Apple cinnamon pancakes are the perfect way to bring warmth and comfort to your morning. With tender chunks of apple, a hint of cinnamon spice, and fluffy pancake batter, this breakfast dish feels like a cross between a stack of pancakes and a slice of apple pie. Whether you’re making them for a leisurely weekend brunch or just want to start your day with something special, these pancakes never disappoint.
The magic of apple cinnamon pancakes lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Apples bring natural sweetness and a bit of tartness, depending on the variety you use. Granny Smith apples offer a bold tang that pairs well with the sugar and spice, while Gala or Honeycrisp apples lean more toward a mellow, sweet flavor. The apples can be diced or grated and are often lightly sautéed with butter and cinnamon before being folded into the pancake batter, creating little pockets of warm, soft fruit throughout each bite.
Cinnamon ties the dish together with its unmistakable aroma and spice. Just the right amount infuses the batter and enhances the apple flavor without overpowering it. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves if you’re in the mood for something even more reminiscent of fall.
The pancake batter itself should be light and airy, made with classic ingredients like flour, eggs, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract. Once cooked on a hot griddle or skillet, the outside of the pancakes turns golden brown while the inside stays soft and moist, with bites of apple adding bursts of flavor and texture.
Stack them high and serve with a generous drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. For something even cozier, warm up a bit of maple syrup with cinnamon and pour it over the stack.
Apple cinnamon pancakes feel like a warm hug on a plate. They’re nostalgic, flavorful, and endlessly comforting-a classic breakfast with a seasonal twist that’s always welcome at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk You can use any type of milk
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup apple peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the milk, beaten egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chopped apple pieces.
- Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until browned on the other side.
- Serve warm with your favorite syrup or toppings, cinnamon and apple slices.
Nutrition
I don’t know…my pancakes ended up too soggy. Maybe I mixed it too much? Not sure I’ll try again.
Yum! But why is there no butter in the pan before cooking? Seems like a mistake. 😕
I think it’s fine without butter in the pan! Helps to get that nice crispy edge. Just make sure to oil it well. 😄
Really? I always put butter before cooking! Guess it’s not a must, but doesn’t it make em more buttery? 🤷♀️
These pancakes turned out amazing! The apple and cinnamon combo is heavenly! 🍏🥞
Just made these and they remind me of my grandma’s pancakes. So good!
These pancakes are amazing! The apple and cinnamon combo is just perfect. My kids loved them!
I’m glad your kids enjoyed them! These pancakes are definitely a hit in my house too! 😊
These pancakes are a hit in my house! So fluffy and tasty. I’ll def be making them again!
Can I use whole wheat flour? Gotta be healthy right?
These pancakes are delicious! The apples add such a nice flavor.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure about adding apples. Thought they would be mushy, but they’re fantastic!
I tried this but used almond milk instead. Still good but not as rich.
I followed the recipe but it turned out too dry. Maybe add more milk next time?
Honestly, how many pancakes should this even make? I got like 4 full servings. 🤔
These pancakes are sooo good! My kids loved them! Definitely making again!
Sounds great, but my pancakes always come out too flat. What’s the secret to making them fluffier?
I’m glad to hear your kids loved them! These pancakes do sound delicious. What toppings did you use?
Anyone else thinks vanilla is too strong? I used 2 tsp but it was overpowering.
Yuck!!! Way too bland. I added chocolate chips and still, blah.
I followed the recipe exactly, but my pancakes turned out flat. What did I do wrong?
Pancakes is pancakes, I guess? They were okay but nothing special.
These r too complicated! Can’t I just use pancake mix? Who has time for all this??
These pancakes were absolutely delicious! The apple and cinnamon combo is a winner.
I tried this recipe too, but my pancakes turned out flat! What did I do wrong?
Um, does it really matter what type of milk? My cat just drank the almond milk, can I use water?
Pancakes are fine, but why do you need the vanilla? Seems pointless to me. 🤔
This is similar to the recipe my grandma used, except she used brown sugar. I’ll try that next time!
Pancake recipe? More like pancake disaster! Never again!
I don’t know how I messed this up, lol. The batter was way too thick. What did I do wrong? 🤔
I thought it would be better… The pancakes were kinda dense? Not sure if I did something wrong.
I used almond milk instead and they were still fire! 🔥
Almond milk sounds like a great swap! Glad it turned out good for you. 🍏🥞
Wow. 10/10. Also the kitchen smelled like a candle store. My kid ate 3 and asked for more syrup lol.
Wow! Just wow! Who knew something so simple could taste this yummy? ❤️
Meh, tasted alright, but why do people put eggs in pancakes? Sounds weird.
Followed the recipe, but they came out too sweet. Maybe less sugar next time.
I agree! They were a bit sweet for me too. Maybe just a touch less sugar next time.
What a coincidence! I have all these ingredients at home. Going to try it out now! 🥞
These taste like fall in a pan. I added a pinch more cinnamon and a tiny splash of extra vanilla, and it made them even better. Would definitely make again.
I tried it but mine were kinda thick and didn’t cook through all the way inside. I used 2% milk and normal eggs—should I thin the batter more or cook lower? Still tasted good though, just not as fluffy.
Yes!! I love that “fall in a pan” vibe 😄 I made these last weekend and the apple-cinnamon combo was perfect. I didn’t even need much syrup.
The recipe says medium-high but my pan runs hot, so I had to lower it. Also, I added a pinch more cinnamon and it was even better. Next time I’ll grate the apple for more spread.
Made these this morning—so fluffy and the apple bits actually stayed nice instead of getting mushy. Cinnamon smell was unreal. I used oat milk and it worked perfectly.
Yes!! I’m always worried apple will turn to mush in pancakes, but your result sounds spot on. The oat milk note is super helpful too—gonna try that next time 😄
I tried something similar and mine were kinda flat… I think I overmixed though. Quick question: did you cook on medium-high the whole time or lower after the first flip?
I had trouble with the batter. It was too thick! What do I do?
Can I use almond milk instead? I need dairy-free options! 🤔
Very good! 👌 My kids loved them! We had them with maple syrup and it was perfection.
Perfection? Really? I dunno, I tried a recipe like this before, and it was like eating cardboard. 😒
I’m glad to hear that! My kids are picky eaters, so I might give this a try. Maple syrup sounds yummy!
I don’t know, they came out kinda flat. Maybe I did it wrong?
Yumm!!! Pancakes for life!!!
This recipe is the best! I added nuts and they turned out awesome. 🙂