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Transform your breakfast routine with this stunning apple pancake recipe that combines the comfort of traditional pancakes with the warmth of baked apples. This isn’t your typical flat pancake – it’s a gorgeous, puffy creation that rises in the oven and falls to create a custard-like interior filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples.
Why You’ll Love Apple Pancake Recipe Recipe
What makes this apple pancake special is its unique texture and presentation. Unlike traditional stovetop pancakes, this version is baked in the oven, creating a dramatic puff that settles into a delicately custardy interior. The apples are cooked until perfectly tender, while brown sugar and cinnamon create a subtle caramel-like coating that makes every bite memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Apple Mixture:
- 3 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work beautifully)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Pancake Batter:
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup milk (regular or almond milk)
- 2 tablespoons flour (all-purpose, wheat, spelt, or gluten-free blend)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons butter (or vegan alternative)
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
Essential Kitchen Tools
- 12 or 13-inch oven-safe skillet (or 5-inch mini skillets for individual servings)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Apple peeler and corer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation (15 minutes)
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect rise and golden-brown finish.
- Prepare your apples by peeling, coring, and cutting them into thin, uniform slices. The key here is consistency – thin slices will cook evenly and create the perfect texture.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon, mixing well to ensure the spice is evenly distributed. Set this aside – you’ll use it in two stages.
Making the Batter (10 minutes)
- In a medium bowl, crack your eggs and add the milk. Whisk until well combined and slightly frothy. The eggs are crucial for the pancake’s signature puff, so don’t skip this step.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. This might seem like a small amount of flour, but it’s intentional – we’re creating a custard-like texture rather than a traditional fluffy pancake.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough pancake, so resist the urge to keep stirring!
Cooking the Apples (10 minutes)
- Place your skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once it’s melted and bubbling slightly, add your sliced apples.
- Sprinkle about a tablespoon of the brown sugar mixture over the apples. This will create a lovely caramelized coating as they cook.
- Cook the apples for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to soften but not turn mushy. Look for slight translucency and test with a fork – they should offer just a bit of resistance.
The Final Bake (18-20 minutes)
- Arrange the cooked apples evenly in your skillet. This ensures every slice of the finished pancake will have a good distribution of fruit.
- Pour your batter over the apples, making sure it spreads evenly to the edges of the pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar mixture over the top of the batter.
- Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. The pancake will dramatically puff up and turn golden brown.
Serving Your Creation
Remove the pancake from the oven when it’s golden brown and puffed up. Don’t worry when it starts to deflate – this is perfectly normal and creates that wonderful custard-like texture we’re looking for.
For the perfect presentation, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve immediately while still warm. The pancake can be cut into wedges right in the pan and served with additional toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, or a dollop of vanilla yogurt.
Pro Tips for Success
- Room temperature eggs and milk will create a better rise in your pancake
- Don’t skip preheating the oven – starting with the right temperature is crucial
- Watch the pancake carefully during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning
- If using a glass or ceramic baking dish instead of a skillet, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F
Whether you’re hosting a special breakfast or just want to elevate your weekend brunch game, this apple pancake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The combination of custardy batter and tender, spiced apples creates a breakfast dish that’s both comforting and impressive.