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Apple Cinnamon Pancakes with Caramelized Apple Topping Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 109 reviews

Delight in these fluffy Apple Cinnamon Pancakes topped with a warm, caramelized apple sauce. The perfect comforting breakfast combines tender pancakes infused with vanilla and cinnamon, and a sweet, slightly tangy apple topping made with brown sugar and lemon juice. Ideal for a cozy weekend brunch or any time you crave a touch of fall flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pancake Batter

  • 310 g All-purpose flour
  • 50 g Granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • 4 teaspoons Baking powder
  • 2 Eggs (room temperature)
  • 360 g Milk (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 60 g Unsalted butter (melted but not hot)

Caramelized Apple Topping

  • 400 g Apples (peeled and cut into chunks)
  • ½ tablespoon Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 50 g Brown sugar
  • 1½ teaspoon Cinnamon powder
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed to help the pancakes rise uniformly.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl or large measuring jug, whisk the room temperature milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Ensure the butter has cooled slightly to prevent cooking the eggs.
  3. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or whisk just until the flour is incorporated, leaving a few small lumps; overmixing causes tough pancakes.
  4. Rest the batter: Cover the bowl and let the batter rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. This helps hydrate the flour and improve texture.
  5. Prepare the apples: Peel and cut the apples into chunks. Sprinkle them with freshly squeezed lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
  6. Make the caramelized apple topping: Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the unsalted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon powder, and apple chunks. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples have softened slightly and the sauce thickens into a caramel-like texture. Avoid overcooking to retain some apple texture.
  7. Preheat the pan: Set a nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat and allow it to warm for a few minutes. Test readiness by flicking a drop of water; if it sizzles and evaporates immediately, it’s ready. Lightly grease the surface with butter or oil, then wipe excess with a paper towel to prevent burning.
  8. Cook the pancakes: Using a ¼ cup (60 ml) measuring cup or ladle, pour batter onto the pan, leaving space between pancakes. Cook undisturbed until bubbles form and begin to burst on the surface and edges look set, about 2–3 minutes.
  9. Flip and finish cooking: Gently flip pancakes with a spatula and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, until golden brown on the other side and the center feels springy.
  10. Keep pancakes warm: Stack cooked pancakes on a plate to keep warm and soft while finishing the batch.
  11. Serve: Spoon the warm caramelized apple topping generously over the stacked pancakes, letting the syrup drizzle down the sides for a delicious presentation.
  12. Storage tips: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster, oven, or pan over low heat. For longer storage, freeze pancakes stacked in a freezer-safe bag or container up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or at 325°F (160°C) until heated through.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the pancake batter; a few lumps are ideal for fluffy pancakes.
  • Use room temperature eggs and milk for better batter incorporation.
  • Resting the batter helps create tender pancakes.
  • Be careful not to overcook the apples to maintain slight softness and avoid mushiness.
  • Greasing the pan lightly and wiping the excess prevents burning and sticking.
  • Use fresh lemon juice on apples to prevent discoloration.
  • Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning pancakes while ensuring they cook through.
  • Applesauce topping can be warmed before serving if made ahead of time.
  • For dietary adjustments, substitute milk with plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.

Keywords: apple cinnamon pancakes, caramelized apples, breakfast pancakes, fluffy pancakes, fall breakfast recipes