Imagine waking up to the warm, sweet scent of cinnamon apple pancakes baking in your kitchen. This Cinnamon Apple Pancake Skillet recipe is not just delightful; it's also simple enough for anyone to make. In just a few easy steps, you can create a cozy breakfast that fills your home with flavor. Get ready to impress your family or enjoy a special treat for yourself! Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet and tart apples perfectly complement the warm cinnamon, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that’s hard to resist.
- Easy One-Pan Preparation: This recipe requires minimal cleanup as everything is cooked in a single skillet, making it perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste by adding nuts, different spices, or even swapping in other fruits like pears or berries.
- Impressive Presentation: Baking the pancake in a cast-iron skillet makes for a beautiful, puffy, and golden pancake that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- Optional: Maple syrup, chopped walnuts or pecans
Gather these simple ingredients before you start. The apples give the dish a sweet and tart flavor. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They hold their shape well when cooked.
For the dry mix, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mix gives the pancake a nice rise. The buttermilk adds moisture and tang. If you don't have buttermilk, mix regular milk with lemon juice.
The cinnamon and brown sugar add warmth and sweetness. You can use more cinnamon if you love its flavor.
For serving, maple syrup is a must. It pairs perfectly with the apples. Chopped nuts add a nice crunch too. Enjoy gathering these ingredients; they will make a delightful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating and Preparing the Skillet
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease your skillet with melted butter. This helps the pancake not stick.
Preparing the Apples
- Take two medium apples and slice them.
- In a bowl, mix the apple slices with one teaspoon of ground cinnamon and two tablespoons of brown sugar.
Making the Pancake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together half a cup of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking powder, half a teaspoon of baking soda, and a quarter teaspoon of salt.
- In another bowl, mix one cup of buttermilk, one large egg, and two tablespoons of melted butter until smooth.
- Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. Some lumps are okay.
Baking the Pancake
- Spread the apple mixture evenly in the hot skillet.
- Pour the pancake batter over the apples, covering them well.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Let the skillet cool for a few minutes before slicing into wedges. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get the best texture, do not overmix your batter. Mixing too much makes the pancake tough. You want some lumps in the batter. These small lumps help keep the pancake fluffy. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, just stir until they come together. This will help keep your pancake light and airy.
Enhancing Flavor
You can add more flavor to your pancake. Consider using vanilla extract or nutmeg. A splash of vanilla gives a sweet aroma. Nutmeg adds a warm spice note. You can also use a pinch of ginger for a little kick. These extras can make your pancake even more delightful.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your pancake warm right from the skillet. Drizzle it with maple syrup for a sweet touch. For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top. This adds texture and flavor. You can also serve it with fresh fruit slices or a dollop of whipped cream. This makes the dish look appealing and delicious.
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweetness of the pancake, or use sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp for a softer flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to keep the pancakes fluffy. Lumps are okay; they’ll cook out during baking.
- Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to avoid undercooked centers. An oven thermometer can help ensure accurate baking temperatures.
- Enhance with Toppings: Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of nuts for added flavor and texture. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream for a special touch.
Variations
Fruit Alternatives
You can easily swap apples for other fruits. Pears work great in this dish. They have a similar texture and sweetness. Berries also add a nice twist. Use blueberries or raspberries for a burst of flavor. Just remember to adjust the sugar if needed. The key is to keep the fruit juicy but not too watery.
Gluten-Free Options
Making this pancake skillet gluten-free is simple. Just replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a mix that includes xanthan gum. This will help the pancake hold its shape. You can also use almond flour or oat flour, but they may change the flavor a bit. Keep an eye on the baking time; it might vary slightly.
Vegan Adaptations
Want a vegan version? You can make a few easy swaps. Instead of buttermilk, use plant-based milk with a splash of lemon juice. A flax egg works well too; mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a rich taste. These changes keep the flavors strong while making it plant-based.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cinnamon apple pancake skillet fresh, cool it to room temperature. Then, cut it into wedges. Place the slices in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. You can also wrap them tightly with plastic wrap if you prefer. This will help prevent them from drying out.
Reheating Tips
For the best taste, reheat the slices in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pancake wedges on a baking sheet. Cover them with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warm. You can also use a microwave, but it may make the pancake slightly soggy. If you choose the microwave, heat for 30 seconds at a time. Enjoy your warm pancake with a drizzle of maple syrup!
FAQs
How to make Cinnamon Apple Pancake Skillet from scratch?
To make this tasty dish, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a 10-inch cast-iron skillet and melt butter on the stove. Next, mix sliced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combine wet ingredients like buttermilk, egg, and melted butter in a different bowl. Then, mix the wet and dry ingredients together. Once the skillet is hot, layer the apple mixture in it. Pour the batter over the apples and bake for 15-20 minutes. The pancake is ready when it is puffed and golden.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk. To mimic buttermilk, mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This mixture will add a bit of tang. However, buttermilk gives a richer flavor and fluffier texture. So, while both work, buttermilk tends to be the better choice for this recipe.
How do I know when the pancake is fully cooked?
Look for a few signs to know if your pancake is done. The pancake should be puffed and lightly golden. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If it comes out sticky, bake it a bit longer. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps finish the cooking process and makes it easier to cut.
This blog post shared how to make a Cinnamon Apple Pancake Skillet. We covered the ingredients, steps, and important tips. You learned how to prepare and bake the dish for a delicious breakfast. Remember, you can swap apples for other fruits or make these pancakes gluten-free or vegan. Proper storage and reheating methods help keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy making this tasty meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Dive into your kitchen and create something special!
