Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm stack of pancakes, especially when they’re infused with the delightful flavors of fall. Enter Warm Apple Cinnamon Skillet Pancakes: a cozy dish that pays homage to the classic combination of apples and cinnamon. Perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat, these pancakes are cooked to golden perfection in a skillet, allowing for a fluffy interior and a beautifully caramelized exterior.
With tender chunks of juicy apples, a hint of vanilla, and just the right amount of spice, each bite is like a warm hug on a plate. Drizzled with maple syrup or served with a dollop of whipped cream, they transform any morning into a celebration. So, grab your skillet and let’s dive into this deliciously easy recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter (plus more for the skillet)
- 1 cup peeled and diced apples (about 1 large apple)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Optional: maple syrup for serving
Instructions
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- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
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- In another bowl, mix together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
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- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
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- Fold in the diced apples and nutmeg until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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- Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter, swirling to coat the bottom.
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- Once the skillet is hot, pour in about 1/2 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 3-4 minutes.
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- Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
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- Repeat this process with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
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- Serve warm pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and enjoy the cozy flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for the pancakes, providing structure and texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the batter.
- Baking Powder: Helps the pancakes rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pancakes.
- Cinnamon: Infuses a warm, aromatic spice flavor, perfect for an apple dish.
- Milk: Adds moisture, creating a smooth batter.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive pancake.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor; also used for greasing the skillet.
- Apples: Fresh, diced apples provide sweetness and a fruity texture.
- Brown Sugar: For sweetening the apples while they cook, adding a caramelized flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the pancakes.
These ingredients come together to create the perfect comfort food you can enjoy for breakfast or dessert!
Baking Process
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Preheat the Skillet: Begin by placing a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Allow it to warm up for about 5 minutes. You want the surface hot but not smoking.
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Prepare the Apples: While the skillet heats, finely slice 2 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well for their balance of tartness and sweetness). In a bowl, combine the sliced apples with a tablespoon of brown sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir to coat the apples evenly and set aside.
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Mix the Batter: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of milk, 1 large egg, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Cook the Apples: Add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Once melted, add the apple mixture, spreading it out evenly. Cook the apples for about 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly and begin to caramelize.
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Add the Batter: Pour the batter over the cooked apples in the skillet, using a spatula to gently spread it into an even layer. Cook on medium heat until bubbles begin to form on the surface of the batter, about 3-5 minutes.
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Bake in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the underside of the pancake is golden and set, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pancake has risen and is cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
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Finish and Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven (it will be hot!). Let the pancake cool for a couple of minutes before slicing it into wedges. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy your delicious Warm Apple Cinnamon Skillet Pancakes!
Serving Suggestions
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: Enhance the sweetness of your Warm Apple Cinnamon Skillet Pancakes with a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup for that classic breakfast flavor.
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Whipped Cream: Top your pancakes with a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add a light and airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced pancakes.
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Caramel Sauce: For an indulgent twist, consider drizzling warm caramel sauce over the pancakes. The combination of caramel and cinnamon apples is simply heavenly.
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Ice Cream: Serve the pancakes warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert option. The cold ice cream melting into the warm pancakes creates a delectable contrast.
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Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nutty flavor. This also elevates the nutritional profile of the dish.
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Greek Yogurt: For a healthier option, add a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt alongside the pancakes. This adds protein and a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the pancakes.
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Fresh Fruit: Sliced bananas or a handful of berries can brighten up the plate and offer a fresh, fruity complement to the warm apples and cinnamon.
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Chai Spice: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a bit of chai spice mix over the pancakes before serving. It adds a warm, aromatic profile that pairs well with the apple and cinnamon.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create your perfect breakfast experience! Enjoy!
Conclusion
These Warm Apple Cinnamon Skillet Pancakes are the perfect way to start your day or to enjoy as a comforting dessert. By combining the sweetness of apples with the warm spices of cinnamon, each bite is a delightful experience that evokes the cozy feeling of fall and family gatherings. Plus, cooking them in a skillet not only gives them a beautiful golden-brown finish but also allows for easy serving and sharing around the breakfast table.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding nuts, swapping in different fruits, or even incorporating a splash of maple syrup into the batter for an extra layer of sweetness. Whether topped with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, these pancakes are sure to impress!
So gather your ingredients, heat up that skillet, and indulge in the comforting flavors of homemade apple cinnamon pancakes. You won’t regret it! Happy cooking!
