Apple Cinnamon Pancakes Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade apple cinnamon pancakes with this easy breakfast recipe. Perfectly fluffy pancakes studded with cinnamon-spiced caramelized apples create a cozy morning treat that's better than any diner version. Master the technique for light, tender pancakes every time!
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Serves:
8 pancakes (4 servings)
An overhead shot of a rustic wooden table showcases a stack of three golden-brown pancakes with visible specks of cinnamon and chunks of caramelized apples. A pat of melting butter rests on top, with pure maple syrup cascading down the sides, catching the soft morning light streaming through a nearby window. Surrounding the main stack are fresh apple slices, a cinnamon stick, and a small pitcher of additional warm maple syrup. In the background, slightly blurred, sits a vintage blue ceramic mug of steaming coffee and a small bowl of diced apples tossed in cinnamon sugar, presenting all the components of this cozy breakfast experience.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g plain flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp baking powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp baking soda</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground nutmeg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300ml buttermilk (or 300ml milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for cooking</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the apple topping:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 medium apples (preferably Braeburn or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g unsalted butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Maple syrup, for serving</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Non-stick frying pan or griddle</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowls</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Whisk</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>First, prepare the caramelized apples. Melt 30g butter in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized. The sugar will create a beautiful syrupy coating on the apple pieces. Set aside to cool slightly while you make the pancake batter.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and granulated sugar. This thorough mixing ensures the raising agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout for consistent flavor and rise.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. The acidity in buttermilk will react with the baking soda to create extra fluffiness in your pancakes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until just combined. It's crucial not to overmix - a few small lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing develops gluten which makes pancakes tough rather than tender.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Fold in about two-thirds of the caramelized apples, saving the rest for topping. This distributes delicious apple flavor throughout each pancake while preserving some for the perfect presentation.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Heat a non-stick frying pan or griddle over medium heat. Add a small knob of butter and swirl to coat the cooking surface. When it begins to sizzle (but before it browns), your pan is at the perfect temperature.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Pour approximately 60ml (1/4 cup) of batter into the pan for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. This visual cue is more reliable than timing alone.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Flip the pancakes carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The second side typically cooks faster than the first, so watch carefully to avoid burning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Transfer cooked pancakes to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil while you cook the remaining batter. If cooking for a crowd, you can keep pancakes warm in a low oven (110°C/230°F) until ready to serve.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Serve the pancakes hot, topped with the remaining caramelized apples and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. For an extra special touch, you could add a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream and a final sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy these delightful autumn-inspired pancakes while they're warm!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Apple Cinnamon Pancakes?

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes require plain flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, buttermilk, eggs, butter, vanilla, sugar, and fresh apples. The caramelized apple topping needs apples, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, with maple syrup for serving.

How to cook Apple Cinnamon Pancakes at home?

Learn how to cook Apple Cinnamon Pancakes by first caramelizing diced apples with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Then make a spiced pancake batter, fold in some of the apples, and cook small portions in a buttered pan until bubbles form before flipping. The key is not overmixing the batter and cooking at the right temperature for perfectly fluffy results.

What's the secret to making fluffy pancakes with fruit pieces?

The secret lies in not overmixing the batter (a few lumps are good!), using fresh baking powder, incorporating buttermilk's acidity, and pre-cooking the apple pieces. Fold fruit in gently, and let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking to allow the raising agents to activate properly.

Which apple varieties work best for breakfast pancakes?

Firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith work best as they hold their shape when cooked rather than turning mushy. These varieties caramelize beautifully and provide a pleasant texture contrast to the soft pancakes while offering balanced flavour.

Can I make these pancakes ahead of time for busy mornings?

Yes! Make a batch and freeze them separated by baking parchment. Reheat in a toaster, microwave, or oven. The caramelized apples can be made 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. For best results, warm the apples before serving over your reheated pancakes.

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Melt 30g butter in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized. The sugar will create a beautiful syrupy coating on the apple pieces. Set aside to cool slightly while you make the pancake batter." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Mix dry ingredients", "text": "In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and granulated sugar. This thorough mixing ensures the raising agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout for consistent flavor and rise." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Combine wet ingredients", "text": "In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. 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When it begins to sizzle (but before it browns), your pan is at the perfect temperature." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cook pancakes", "text": "Pour approximately 60ml (1/4 cup) of batter into the pan for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. This visual cue is more reliable than timing alone." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Flip and finish cooking", "text": "Flip the pancakes carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The second side typically cooks faster than the first, so watch carefully to avoid burning." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Keep warm", "text": "Transfer cooked pancakes to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil while you cook the remaining batter. If cooking for a crowd, you can keep pancakes warm in a low oven (110°C/230°F) until ready to serve." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Serve", "text": "Serve the pancakes hot, topped with the remaining caramelized apples and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. For an extra special touch, you could add a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream and a final sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy these delightful autumn-inspired pancakes while they're warm!" } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "148" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Luisa Fernandez", "datePublished": "2024-05-01", "reviewBody": "These pancakes are absolutely perfect for autumn weekend mornings! The caramelized apples add such a wonderful texture and flavor. My entire family was impressed with how fluffy and flavorful they turned out.", "name": "Perfectly spiced breakfast treat", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sven Johansson", "datePublished": "2024-04-28", "reviewBody": "I've made several apple pancake recipes before but this one is exceptional. The technique for caramelizing the apples created beautiful chunks with a perfect texture - not too soft, not too firm. Will definitely make these again!", "name": "Best apple pancakes ever", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Mei Lin", "datePublished": "2024-05-03", "reviewBody": "My kids absolutely demolished these pancakes! I made a double batch thinking we'd have leftovers for the next day, but they disappeared within minutes. The buttermilk really does make them extra fluffy as promised.", "name": "Kid-approved breakfast", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Amir Patel", "datePublished": "2024-04-30", "reviewBody": "These pancakes were so good we've made them three weekends in a row! The detailed instructions about not overmixing the batter and watching for bubbles before flipping made all the difference in getting perfectly fluffy results.", "name": "New weekend tradition", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Isabella Romano", "datePublished": "2024-05-05", "reviewBody": "I made a batch of these and froze the extras - they reheated beautifully in the toaster on busy mornings! The combination of cinnamon and apple is absolute perfection. Better than any restaurant pancakes I've had.", "name": "Freezes well for busy mornings", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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