If you’ve ever wished you could have dessert for breakfast without a smidge of guilt, these Apple Pie Pancakes are about to become your new weekend obsession. Everything you adore about classic apple pie—cinnamon-spiced apples, tender bite, deeply comforting flavors—is folded into a soft, fluffy pancake, just waiting to be drizzled with warm maple syrup. Whether you’re fueling up for a busy day or lingering around the table with family, these pancakes truly turn an ordinary morning into something special.

Apple Pie Pancakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cozy stack comes together with a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a role in building the perfect bite. Don’t skip even the pinch of spice or splash of vanilla—they work together for irresistible Apple Pie Pancakes flavor.

All-purpose flour: This gives structure to your pancakes so they’re light and fluffy, not dense.
Brown sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and a whisper of molasses warmth to every bite.
Baking powder: Makes your pancakes rise into the ideal pillowy texture.
Baking soda: Teams up with the buttermilk to create extra fluff and tenderness.
Cinnamon: Just a touch creates that classic apple pie aroma you know and love.
Nutmeg: A pinch is all you need for subtle warmth and complexity.
Salt: Essential for balancing out the sweetness and bringing every flavor forward.
Buttermilk: Lends tang and richness and helps the interior stay moist without being heavy.
Large egg: Binds and adds a bit of richness for classic pancake texture.
Melted butter: Brings buttery flavor throughout and an irresistible tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Boosts every aroma and gives the pancakes a homemade taste.
Peeled and finely chopped apple: Try Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for bright, juicy bursts and a pleasant sweet-tart profile.

How to Make Apple Pie Pancakes

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking first means every bite of your pancakes gets a little bit of spice, sweetness, and leavening—it really sets you up for success with even cooking and flavor.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This step helps the butter blend smoothly and ensures the egg is evenly mixed, which ultimately means your Apple Pie Pancakes will cook up tender every time.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Now, pour your wet mixture right into the dry ingredients. Gently stir—scraping the sides just until the last streaks of flour disappear. Don’t over-mix! A few lumps are perfectly fine. Fold in the chopped apples; they should be distributed throughout but not mashed. This is where your pancakes truly start smelling like apple pie in a bowl.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. For each pancake, pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet, leaving room for them to spread a little bit. Let them cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges start to set, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip gently and cook 1 to 2 minutes more, until both sides are golden brown and the middle springs back to the touch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your finished Apple Pie Pancakes to a warm plate and serve immediately—nothing beats their fresh-off-the-skillet warmth! If you want to go really over-the-top, add a pat of butter, generous drizzle of real maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. For extra apple pie vibes, top with sautéed apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

How to Serve Apple Pie Pancakes

Garnishes

Garnishing is where these pancakes shine. Try classic toppings like real maple syrup or whipped cream, or take it up a notch with sautéed apples, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch. Garnishes make every plate extra inviting and really bring out the apple pie essence.

Side Dishes

If you’re making breakfast or brunch a full meal, serve these Apple Pie Pancakes with crisp bacon, country sausage, or a simple fruit salad. The salty sides pair beautifully with the sweet-tart apple flavor, creating the ultimate breakfast spread that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them high for a classic diner feel, or make them smaller for a pancake “flight” with different toppings. For a fun twist, cut them into heart or star shapes with cookie cutters for kids—or tuck a few pancakes into a brunch box with yogurt and berries for busy mornings to-go. However you present them, Apple Pie Pancakes are guaranteed to steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover pancakes cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking. Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. This keeps your Apple Pie Pancakes fresh, soft, and easy to reheat anytime.

Freezing

To freeze, layer cooled pancakes with parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep at their best for about two months—just grab what you need and warm up for a super-fast treat that tastes just-baked.

Reheating

For the fluffiest results, reheat pancakes in a 300°F oven on a baking sheet for about 8 minutes, or pop them in the toaster for a quick fix. Microwaving works in a pinch, just use short bursts to avoid drying them out. Your Apple Pie Pancakes will taste nearly as good as fresh!

FAQs

Can I make Apple Pie Pancakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite 1-for-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may be a bit more delicate, but you’ll still get all those apple pie flavors packed in every bite.

What’s the best apple variety to use?

Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are hearty favorites; they hold their shape, add a sweet-tart punch, and won’t get mushy during cooking. However, feel free to use what you have—Fuji and Braeburn are also delicious here.

Can I make these without buttermilk?

If you’re out of buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use it as a perfect sub! This still gives your Apple Pie Pancakes that signature tender texture.

What can I add for extra crunch or flavor?

Try folding in a handful of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans, or sprinkle a pinch of ground cloves into your dry ingredients for an even deeper pie-like flavor. For a special topping, make a quick apple compote, sautéing apples with a bit of butter and brown sugar until they’re caramelized and soft.

How can I prep these pancakes ahead of time?

You can mix together the dry ingredients the night before and keep in an airtight container. In the morning, just whisk up the wet ingredients and combine—it’s the easiest way to get Apple Pie Pancakes to the table fast, even on weekdays!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to turn a regular morning into a treat, Apple Pie Pancakes are the answer—every bite bursts with cozy, homemade flavor and a touch of nostalgia. Give them a try, share a stack with someone you love, and watch these pancakes quickly become a new family favorite!

Apple Pie Pancakes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the flavors of fall with these delicious Apple Pie Pancakes. They are a perfect blend of a classic pancake and the comforting taste of apple pie, making them a delightful breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Addition:

1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

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Instructions

Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Add Apple: Fold in the chopped apples.
Cook Pancakes: Heat a lightly greased skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 1–2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve warm with maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream.