Apple Pie Pancakes With Vanilla Maple Syrup Recipe

The Perfect Apple Pie Pancakes With Vanilla Maple Syrup Recipe

Weekends call for special breakfast magic, and these apple pie pancakes with vanilla maple syrup deliver pure morning delight.

Warm cinnamon and tender apple chunks blend seamlessly into fluffy pancake batter, creating a nostalgic comfort food experience.

Autumn’s favorite dessert meets breakfast in this irresistible morning treat.

Each bite bursts with sweet, spiced notes that dance across your palate.

The homemade vanilla maple syrup adds a luxurious golden drizzle that elevates these pancakes from ordinary to extraordinary.

Crisp autumn mornings beg for a stack of these decadent pancakes that promise to satisfy every sweet breakfast craving.

Prepare to indulge in a breakfast that feels like a warm culinary hug.

FAQs

  • What spices are used in these pancakes?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove create a warm, cozy flavor profile that mimics classic apple pie spices, giving these pancakes a delicious autumn-inspired taste.

  • How can I ensure my pancakes turn out fluffy?

Avoid overmixing the batter and stop stirring as soon as the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will help keep the pancakes light and tender.

  • Can I use a different type of apple?

Definitely! Granny Smith apples work great for their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are also excellent choices. Just make sure to grate the apple fresh for the best texture and flavor.

  • Is it necessary to warm the maple syrup?

While not mandatory, warming the syrup and adding vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and creates a more luxurious topping that complements the apple pie pancakes perfectly.

Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Pancakes

  • These pancakes capture the essence of fall with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, creating a cozy breakfast that feels like a hug on a plate.
  • The recipe is super simple, requiring just basic mixing and minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for weekend mornings or lazy brunches with minimal fuss.
  • Grated apples and sweet spices make these pancakes appealing to children, while the vanilla maple syrup adds an extra layer of deliciousness that everyone will love.
  • Swap ingredients or add toppings like chopped nuts or whipped cream to make the recipe your own, ensuring endless breakfast creativity and fun.

What’s in Apple Pie Pancakes

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: The base for creating a light and fluffy pancake texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the pancake batter.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the pancakes rise and become soft.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove: Warm spices that create a cozy, autumn-inspired flavor profile.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the pancakes.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Egg: Adds structure and richness to the pancake batter.
  • Melted Butter: Contributes to the pancakes' tender texture and rich flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet aromatic note to the batter.
Fruit Ingredient:
  • Apple: Brings fresh, sweet, and slightly tart flavor to the pancakes, adding moisture and texture.
Syrup Ingredients:
  • Maple Syrup: The classic pancake topping with rich, sweet flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the maple syrup with a warm, fragrant touch.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Butter or Vegetable Oil: Used for greasing the skillet to prevent sticking and add a golden color to the pancakes.

How to Make Apple Pie Pancakes

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and salt.

This blending ensures the warm spices spread evenly through the flour mixture.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a measuring cup, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smoothly blended.

Let the melted butter cool slightly to prevent clumping when mixing with cold milk.

Step 3: Create Pancake Batter

Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl.

Stir gently until just combined, leaving a few small lumps.

Avoid overmixing to keep pancakes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Apples

Fold grated apple into the batter carefully.

Distribute the apple pieces evenly without excessive stirring.

Step 5: Cook Pancakes

Heat skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.

Pour batter to form pancakes.

Watch for small bubbles on the surface (1-2 minutes), then flip.

Lower heat to medium-low and cook another minute until golden brown.

Keep cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F oven.

Step 6: Prepare Vanilla Maple Syrup

Stir warmed maple syrup with vanilla extract to create a delightful flavor enhancement for your pancakes.

Apple Pie Pancake Tips & Tricks

  • Stir pancake batter gently to keep the texture light and fluffy, avoiding tough results that come from aggressive stirring.
  • Fold grated apple carefully into the batter, ensuring even spread without breaking down the delicate pancake mixture.
  • Maintain medium heat when cooking, then reduce to medium-low after flipping to achieve perfect golden-brown pancakes without burning.
  • Warm maple syrup with vanilla extract creates a rich, aromatic complement that elevates the entire pancake experience.
  • Prepare batter night before and store in refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making morning cooking faster and easier.

Reheat & Store Apple Pie Pancakes

  • Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual pancakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange pancakes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Cover with foil to prevent drying and warm for 5-7 minutes.
  • Place pancakes on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 15-20 seconds per pancake. Add a damp paper towel to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.

Best Sides for Apple Pie Pancakes

  • Pair with Cinnamon Coffee: Brew a warm, spiced coffee that complements the apple pie pancakes' cozy flavors, enhancing the cinnamon and nutmeg notes.
  • Create Apple Cider Cocktail: Mix apple cider with bourbon or rum for an adult beverage that echoes the recipe's apple and warm spice profile, offering a delightful seasonal twist.
  • Serve with Vanilla Yogurt Smoothie: Blend vanilla yogurt, fresh apple chunks, and a touch of honey to create a creamy, refreshing drink that balances the pancakes' richness.
  • Recommend Caramel Macchiato: Craft a smooth espresso drink with caramel drizzle that mirrors the sweet, buttery essence of the apple pie pancakes, providing a decadent morning experience.

New Takes on Apple Pie Pancakes

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free pancake mix for those with wheat sensitivities. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Vegan Alternative: Swap egg with mashed banana or flax egg, use plant-based milk like almond milk, and replace butter with coconut oil. These substitutions maintain the pancake's rich flavor while making it completely plant-based.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Reduce brown sugar and use monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Add extra cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance natural sweetness without increasing calories, perfect for those monitoring sugar intake.
  • Protein-Packed Pancakes: Mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the dry ingredients. This variation boosts protein content, making pancakes more filling and suitable for fitness enthusiasts or those needing extra protein in their diet.
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Apple Pie Pancakes With Vanilla Maple Syrup Recipe

Apple Pie Pancakes With Vanilla Maple Syrup Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delightful Apple Pie Pancakes elevate breakfast with classic American comfort, blending warm spices and sweet fruit. Drizzled with rich vanilla maple syrup, these pancakes invite you to savor a morning filled with homemade charm and irresistible flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup grated apple
  • 1 large egg

Dry Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground clove
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients and Cooking Components:

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Butter or vegetable oil for cooking in the skillet

Vanilla Maple Syrup:

  • 1/2 cup maple syrup, gently warmed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or scrapings of 1 vanilla bean

Instructions

  1. Blend dry ingredients in a medium bowl: flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and salt, ensuring even spice distribution throughout the mixture.
  2. Whisk milk, egg, cooled melted butter, and vanilla extract in a separate measuring cup until thoroughly combined, preventing butter clumping.
  3. Gently merge wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain batter texture—some lumps are acceptable to prevent tough pancakes.
  4. Delicately incorporate grated apple into batter, distributing evenly without excessive stirring.
  5. Preheat skillet to medium heat, lightly greasing with butter or oil. Ladle 1/4 cup batter per pancake, cooking until surface bubbles emerge (1-2 minutes), then flip. Reduce heat to medium-low, cooking an additional minute until golden brown.
  6. While pancakes cook, warm maple syrup and blend with vanilla extract to create an enhanced flavor profile.
  7. Maintain cooked pancakes at 200°F in oven to preserve warmth and texture while completing remaining batch.

Notes

  • Customize Spice Levels by adjusting cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove amounts to suit personal taste preferences, creating a personalized warm flavor profile.
  • Use Overripe Apples for enhanced natural sweetness and softer texture when grating into pancake batter, maximizing apple flavor integration.
  • Gluten-Free Option can be achieved by substituting regular flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy these delicious pancakes.
  • Prevent Soggy Pancakes by gently squeezing excess moisture from grated apples before folding into batter, maintaining optimal pancake consistency and preventing waterlogging.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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