Name: Apple Cinnamon German Pancake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 3 large eggs; 1 cup milk (whole or 2%); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted); 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for sautéing apples); Powdered sugar for dusting; Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for crunch; Maple syrup for drizzling; Whipped cream for garnish

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Introduction

The Apple Cinnamon German Pancake is a cozy breakfast treat that combines fluffy, oven-puffed batter with warm, caramelized apples. This delightful dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it an inviting start to any morning.

A golden-brown baked apple pancake fills a round black skillet, with visible slices of soft yellow apple embedded evenly throughout the thick batter. The top layer is puffed and slightly crispy with a light dusting of white powdered sugar scattered over the surface. The skillet rests on a white marbled kitchen surface with a blurred background showing a stove and wooden cabinets. The pancake has a warm, inviting texture with a mix of smooth baked batter and tender apple slices photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 large eggs
1 cup milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Optional: Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for added crunch
Optional: Maple syrup for drizzling
Optional: Whipped cream for a touch of indulgence

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a cast-iron skillet or baking dish inside the oven to heat while you prepare the batter. A hot pan helps the pancake puff up with a crispy edge.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Add the milk, flour, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring gently until combined. It’s okay if a few lumps remain; they will bake out.
Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, melt a small amount of butter. Add the sliced apples, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, and sauté until tender and caramelized, about 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally to cook evenly and prevent burning.
Step 4: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Spread the sautéed apples evenly in the pan, then pour the batter over them. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until the pancake is puffed and golden.

Tips & Variations

Use Granny Smith apples for tartness, or Honeycrisp and Fuji for a sweeter option; mixing types gives a balanced flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter—this helps keep the texture light.
For a tangy twist, substitute buttermilk for regular milk.
Add a splash of lemon juice when sautéing apples to brighten the flavor.
Sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking for added crunch.
For a golden top, broil the pancake for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Storage

Store leftover pancake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The pancake tastes best fresh but can be revived with a quick reheat.

How to Serve

A round baked dish inside a black pan shows a golden brown top layer with slightly crispy edges. The top has uneven, soft pockets with baked, sliced yellow apples scattered and partially submerged in the dough. The surface is lightly dusted with white powdered sugar, giving a delicate shimmer. The baked dough has a fluffy, slightly puffed texture, with some smooth and some cracked areas showing a mix of light yellow and brown tones. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred kitchen stovetop seen in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pan instead of cast iron?

Yes, you can use any oven-safe skillet or baking dish, but cast iron helps achieve the best crispy edges and even heat distribution.

Can I prepare the batter and apples ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. It’s best to sauté the apples fresh before baking for optimal flavor and texture.