Description
Delight in these delicious Caramel Apple Pancakes, featuring tender, caramelized diced apples atop fluffy apple-infused pancakes. Perfect for a cozy brunch or sweet breakfast treat, these pancakes combine the warmth of cinnamon and caramel with the fresh crispness of apples for a comforting and flavorful experience.
Ingredients
Caramel Apples
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 to 3 tablespoons prepared caramel sauce (plus more for serving)
Apple Pancakes
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 medium apple, peeled and grated
- Butter or cooking spray (for the griddle)
Instructions
- Make the Caramel Apples: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the diced apples and cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes until they’re slightly softened.
- Add Sweeteners and Flavorings: Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes or until the apples become tender and the mixture develops a syrupy consistency.
- Incorporate Caramel Sauce: Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of prepared caramel sauce and cook just until warmed through, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and keep warm while you prepare the pancakes.
- Prepare the Pancake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to evenly combine the dry ingredients.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, melted butter, and beaten eggs. Stir gently just until the mixture is combined; avoid overmixing to keep pancakes fluffy.
- Fold in Grated Apple: Gently fold the grated apple into the batter. Allow the batter to rest for about 5 minutes; this helps hydrate the flour and activate the baking powder while heating the griddle.
- Heat the Griddle: Warm a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Pancakes: Pour ¼ to ⅓ cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to set.
- Flip Pancakes: Carefully flip each pancake and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the pancakes are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Plate the pancakes and top generously with the warm caramelized apples. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor that complements caramel well.
- To keep pancakes warm while cooking the batch, place them on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F or 93°C).
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk alternative.
- Caramel sauce can be homemade or store-bought; warm it slightly before adding for better mixing.
- Do not overmix the pancake batter to avoid tough pancakes; lumps are okay.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
