As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of cinnamon and caramelized apples enveloped me like a warm hug. There’s just something about a nostalgic baked apple pancake that transports me back to cozy family mornings filled with laughter and comfort. This delightful treat, inspired by the Original Pancake House Apple Pancake, combines fluffy, cake-like batter with juicy, tender apples, all lovingly baked to golden perfection. Not only is this recipe a crowd-pleaser that will impress family and friends, but it’s also incredibly adaptable, allowing you to swap in your favorite apple varieties or add seasonal ingredients. Ready to create a heartwarming breakfast that will become a cherished family tradition? Let’s dive into the delicious world of apple pancakes!
Why is this apple pancake so special?
Nostalgic Flavor: This delightful baked apple pancake captures the essence of cozy family breakfasts, filling your home with warm aromas that evoke memories of cherished moments.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to switch up apple varieties or add ingredients like dried cranberries for a personal touch. The possibilities are endless!
Quick and Easy: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this comforting dish in no time—ideal for busy mornings.
Perfect for Sharing: Serve it at gatherings, or keep it just for yourself; this pancake is sure to impress your guests or delight your family.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the sautéed apples in advance for an even quicker breakfast, or take a look at my German Potato Pancakes for another easy, crowd-pleasing dish!
Original Pancake House Apple Pancake Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
• Granny Smith Apples – These provide a tart flavor and juicy texture, but feel free to substitute with your favorite apple varieties!
• Butter – Adds richness when sautéing the apples; use unsalted for better control over flavors.
• Brown Sugar – Sweetens the filling and helps create a glaze; light or dark can be interchanged wonderfully.
• Cinnamon – A warm spice that enhances apple flavor; opt for fresh to elevate the aroma.
For the Pancake Batter
• Flour – The key structure component; can be swapped with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
• Sugar – Adds sweetness to the batter; granulated sugar works best.
• Baking Powder – Essential for achieving that fluffy texture, so don’t skip it!
• Salt – Balances the flavors beautifully, ensuring that sweetness shines.
• Milk – Provides hydration for the batter; almond or oat milk make great dairy-free alternatives.
• Eggs – These act as a binder for the pancake; no substitutions recommended unless using a suitable egg replacer.
For Topping
• Powdered Sugar – A light dusting before serving provides a lovely finishing touch.
Create your very own Original Pancake House Apple Pancake using these wholesome ingredients, and let the warm, cozy flavors fill your home!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Original Pancake House Apple Pancake
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is crucial for achieving a beautifully risen pancake with a golden-brown exterior. Make sure to give your oven ample time to reach this temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare Apples
Next, peel and slice your Granny Smith apples into thin pieces, ensuring even cooking and caramelization. Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness for each slice. Set these prepared apples aside, as they will create that delicious filling for the Original Pancake House Apple Pancake.
Step 3: Sauté Apples
In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples along with 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, stirring well to coat the fruit. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized. Once they’re beautifully golden, let them cool while you prepare the batter.
Step 4: Make Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk and 2 eggs, then pour this mixture into your dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will ensure a tender pancake.
Step 5: Assemble
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with some butter to prevent sticking. Spread the cooled, sautéed apples evenly across the bottom of the dish. Carefully pour the batter over the apples, ensuring they are fully covered. This layering is what makes the Original Pancake House Apple Pancake so special.
Step 6: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the pancake should puff up and turn a lovely golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s fully cooked.
Step 7: Serve
Once baked, take the pancake out of the oven and allow it to cool slightly. To serve, carefully flip the pancake onto a large plate, keeping the apple side facing up. Dust generously with powdered sugar to add a delightful finish, and get ready for a cozy breakfast experience!
What to Serve with Nostalgic Baked Apple Pancake
Cozy up your breakfast table with delectable side dishes that elevate the comforting flavors of your baked apple pancake.
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Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon beautifully contrasts with the sweet apple pancake, making each bite delightful and balanced. It adds the perfect savory element to your morning feast.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and a burst of freshness to your meal. The natural sweetness complements the rich flavors of the pancake.
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Maple Syrup: Drizzling pure maple syrup over your pancake enhances its sweetness and adds a lovely depth. Its rich, caramel notes work effortlessly with the cinnamon and apples.
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Hot Spiced Coffee: A steaming mug of spiced coffee pairs perfectly, bringing warmth that complements the aromas of cinnamon and caramelized apples. It’s a comforting way to start your day.
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Whipped Cream: Elevate your pancake with a dollop of homemade whipped cream, adding a creamy texture that enhances the fluffy goodness beneath.
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Sautéed Cinnamon Apples: Reinforce the pancake’s flavor by serving warm cinnamon-sautéed apples on the side. This doubles the deliciousness and amplifies the cozy feeling of your brunch.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent twist, serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold creaminess contrasts wonderfully with the warm pancake, creating a delightful dessert experience!
How to Store and Freeze Original Pancake House Apple Pancake
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed will maintain its delightful flavors and prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pancake in individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen slices, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven until warmed through, preserving that fluffy texture.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the sautéed apples in advance and refrigerate them, making it easy to whip up your Original Pancake House Apple Pancake on a busy morning!
Expert Tips for the Best Apple Pancake
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Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith for the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Avoid overly sweet apples, which may need extra sugar.
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Mind the Batter: Do not overmix the pancake batter; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of the lightness of a traditional apple pancake.
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Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your pancake while it bakes. If it starts browning too quickly, reduce the temperature slightly to avoid burning.
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Cool Sautéed Apples: Let the sautéed apples cool before adding them to the batter. This prevents them from cooking the batter prematurely and ensures even texture.
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Experiment with Variations: Feel free to substitute other apple varieties, such as Fuji or Honeycrisp. You can also add toppings like dried cranberries or nuts to elevate the flavor of your apple pancake!
Make Ahead Options
These Original Pancake House Apple Pancakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the sautéed apples up to three days in advance, allowing their flavor to deepen while saving you time during busy mornings. Simply peel, slice, and sauté your Granny Smith apples, then let them cool before refrigerating in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy this cozy breakfast, just reheat the apples in a skillet to bring them back to life, then pour the pancake batter over them and bake as directed. This simple make-ahead strategy ensures you’ll serve up deliciousness with minimal effort, keeping cozy mornings stress-free!
Original Pancake House Apple Pancake Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe uniquely yours with these delightful twists!
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Apple Variety: Swap Granny Smith for Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for a different sweet-tart balance. Each variety brings its own unique flavor to this cozy dish.
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Dried Fruit: Add dried cranberries or raisins for a burst of sweetness and chewy texture that complements the tender apples beautifully.
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Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft pancake.
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Spice It Up: Incorporate pumpkin spice or apple pie spice into the batter for an elevated fall flavor that warms the heart.
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Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk to create a delicious dairy-free version that everyone can enjoy.
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Maple Syrup: Drizzle some maple syrup over the pancake before serving for an extra layer of sweetness that enhances the whole experience.
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Apple Butter: Spread a layer of apple butter over the pancake for a deliciously rich topping that pairs perfectly with all the comforting flavors.
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Seasonal Fruits: Think beyond apples! Swap in seasonal fruits like pears for a unique twist that celebrates the best of each harvest time.
For more comforting breakfast ideas, don’t forget to check out my Snickers Caramel Apple and German Potato Pancakes recipes!
Original Pancake House Apple Pancake Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for the pancake?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are my go-to because they offer the perfect tartness and denseness when baked. However, you can also use Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter flavor. Just remember, avoid overly soft apples that might turn mushy in the oven!
How do I store leftovers?
Very simply! You can store any leftover Original Pancake House Apple Pancake in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Just make sure to seal it well to keep the flavors fresh and prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze this pancake?
Certainly! To freeze your pancake, slice it into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This refrigerates well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or toaster oven to bring back its fluffy texture.
What should I do if my pancake doesn’t rise?
If your pancake comes out dense, it might be due to forgetting the baking powder—this is essential for a fluffy pancake! Ensure you measure the baking powder accurately and mix the batter gently so it remains light and airy. If it still doesn’t rise well, check your baking powder’s expiration date; fresh is always best!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you have dietary restrictions, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free flour. For dairy-free options, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk. Also, use an egg replacer if you’re trying to avoid eggs altogether. It’s all about making this delicious recipe work for your needs!
Can I add other ingredients to the pancake?
Yes! The more the merrier! Feel free to add dried cranberries, nuts, or even seasonal spices like pumpkin spice. Just keep an eye on the ratios so you maintain the balance of flavors and textures. Mixing it up can make each batch unique and special!
Cozy Up with the Original Pancake House Apple Pancake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Peel and slice the Granny Smith apples into thin pieces and set aside.
- In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon, sauté for 5-7 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk and eggs, then combine with dry ingredients.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread sautéed apples evenly, then pour the batter over the apples.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pancake is puffed and golden brown; a toothpick should come out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly, flip onto a plate with the apple side up, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.