Juicy Apple Pancakes

📝 Description:

These juicy apple pancakes are soft, fluffy, and filled with bits of fresh apple in every bite. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and perfectly sweet, they’re the ultimate fall (or anytime!) breakfast treat — no syrup required (but always welcome).

🌍 Origin:

Inspired by classic American-style pancakes with a hint of European apple fritter influence. A comforting combo of pancake fluff and juicy apple bites — Grandma would approve.

🧂 Ingredients (Quantities):

1 cup all-purpose flour (or use whole wheat or oat flour)
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional sweetener)
1 large egg
¾ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp melted butter or oil (plus more for cooking)
1 large apple, peeled and grated or finely chopped
Optional: squeeze of lemon juice to coat apple for extra brightness

🌿 Optional Add-ins:

Handful of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
A few raisins or dried cranberries
A pinch of cloves or cardamom
Splash of apple cider instead of milk for extra apple flavor

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apple:
Peel and grate or finely dice the apple. Toss with a little lemon juice if desired to keep it fresh and bright.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk egg, milk, vanilla, melted butter (or oil), and sweetener if using.

4. Combine:
Add wet ingredients to dry, stirring just until combined. Fold in the grated apple. Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes if you can — it helps the texture.

5. Cook:
Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it. Scoop batter into rounds (about ¼ cup each). Cook 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Flip carefully — the apples add extra moisture.

6. Serve:
Stack ’em up and top with extra apple slices, maple syrup, cinnamon, yogurt, nut butter, or a dollop of whipped cream!

✅ Tips for Success:

Use crisp, juicy apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for the best texture and sweetness.
Don’t overmix the batter — keep it light and airy.
Let the batter rest if you have time — it makes the pancakes extra fluffy.
Cook on medium heat — too high and the outside burns before the inside cooks through.