This Apple Cinnamon German Pancake is a fluffy treat that rises beautifully in the oven. It has sweet apples and a dash of cinnamon, making it smell amazing while baking!
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just mix, pour, and let the oven do the work. Top it with syrup or whipped cream for a fun breakfast. Who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: Large eggs are essential for this pancake to rise. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg, but the texture may vary slightly.
Milk: Whole milk gives the best richness. If you need a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk work well too. Just ensure you pick one that has no added sugar.
Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal for the ideal pancake. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. It should work well in this recipe.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which pairs well with cinnamon. Honeycrisp is another great option, but feel free to use any apple you have on hand!
How Do I Get a Perfectly Fluffy Pancake?
To achieve that lovely puffed-up look, follow these steps:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated; the heat helps the pancake rise quickly.
- Swirl the melted butter well in the skillet before pouring in the batter. This adds flavor and helps it cook evenly.
- Avoid opening the oven door while it bakes; this prevents the pancake from collapsing.
Let it cool a bit before serving; it will deflate slightly, but that’s okay! Dust it with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Time Needed:
This delightful pancake will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, plus a few minutes of cooling time. So, overall, you should set aside about 40 minutes to enjoy your delicious Apple Cinnamon German Pancake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Skillet:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats up, place a 10-inch cast iron skillet or any ovenproof pan inside the oven to get nice and hot.
2. Mix the Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is mixed until smooth and well combined. This batter is really simple, so don’t stress if you see small lumps!
3. Prepare the Skillet:
Carefully pull the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts (it will be very hot!). Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt, swirling the pan to coat the bottom and sides evenly.
4. Add the Apples:
Next, arrange the sliced apples evenly over the melted butter in the skillet. This will give your pancake a wonderful fruity flavor.
5. Pour in the Batter:
Now, gently pour the batter over the apple slices. Make sure the batter covers the apples evenly.
6. Bake the Pancake:
Return the skillet to the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. The pancake is done when it’s puffed up, golden brown, and set in the middle. Resist opening the oven door while it bakes, as that can cause it to deflate.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for just a few minutes. It might sink a bit, but that’s perfectly normal. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness before serving.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Apple Cinnamon German Pancake warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream if you like. Enjoy this easy and delicious dish!
Happy cooking! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can use any apple variety you have on hand. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples might make the pancake a bit sweeter, so adjust the sugar if necessary!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. This should provide similar results while keeping it safe for those avoiding gluten.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I Prepare the Batter in Advance?
While it’s best to make the batter just before baking for the fluffiest results, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and combine them with the wet ingredients right before you’re ready to bake. Just remember not to let the batter sit too long, as it will lose some of its fluffiness!
