This Apple Cinnamon German Pancake is a fluffy delight that’s perfect for breakfast. It’s packed with sweet apples and warm cinnamon, making it a cozy dish to enjoy!
Honestly, it feels like having dessert for breakfast. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up! I love topping mine with a drizzle of maple syrup. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: These are key for fluffiness! If you’re vegan, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a similar texture.
Apples: I love Honeycrisp apples for their sweetness and crunch. You can also use Granny Smith for tartness or any variety you have on hand.
Cinnamon: The warmth of cinnamon makes this dish cozy! You could swap in apple pie spice for a more complex flavor.
Butter: Unsalted is best, but if you only have salted, reduce the added salt in the recipe. For a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well!
How Do I Get the Pancake to Puff Up Perfectly?
The secret to a beautiful puffed pancake lies in preheating the skillet. Start by making sure your skillet is super hot before adding the batter. Here’s how:
- Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while the skillet is inside.
- Once the skillet is hot, add melted butter right before pouring the batter in. This will create steam, helping it rise.
- Don’t open the oven door while baking. This keeps the heat trapped inside for maximum puffiness!
Using these tips, your pancake will come out tall and fluffy, ready to impress everyone at the table!
Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pancake will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to bake. You’ll wait about 5 minutes for it to cool before serving, so in total, you can expect around 35-40 minutes for this warm, fluffy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating the Oven and Skillet:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe pan in the oven to get hot. This helps create a perfectly puffed pancake!
2. Mixing the Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Keep mixing until the batter is smooth and slightly frothy. This will be the base for your pancake.
3. Adding Butter to the Skillet:
Carefully take the hot skillet out of the oven. Add the unsalted butter right away and swirl it around to coat the bottom and sides of the skillet as it melts.
4. Arranging the Apples:
Place the thinly sliced apples evenly in the skillet over the melted butter. They will provide a delicious, sweet layer in the pancake!
5. Pouring the Batter:
Next, pour the batter over the apples in the skillet. It’s important to do this step quickly and return the skillet to the oven immediately.
6. Baking the Pancake:
Bake the pancake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s puffed up, golden brown around the edges, and set in the middle. Make sure not to open the oven door during baking!
7. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. The pancake will puff up beautifully but will deflate a little as it cools. Let it cool for about 5 minutes.
8. Topping and Enjoying:
Dust the pancake generously with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Serve warm, and if you like, drizzle with fresh maple syrup. Enjoy your delightful Apple Cinnamon German Pancake!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Apples?
Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or even berries would work wonderfully. Just keep in mind that different fruits may change the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature or pop it in the microwave, but be aware it may not be as fluffy as when freshly baked.
Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s a 1:1 ratio. Just double-check that your baking powder is also gluten-free!
How Do I Prevent the Pancake from Sticking to the Pan?
Using a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet will help, but make sure to generously coat it with butter before adding the batter. You can also sprinkle a little flour in the pan after the butter for extra non-stick assurance!