Nothing beats the comforting aroma of apple cinnamon pancakes sizzling on the griddle on a crisp morning. We’ve perfected this irresistible breakfast recipe that combines tender chunks of fresh apples with warm cinnamon spice in every fluffy bite. These aren’t your ordinary pancakes – they’re a celebration of autumn flavors that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven.
Our apple cinnamon pancakes deliver the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with juicy apple pieces that burst with flavor in every forkful. The secret lies in our technique of cooking the apples just right so they maintain their texture while infusing the batter with natural sweetness.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or treating your family to something special, these pancakes guarantee smiles all around. We’ll show you exactly how to create these restaurant-quality pancakes at home with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients
We’ve organized these ingredients into three simple categories to make your shopping and preparation effortless. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of fluffy pancakes and aromatic apple cinnamon goodness.
For the Pancakes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter for cooking
For the Apple Cinnamon Topping
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Optional Toppings
- Pure maple syrup
- Whipped cream or whipped butter
- Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Additional ground cinnamon
- Vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat
Equipment Needed
Creating perfect apple cinnamon pancakes requires the right tools to ensure smooth preparation and even cooking. We’ve organized our equipment list into essential categories that will streamline your cooking process.
Cooking Equipment
Griddle or Large Nonstick Skillet serves as our primary cooking surface for achieving evenly golden pancakes. A griddle provides ample space for cooking multiple pancakes simultaneously while maintaining consistent heat distribution.
Medium Saucepan becomes essential for preparing our apple cinnamon topping. This allows us to properly caramelize the apple pieces and create that perfect glossy sauce consistency.
Preparation Tools
Large Bowl accommodates our dry ingredient mixing without creating flour clouds on your countertop. We recommend using a bowl with at least 3-quart capacity for comfortable whisking.
Whisk ensures proper incorporation of ingredients while preventing lumps in our batter. A balloon whisk works best for creating that smooth pancake texture we’re aiming for.
Measuring Cups or Kitchen Scale guarantees accuracy in our ingredient ratios. Digital scales provide the most precise measurements for consistent results every time.
Box Grater transforms fresh apples into perfectly sized pieces for both our batter and topping. The medium holes create ideal apple chunks that distribute evenly throughout each pancake.
Additional Useful Tools
| Tool | Purpose | Why We Recommend It |
|---|---|---|
| Ladle or 1/4 Cup Measure | Portion control | Creates uniform pancake sizes |
| Spatula | Flipping pancakes | Wide surface prevents breaking |
| Small Whisk | Sauce preparation | Perfect for apple topping mixing |
Ladle or 1/4 Cup Measuring Cup helps us create consistently sized pancakes that cook evenly. This tool eliminates guesswork and ensures professional looking results.
Wide Spatula provides the support needed for flipping delicate pancakes without breaking them. We prefer spatulas with thin edges that slide easily under each pancake.
Having these tools ready before we start cooking ensures a smooth preparation process and helps us achieve those restaurant quality apple cinnamon pancakes every time.
Instructions
Now that we have all our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s walk through each step to create these delicious apple cinnamon pancakes. We’ll start by preparing our apples and then move through making the batter, cooking the pancakes, and creating the warm topping.
Prep the Apples
We begin by peeling, coring, and dicing our 2 medium apples into small pieces. Keep the apple pieces uniform in size to ensure even cooking later. Sprinkling the diced apples with lemon juice prevents browning, though this step remains optional depending on your preference and timing.
Make the Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, we whisk together all our dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon. Create a well in the center of these dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, we combine our wet ingredients by whisking together milk, egg, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter should remain slightly lumpy as overmixing leads to tough pancakes. Resist the urge to stir until completely smooth.
Cook the Pancakes
We heat our griddle or large nonstick skillet to medium-high heat, approximately 275°F. Lightly grease the cooking surface with butter or cooking spray. Using a ladle or measuring cup, we pour approximately ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the hot surface.
Cook each pancake until bubbles form across the surface and the edges appear dry, about 2 minutes. Flip carefully using our wide spatula and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. Transfer finished pancakes to a plate and keep warm in a low oven while preparing the remaining batches.
Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Topping
In our medium saucepan, we melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon to the melted butter. Stir the mixture occasionally and cook until the apples become tender, approximately 3 to 15 minutes depending on your desired softness level.
For extra flavor, we can stir in maple syrup at the end of cooking. Serve this warm apple cinnamon topping immediately over our freshly cooked pancakes for the best taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
We recommend serving these apple cinnamon pancakes with our signature warm apple cinnamon topping for the most authentic experience. The sautéed apple mixture creates a perfect complement to the fluffy pancakes while adding extra texture and concentrated flavor.
Classic Apple Cinnamon Topping
Our warm apple topping transforms these pancakes into a restaurant-quality breakfast. We prepare this mixture by sautéing diced apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup until the apples become tender and the sauce thickens slightly. The combination creates a luscious coating that soaks into the pancakes while maintaining distinct apple pieces for delightful texture contrast.
Additional Sweet Enhancements
We suggest drizzling extra maple syrup or honey over the pancakes for those who prefer additional sweetness. Whipped cream adds a luxurious touch that balances the warm spices beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar provides an elegant finishing touch that enhances the visual appeal of your breakfast presentation.
Perfect Beverage Pairings
We find that apple cinnamon pancakes pair exceptionally well with hot beverages for a cozy breakfast experience. Coffee complements the cinnamon spices while tea offers a gentler accompaniment that allows the apple flavors to shine through.
Storage and Reheating Options
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated pancakes | 2-3 days | Microwave or skillet heating |
| Frozen pancakes | 2-3 months | Thaw then reheat in skillet |
| Refrigerated apple topping | 2-3 days | Reheat in saucepan over low heat |
| Frozen apple topping | 2-3 months | Thaw overnight then reheat gently |
We store leftover pancakes and apple topping in separate airtight containers to maintain their individual textures. The apple topping reheats best in a saucepan over low heat while pancakes can be quickly warmed in the microwave or returned to a hot skillet for a few seconds per side.
Storage and Reheating Tips
We can ensure our delicious apple cinnamon pancakes stay fresh and flavorful with proper storage techniques. Allow the pancakes to cool completely before transferring them to storage containers to prevent condensation buildup.
Short-Term Storage
Refrigerator storage works perfectly for enjoying pancakes within the next few days. Place cooled pancakes in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-7 days. We recommend adding parchment paper between each pancake when stacking to prevent them from sticking together.
| Storage Method | Duration | Container Type |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 4-7 days | Airtight container or resealable bag |
| Freezer | 2-3 months | Freezer-safe bag with parchment paper |
Store the cooked apple cinnamon topping alongside the pancakes or in a separate container. Both components reheat well together without compromising texture or flavor.
Long-Term Storage
Freezing extends the life of our pancakes significantly for future breakfast treats. Place pancakes in freezer-safe bags with parchment or wax paper separating each pancake. Properly stored frozen pancakes maintain their quality for 2-3 months.
Reheating Methods
Our pancakes regain their original texture and warmth through several effective reheating methods. Use a toaster or toaster oven to restore crispiness and achieve even heating throughout. Microwaving offers the quickest option for busy mornings and heats pancakes thoroughly.
Frozen pancakes reheat directly from the freezer without thawing first. Microwave or toaster oven methods work best for frozen pancakes though they require slightly longer heating times. Cover frozen pancakes during reheating to prevent them from drying out.
Food Safety Guidelines
Never leave pancakes at room temperature for more than two hours to maintain food safety standards. Thaw frozen pancakes in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for 2-3 hours when planning ahead. These storage methods preserve both taste and texture for later enjoyment.
Recipe Variations
We understand that dietary preferences and restrictions vary among our readers. These adaptations ensure everyone can enjoy delicious apple cinnamon pancakes regardless of their exact needs.
Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Our gluten-free version delivers the same fluffy texture and sweet cinnamon flavor without compromising taste. We recommend using a high-quality gluten-free flour mix that contains xanthan gum for optimal binding properties. The key lies in adjusting the liquid content slightly since gluten-free flours absorb moisture differently than traditional wheat flour.
Modified Ingredients:
- 1½ cups gluten-free flour mix (containing xanthan gum)
- ¼ cup almond flour for added richness
- Extra 2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
- All other ingredients remain the same
We suggest letting the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking to allow the flour to fully hydrate. This technique produces pancakes with a texture nearly identical to the original recipe.
Whole Wheat Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Substituting whole wheat flour creates a heartier pancake with a delightful nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with our apple cinnamon topping. We find that the robust taste of whole wheat enhances the warm spices while adding nutritional value to your breakfast.
Modified Ingredients:
- 1½ cups whole wheat flour (replacing all-purpose flour)
- Additional 1 tablespoon sugar to balance the earthy flavor
- All other ingredients remain unchanged
The whole wheat version requires gentle mixing to prevent tough pancakes. We recommend adding an extra splash of milk if the batter appears too thick since whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid than refined flour.
Vegan Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Our plant-based adaptation maintains the beloved flavors while accommodating vegan dietary preferences. We achieve excellent results by replacing dairy and eggs with carefully selected plant-based alternatives that preserve the pancakes’ fluffy texture.
Modified Ingredients:
- 1½ cups plant-based milk (oat or almond work best)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (as egg substitute)
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter
- All other dry ingredients remain the same
We recommend preparing the flax egg mixture 10 minutes before making the batter to allow proper thickening. Plant-based milk creates surprisingly tender pancakes when combined with the acidic reaction from baking powder.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We can save valuable time during busy mornings by preparing our apple cinnamon pancakes ahead of time. This approach allows us to enjoy fresh, warm pancakes without the morning rush while maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.
Preparing the Pancakes
First, we prepare our pancake batter by combining all dry and wet ingredients according to our recipe. The grated or diced apples get mixed in with the cinnamon and other spices as directed. We cook the pancakes on our griddle or skillet over medium heat until they achieve a golden color and cook through completely.
After cooking, we allow the pancakes to cool completely to room temperature. This cooling step prevents condensation from forming during storage, which would make our pancakes soggy and unappetizing.
Storage Methods
We place the cooled pancakes in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper separating each layer. This prevents the pancakes from sticking together while maintaining their individual texture. Our refrigerated pancakes stay fresh for up to three days, while frozen pancakes maintain their quality for up to three months.
Apple Topping Storage
The apple cinnamon topping requires separate storage for optimal results. We cook our apples with cinnamon, butter, and maple syrup until they reach the perfect tender consistency. Once cooled, we store the topping in its own airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, we freeze the apple topping using the same three-month guideline.
| Storage Method | Pancakes | Apple Topping |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 3 days | 2-3 days |
| Frozen | 3 months | 3 months |
Reheating Instructions
We reheat our stored pancakes using several effective methods. The microwave works quickly by heating pancakes on a microwave-safe plate in 15 to 30 second intervals until warm. Our apple topping reheats in a microwave-safe bowl with occasional stirring to ensure even heating.
For oven reheating, we place pancakes in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, we warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through. The apple topping reheats perfectly in a saucepan on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
These storage and reheating methods ensure our apple cinnamon pancakes and toppings remain flavorful and convenient for quick breakfast preparation throughout the week.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Mastering apple cinnamon pancakes requires attention to key details that transform good pancakes into exceptional ones. We’ve discovered that following these professional techniques ensures consistently perfect results every time.
Batter Mixing Technique
Avoiding overmixing stands as our most critical tip for achieving fluffy pancakes. We recommend whisking dry ingredients together thoroughly before combining them with wet ingredients. When you combine the two mixtures, stir just until the flour disappears and the batter appears slightly lumpy. Overmixing develops gluten strands that create tough, dense pancakes instead of the light, airy texture we desire.
Apple Selection and Preparation
We achieve the best flavor balance by choosing firm apples that hold their shape during cooking. Granny Smith apples provide excellent tartness that contrasts beautifully with sweet pancake batter. Honeycrisp apples offer natural sweetness and maintain their texture when heated. For optimal results, we suggest using a combination of both sweet and tart apple varieties to create complex flavor profiles.
Temperature Control
Maintaining proper cooking temperature prevents burning while ensuring even browning. We preheat our griddle or skillet to medium-high heat, approximately 275°F, before adding the first pancake. Testing the temperature with a few drops of water helps us gauge readiness – the water should sizzle and evaporate quickly without violent bubbling.
Cooking Timing
Perfect pancakes require precise timing for optimal texture. We pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the heated surface. Bubbles forming on the surface after about 2 minutes indicate readiness for flipping. Once flipped, we cook for an additional minute until the second side achieves golden brown color.
Apple Topping Enhancement
Creating the perfect apple cinnamon topping involves cooking diced apples in butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until they reach tender consistency. We add maple syrup during the final cooking stages to enhance sweetness without overwhelming the natural apple flavors. This technique ensures the apples maintain their shape while developing rich, caramelized notes.
Temperature Management Tips
| Cooking Stage | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Griddle Preheating | 275°F (medium-high) | 3-5 minutes |
| First Side Cooking | 275°F | 2 minutes |
| Second Side Cooking | 275°F | 1 minute |
| Apple Topping | Medium heat | 5-7 minutes |
Storage for Optimal Freshness
We recommend keeping finished pancakes warm in a low-temperature oven set to 200°F when serving multiple batches. This prevents them from becoming cold and maintains their fluffy texture until ready to serve. Layer pancakes between parchment paper to prevent sticking while keeping them warm.
Conclusion
These apple cinnamon pancakes truly deliver the perfect weekend breakfast experience we’ve all been craving. With their fluffy texture and warm spiced flavors they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
What we love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re making the classic version or trying one of our dietary variations everyone can enjoy these delicious pancakes together at the breakfast table.
The make-ahead options mean you can prep these beauties during busy weeknights and still wake up to a restaurant-quality breakfast. We’re confident that once you try these apple cinnamon pancakes they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients needed for apple cinnamon pancakes?
The main ingredients include all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract for the pancakes. For the apple topping, you’ll need Granny Smith apples, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Optional toppings include maple syrup, whipped cream, nuts, and powdered sugar.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are recommended as they’re firm and hold their texture well during cooking. Their tartness provides a perfect balance to the sweet pancakes and cinnamon spice. Other firm apple varieties can work, but avoid soft apples that may turn mushy when cooked with the butter and brown sugar mixture.
Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free apple cinnamon pancakes by substituting the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Use a 1:1 ratio replacement and ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will remain delicious with proper mixing techniques.
How do I store leftover pancakes and apple topping?
Store pancakes and apple topping separately in airtight containers. Refrigerated pancakes last 4-7 days, while the apple topping stays fresh for 3-5 days. For longer storage, freeze pancakes for 2-3 months with parchment paper between layers. Always cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover pancakes?
Reheat pancakes in a toaster for crispiness or microwave for 30-60 seconds for quick warming. For multiple pancakes, use a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes. Reheat the apple topping in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between heating sessions until warmed through.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
While fresh batter produces the fluffiest pancakes, you can prepare it up to 2 hours ahead and store in the refrigerator. However, for best results, cook pancakes completely and store them instead. The batter may lose some leavening power over time, resulting in denser pancakes.
How do I prevent the pancakes from sticking to the pan?
Use a well-seasoned griddle or nonstick skillet and heat it properly before adding batter. Lightly grease with oil or butter between batches. Test the temperature by sprinkling water drops – they should sizzle and evaporate quickly. Maintain medium heat to prevent burning while ensuring thorough cooking.
What equipment do I need to make these pancakes?
Essential equipment includes a griddle or large nonstick skillet, medium saucepan for the apple topping, large mixing bowl, whisk, and measuring cups. Helpful tools include a ladle for portion control, wide spatula for flipping, and small whisk for the apple mixture. A kitchen scale ensures accurate measurements.
Can I make these pancakes vegan?
Yes, create vegan apple cinnamon pancakes by replacing eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, using plant-based milk instead of dairy milk, and substituting melted vegan butter or oil. The apple topping can use vegan butter as well. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.
How do I know when the pancakes are ready to flip?
Look for bubbles forming and popping on the surface, with edges appearing set and slightly dry. The bottom should be golden brown when you lift the edge with a spatula. This typically takes 2-3 minutes on medium heat. Flip only once to maintain fluffiness and avoid tough pancakes.
