a permanent spot in my weekend rotation!

      Reply
    6. Maria Rosa

      September 15, 2024 at 9:32 pm

      5 stars
      Made these and they turned out pretty well. I think next time I will dice the apples instead of shredding them. Will also lessen the liquid as they tend to be a bit runny.

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        September 16, 2024 at 5:58 am

        Dicing the apples is better, especially since they will release less water cut in cubes versus shreds.

        Reply

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