Apple pancakes are a delightful and fruity twist on the traditional breakfast favorite. These pancakes are light, fluffy, and bursting with the sweet and tart flavors of fresh apples, making them a perfect choice for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat. The addition of grated apple and a hint of cinnamon elevates these pancakes to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and grated
- Optional: maple syrup, powdered sugar, or additional butter for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. This combination of dry ingredients forms the base of your pancake batter and ensures that the pancakes are light, fluffy, and perfectly seasoned.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. The melted butter adds richness and moisture to the pancakes, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
- Grate the Apples:
Peel the apples and grate them using the large holes of a box grater. Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that balances well with the sweetness of the pancakes, but Honeycrisp apples are also a great choice for their natural sweetness and crisp texture. Gently squeeze the grated apples to remove any excess juice, which can make the batter too wet.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; it’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy. Fold in the grated apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough pancakes.
- Cook the Pancakes:
Heat a non-stick griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with a bit of butter or cooking spray. For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle. Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake and the edges start to look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
- Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the apple pancakes warm, stacked on a plate. Top with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a pat of additional butter if desired. The combination of the fluffy pancake, the sweet and tart apple, and the hint of cinnamon makes for a truly delicious breakfast.
Apple pancakes are a delightful way to start your day, combining the classic comfort of pancakes with the fresh, fruity flavor of apples. These pancakes are not only delicious but also a fun and easy way to incorporate more fruit into your breakfast. They’re perfect for a cozy weekend morning or a special occasion brunch. Enjoy these apple pancakes with your favorite toppings and savor the wonderful blend of flavors and textures in every bite.