Are you craving a warm, comforting breakfast or brunch that’s both delicious and easy to make? Look no further! This Apple Pancake recipe, a cherished Walker Brothers family tradition, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget those complicated pancake recipes; this one is quick, simple, and delivers a taste of homemade goodness that's simply irresistible. It's the perfect recipe for a cozy weekend morning or a special occasion brunch. Get ready to experience the ultimate in fluffy pancakes, bursting with the sweet and tart flavor of apples. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, making it a staple in your quick dinner ideas repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan)
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Apples: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with lemon juice and cinnamon. This prevents browning and adds a lovely citrusy note. Let it sit while you prepare the batter. This simple step elevates the flavor profile of your pancakes significantly.
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Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing leads to tough pancakes, so be gentle!
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Cook the Pancakes: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Arrange a few apple slices on top of each pancake before flipping.
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Flip and Finish: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip carefully using a spatula to avoid breaking the pancakes. The apples will soften and become beautifully caramelized during cooking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the apple pancakes immediately with a generous drizzle of maple syrup. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect finishing touch for those who enjoy a bit more indulgence.
Tips for the Best Apple Pancakes:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough pancakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use a good quality pan: A non-stick skillet or griddle will prevent sticking and make flipping easier.
- Adjust the apple quantity: Feel free to add more or fewer apples depending on your preference.
- Experiment with spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for a warmer, more complex flavor.
- Make it a meal: Serve these delicious pancakes with bacon, sausage, or your favorite breakfast sides.
Variations:
- Cranberry Apple Pancakes: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries to the batter for a delightful tart-sweet twist.
- Cinnamon Sugar Apple Pancakes: Sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture over the pancakes before serving for extra sweetness and texture.
- Oatmeal Apple Pancakes: Add ½ cup of rolled oats to the batter for a heartier, more filling pancake.
Nutritional Information (per pancake, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 200-250 Fat: 8-10g Protein: 4-5g Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This recipe for healthy meals is simple to follow and offers a delightful and nutritious breakfast or brunch. From easy recipes to delicious dishes, this Apple Pancake recipe is a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!