Apple Pie Pancakes with Syrup

This apple pie pancake recipe brings the cozy, comforting flavors of a classic dessert right to the breakfast table. Soft, fluffy pancakes studded with tender diced apples get the perfect finishing touch with a warm vanilla maple syrup that elevates every bite.

I first whipped these up on a chilly autumn morning and now they are my go-to weekend treat that everyone in the family looks forward to eagerly

Ingredients

• One cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour: for a wholesome base
• One tablespoon sugar, brown sugar preferred: to add subtle caramel notes
• Two teaspoons baking powder: to give your pancakes a light and fluffy texture
• Half a teaspoon cinnamon: for that signature warm spice typical of apple pie
• Quarter teaspoon nutmeg optional: but wonderful for an extra layer of flavor
• Quarter teaspoon salt: to balance the sweetness and enhance the spices
• One cup milk either dairy or a non-dairy alternative: to keep things moist
• One large egg: to bind and add richness
• Two tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil: for tenderness and a subtle buttery flavor
• One cup apples peeled and diced, granny smith or honeycrisp varieties: work best for a nice balance of tartness and sweetness
• One teaspoon lemon juice: to toss with the apples to prevent browning and add brightness
• Half a cup maple syrup: for sweetness and that classic syrup flavor
• One teaspoon vanilla extract: to mix with the syrup and bring depth and warmth

Instructions

Prepare the Apples:

Peel the apples and dice them evenly. Toss with lemon juice in a small bowl to keep them fresh and bright.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg if using, and salt until evenly distributed. This ensures every bite is consistently spiced.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk the milk, egg, and melted butter or coconut oil. Mixing these well helps create a smooth batter.

Combine Mixtures:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients gently stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix so the pancakes stay light. Fold in the apple pieces for pockets of fresh fruit.

Cook the Pancakes:

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and grease lightly with butter or oil. Pour about a quarter cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Flip carefully and cook the other side another 2 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

Prepare the Syrup:

Warm the maple syrup in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the vanilla extract. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Serve:

Stack the pancakes on plates, generously drizzle the warm vanilla maple syrup on top, and enjoy while hot.

It’s a dish that brings comfort and a touch of seasonal magic to any breakfast.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. They should be good for up to three days in the fridge. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or skillet to retain crispness on the edges. If freezing, separate layers with parchment paper and freeze in a sealed bag for up to one month.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or a light agave drizzle works well but adjust sweetness to taste. Oat milk or almond milk are excellent milk alternatives and lend a slightly nutty flavor. For a grain-free twist, consider swapping all-purpose flour for almond flour but expect a denser texture. Use coconut oil for a subtle tropical note if you prefer to avoid butter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pancakes with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent brunch treat. Add a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans on top for crunch. Fresh fruit such as berries or sliced bananas on the side brightens the plate and adds color.

Enjoy these apple pie pancakes as a comforting way to start your day with the delicious flavors of fall in every bite.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of apples work best?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples provide a balanced tartness and sweetness that hold their texture well during cooking.

→ Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk can be substituted without affecting the flavor significantly.

→ How to achieve fluffy pancakes?

Mix dry ingredients gently and avoid overmixing once wet ingredients are added to keep the batter light and airy.

→ Is warming the syrup necessary?

Warming enhances the vanilla aroma and makes the syrup easier to drizzle over the pancakes.

→ Can these pancakes be made ahead?

They can be prepared in advance and reheated on a skillet or in the oven for a quick breakfast option.