Are you craving a comforting, warm, and utterly delicious treat that’s surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This baked apple pancake is the perfect answer. Imagine a fluffy pancake, bursting with the sweet and comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples, all baked to golden perfection in a single skillet. It's the ultimate easy recipe for a delightful breakfast, a cozy brunch, or even a simple yet impressive dessert. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional pancakes.
Ingredients:
- 1 large apple (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (quick-cooking or old-fashioned)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the skillet
- Optional: Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for serving
Instructions:
Get started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch oven-safe skillet (cast iron works beautifully!) with the extra melted butter.
Prepare the apple filling:
- In a small bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. This helps to enhance their sweetness and flavor.
Make the batter:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, remaining sugar, baking powder, remaining cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until light and frothy.
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Assemble and bake:
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Pour the melted butter into the prepared skillet.
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Pour the batter evenly into the skillet.
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Arrange the cinnamon-spiced apple slices over the top of the batter, slightly pressing them into the surface.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the pancake is golden brown.
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Let the baked apple pancake cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Baked Apple Pancake:
- For extra flavor, use a mix of apples.
- Don't overmix the batter, or the pancake will be tough.
- If you prefer a sweeter pancake, add a tablespoon or two more sugar.
- Feel free to add other spices, such as cardamom or allspice.
- To make it vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a non-dairy milk alternative.
Variations:
- Berrylicious: Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries to the batter for extra fruity goodness.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter for a delightful crunch.
- Spiced it Up: Experiment with different spice combinations, like pumpkin pie spice or gingerbread spice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate for a 1/6th slice is around 250-300 calories, with varying amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
This baked apple pancake recipe is a versatile and delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!