Name: Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 large egg; 1 1/4 cups milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons melted butter; 1 apple, peeled and grated; Butter or oil for greasing the pan; Optional toppings: syrup, powdered sugar, extra apple slices

Why You’ll Love Apple Cinnamon Pancakes Recipe

This recipe transforms the familiar pancake into something elevated. The subtle hint of cinnamon in the batter gives the pancakes warmth, and the apple topping adds a deliciously soft, caramel‑like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pancakes. It’s simple to make and full of cozy, comforting flavor — perfect for a weekend brunch or when you want something extra special in the morning.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pancake batter:

¾ cup milk
1½ tablespoons vinegar
1 cup flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon (add an extra ½ teaspoon if you love cinnamon)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 egg
2 tablespoons oil

Apple topping:

2 tablespoons butter
2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
⅓ cup maple syrup

Directions

Preheat a large skillet (or griddle) to medium‑high heat. Whisk together the milk and vinegar and let it rest for 5 minutes.
While the milk mixture is resting, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
Whisk the egg and oil into the milk mixture. Then add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined — don’t over‑mix; it should still have some lumps.
Spray the skillet (or griddle) with cooking spray (or lightly butter it for a richer flavor). Use a ¼ cup measuring cup (or ice cream scoop) to pour batter onto the skillet, leaving space between pancakes. Cook about 2 minutes, or until bubbles form and the edges look dry. Flip gently and cook another 1‑2 minutes on the other side. Set finished pancakes aside and repeat with remaining batter.
For the apple topping: Add butter, diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon to a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat for about 3‑5 minutes, until the apples are very tender. Stir in the maple syrup.
Serve the warm apple topping over the pancakes immediately while everything is nice and hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Swap the maple syrup in the topping for caramel sauce for a richer dessert-like pancake.
Use different apple varieties (for example, a tart Granny Smith or a sweet Honeycrisp) depending on your preference.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple topping for extra crunch.
Stir in a handful of blueberries or raspberries into the pancake batter for a fruity twist.
Replace the oil in the batter with melted butter for a more buttery pancake.
Make the pancakes gluten‑free by using a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend.
For a vegan variation, use a flax‑egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) instead of the egg and a plant‑based milk and butter substitute.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for 3‑5 days. They also freeze well: stack cooled pancakes, place them in a freezer bag or airtight container, and freeze for up to 6 months. When reheating, you can pop them in the toaster or warm them in a skillet. The apple topping can be stored in the fridge for about 3‑5 days. Freezing the topping is not recommended because the apples may become mushy or watery when thawed.

FAQs

What is the best type of apple to use?

You can use many types of apples depending on your taste. For a sweeter topping, go with Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious; for a tart contrast, try Granny Smith. You can also mix two varieties. The author prefers rotating between Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, and Jonagold.

Can I make the pancake batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time. It’s best to mix wet ingredients (milk, vinegar, egg, oil) just before cooking and combine them with the dry ingredients right before you’re ready to cook to preserve fluffiness.

How can I make the pancakes fluffier?

Don’t over‑mix the batter — some lumps are okay. Also, whisking the milk and vinegar first creates a bit of “buttermilk” effect, which helps the pancakes rise and stay tender.

Can I use a different sweetener in the apple topping?

Yes, you can replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or use honey instead of maple syrup. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Are these pancakes suitable for freezing?

Yes, the pancakes freeze very well (up to 6 months) when stacked in a freezer bag or airtight container. The apple topping, however, is best stored in the fridge only for 3‑5 days and isn’t recommended for freezing.

How do I reheat frozen pancakes?

Pop frozen pancakes into a toaster or toaster oven, or warm them in a skillet over low heat. You can also microwave for a short time, though the texture may soften slightly.

Can I omit the apple topping?

Yes — the pancake batter stands well on its own. But the apple topping adds a special dimension of caramelized apple flavor that really makes this recipe stand out.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just double all the ingredients and cook in batches. If using a griddle, you might cook more pancakes at once, but make sure there’s enough space on the surface for each pancake to cook evenly.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes. Use a plant‑based milk and butter substitute, replace the egg with a flax‑egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and allowed to sit for a few minutes), and use oil instead of butter in the batter if you prefer.

What toppings go well with these pancakes besides the apple topping?

Maple syrup, a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream, chopped nuts, additional fresh apple slices, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce all pair beautifully with these pancakes.

Conclusion

These apple cinnamon pancakes offer a warm, comforting twist on a brunch favorite. With a cinnamon‑spiced pancake base and a luscious apple topping, they strike the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re enjoying them on a leisurely morning or treating guests to something special, they’re sure to delight.