Apple Fritter Pancakes Recipe

Golden-brown pancakes studded with cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a sweet maple glaze offer the comforting flavors of a classic apple fritter in breakfast form.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Serves:
12 pancakes (4 servings)
An overhead shot of a rustic wooden table showcasing a stack of three golden-brown pancakes, their edges slightly crisp and centers revealing tender apple chunks. A pat of melting butter sits atop the stack while maple glaze cascades down the sides, pooling elegantly on the plate below. Close-up details capture the caramelized apple pieces and cinnamon swirls throughout each pancake. Scattered around the plate are fresh apple slices, a small bowl of cinnamon sugar, and a vintage syrup pitcher. Soft morning light streams in from a nearby window, highlighting the steam rising from the freshly-cooked pancakes and creating a warm, inviting breakfast scene.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">200g all-purpose 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">1 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">240ml buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 medium apples, peeled and diced (about 250g)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp brown sugar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp ground cinnamon</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp butter, for apple sautéing</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Extra butter for cooking pancakes</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For the glaze: 120g powdered sugar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp maple syrup</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1-2 tbsp milk</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> <li class="equipment-single-item">Ladle or 1/4 cup measuring cup</li> </ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Begin by preparing your spiced apples. In a medium frying pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the peeled and diced apples, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the apples are slightly softened but still have some bite (overcooking will make them too mushy in your pancakes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and granulated sugar. These dry ingredients need to be well mixed to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed for perfectly fluffy pancakes. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The acid in the buttermilk will react with the baking soda to create bubbles, giving your pancakes a beautiful rise. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. It's crucial not to overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing develops gluten, which will make your pancakes tough rather than tender. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Carefully fold in about three-quarters of the sautéed apples, saving some for topping. The folding motion helps maintain the air bubbles in your batter, ensuring light, fluffy pancakes. </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 let it melt, coating the cooking surface. The butter adds flavor while preventing sticking, and will help create those beautiful golden-brown edges. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> For each pancake, pour about 60ml (1/4 cup) of batter onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. This visual cue is more reliable than timing – look for those bubbles! </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 on both sides and cooked through. If your pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. The perfect pancake should be golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Transfer cooked pancakes to a warm plate or keep them in a low oven (about 100°C) while you cook the remaining batter. This ensures everyone gets to enjoy hot pancakes at the same time! </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> While cooking the last batch of pancakes, prepare the maple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and enough milk to create a pourable consistency. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still flow smoothly – add milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach the perfect consistency. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4> To serve, stack the pancakes on plates, top with the reserved sautéed apples, and drizzle generously with the maple glaze. The warm pancakes will slightly melt the glaze, creating that signature apple fritter experience. Enjoy immediately while warm! </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 315 calories
🥑 Fat: 9 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 5 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 53 g
🍭 Sugar: 28 g
🍗 Protein: 6 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 95 mg
🧂 Sodium: 220 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I prepare the apple mixture for these pancakes in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the spiced apple mixture a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This can save time during breakfast preparation, though you may want to bring the apples to room temperature or briefly reheat before folding into the batter.

What's the best type of apple to use in breakfast pancakes?

Firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Braeburn work best in pancakes as they hold their shape when cooked and offer balanced flavour. Granny Smith provides more tartness, while Gala or Fuji deliver extra sweetness. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh that break down too easily.

How can I make these pancakes dairy-free while maintaining their fluffy texture?

Replace buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Substitute butter with melted coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil. For the glaze, use almond or oat milk and ensure your powdered sugar is dairy-free. The leavening agents will still create fluffy results.

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