Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
There’s nothing better than waking up to the smell of fluffy Apple Cinnamon Pancakes sizzling on the griddle. Soft, tender, and lightly spiced, these pancakes are a perfect combination of sweetness and warmth—perfect for fall mornings, weekend brunch, or special family breakfasts.
This recipe elevates classic pancakes by adding fresh apples and warm cinnamon, creating layers of flavor in every bite. The batter is simple to prepare, and the pancakes cook to a golden perfection, ready to be topped with maple syrup, butter, or even a dollop of whipped cream.
With a few easy steps, you can make restaurant-style apple cinnamon pancakes at home that are light, fluffy, and full of flavor. Plus, this recipe is versatile enough to customize with nuts, raisins, or caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.

Why This Recipe Works
- Fluffy and light: Perfect texture every time.
- Balanced sweetness: Natural apple sweetness and a hint of cinnamon.
- Quick and easy: Simple ingredients you likely already have.
- Family-friendly: Kids love the soft pancakes with warm apple flavor.
- Versatile toppings: Maple syrup, whipped cream, nuts, or caramel drizzle.
INGREDIENTS
Pancakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced

INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1 — Prepare the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar.
- In another bowl, mix milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Batter may be slightly lumpy.
- Fold in diced apples gently.
Step 2 — Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat; lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake onto the skillet.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, about 2–3 minutes.
- Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Step 3 — Serve
- Stack pancakes on a plate.
- Top with extra apple slices, maple syrup, or whipped cream.
- Serve warm immediately for best flavor.
Tips for Perfection
- Use a slightly tart apple for balanced sweetness.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it keeps pancakes fluffy.
- Keep cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest.
- Lightly butter the skillet to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.

Flavor Variations
| Variation | Change | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Caramel Apple | Drizzle caramel sauce over pancakes | Extra indulgent dessert-style flavor |
| Nutty Apple | Add chopped walnuts or pecans | Crunchy texture and nutty flavor |
| Spiced | Add nutmeg or allspice | Deeper autumn spice flavor |
| Raisin Apple | Fold in raisins | Sweet chewiness in every bite |
Serving Ideas
- Serve with maple syrup and butter for a classic breakfast.
- Pair with bacon or sausage for a hearty brunch.
- Add fresh fruit or yogurt on the side for a lighter meal.
Storage
- Best eaten immediately; pancakes lose fluffiness if stored too long.
- Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a skillet or microwave, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar.
- In another bowl, mix milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Batter may be slightly lumpy.
- Fold in diced apple gently.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form and edges look set, about 2–3 minutes.
- Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Stack pancakes on a plate, top with apple slices, syrup, or whipped cream, and serve warm.
