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Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Fluffy apple pancakes with a hint of cinnamon and grated apples baked right into the center. These are the perfect fall breakfast!

Stack of apple pancakes.
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Cinnamon Apple Pancakes

I always keep a jar of homemade pancake mix in the pantry for whenever we’re craving pancakes. With fall approaching, we decided to add a fun apple twist to our pancakes instead of making apple desserts this time. They turned out so delicious! The bold apple and cinnamon flavors gave them the perfect fall touch.

Pancakes are a family favorite! We’re always looking for ways to mix them up and oat pancakes and banana pancakes are a popular requests, too!

The kids go crazy for these fall inspired pancakes in season, though! They’re full of apple flavor from the applesauce and freshly grated apples, with the perfect amount of spice from the cinnamon.

These pancakes taste amazing on their own, but we love to top them with apple filling (from my apple crepe recipe) and maple syrup. They also taste amazing with our homemade buttermilk syrup.

Recipe Ingredients

Take the typical pancake mix ingredients and fold in grated apples and applesauce to kick up the flavor.

Grating apples for pancakes.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Grated apples: I like to use Granny Smith for its tart and crisp flavor.
  • Applesauce: Adding just a little extra apple flavor and moisture to the pancakes.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour gives the pancakes texture.
  • Sugar: Light brown sugar works so well with apple flavor.
  • Baking powder + baking soda: The necessary leavening agents to make these pancakes light and airy.
  • Salt: Just a little bit helps to enhance the flavors.
  • Cinnamon: The warm spice brings fall flavors to the forefront.
  • Milk: The creaminess of milk helps wet the dry ingredients.
  • Egg: The binder that brings it all together.
  • Vanilla extract: One of my favorite flavors to pair with apples.

How to Make Apple Pancakes

Just 3 easy steps to a hearty and fall-focused breakfast.

Cooking apple pancakes on griddle.
  • MIX. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add in the milk, egg, vanilla and applesauce and mix with a wooden spoon until the batter is smooth (and most lumps are gone). Then fold in the grated apples.
  • COOK. Pour 1/4 cup batter on a buttered griddle or skillet. Cook over medium heat until you begin to see bubbles on top, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  • FLIP. Use a spatula to flip the pancakes over and cook on the other side for about 1 minute, or until lightly golden. Make sure to lower the heat if they begin to brown too fast.

Favorite Toppings

If you want to add even more deliciousness to your apple pancakes, use any of the below toppings. I especially love to make a quick apple topping (or use leftover homemade apple pie filling) to add on top. Then finish them off with a drizzle of syrup. Seriously so delicious!

Stack of apple pancakes on white plate.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make the apple cinnamon pancakes dairy free?

Of course! Simply swap the milk for soy milk, almond milk, oat milk or cashew milk. Look for unsweetened, or the pancakes may be too sweet.

What other type of apples could you use for these pancakes?

I like Granny Smith, but you can use any type of firm apple that is tart and sweet, such as honeycrisp, braeburn, or pink lady.

Keeping Warm + Freezing

KEEP WARM: If not enjoying immediately after cooking, you can easily keep these pancakes warm in the oven until serving. Just place the cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in the oven at 175°F. At this temperature, they’ll stay warm without drying out. I especially like to use this method when I’m making multiple batches of pancakes for a large crowd.

FREEZE: Let cool completely, then place the pancakes in a large freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven for 30 seconds, or until warm.

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apple pancakes on white plate

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

5 from 7 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
Fluffy apple pancakes with a hint of cinnamon and grated apples baked right into the center. These are the perfect fall breakfast!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups (260 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 Tablespoons (25 grams) light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt , or table salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • 1 Granny Smith apple , cored, peeled, and grated

For serving: Butter, Syrup, Apple filling

    Instructions

    • Preheat a griddle to 300°F, or a skillet over medium heat. 
    • In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt. and ground cinnamon.
    • Mix in milk, egg, vanilla, and applesauce with a wooden spoon just until most of the lumps are gone and the batter is smooth, being careful not to overmix. Fold in grated apples.
    • Coat the griddle (or skillet) with a little butter or oil and pour 1/4 cup batter onto the heated griddle. Cook the pancakes 1 to 2 minutes, or until bubbles appear. Flip the pancakes and cook the other side 1 minute, or until lightly browned. Turn down the heat if they are browning too fast.
    • Serve immediately or place pancakes on a baking sheet in the oven at 175°F to keep warm.    

    Notes

    Apple filling: Find my favorite apple filling in my apple crepe recipe: https://www.iheartnaptime.net/apple-crepes/
    Freezer tip: Let pancakes cool and place in a large zip-top bag. Store in freezer for use within 2 to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or toaster oven for 30 seconds.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2pancakes | Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 385mg | Potassium: 288mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 138IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 3mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

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