Print

Apple Cinnamon German Pancake Recipe

4.8 from 81 reviews

A warm and fluffy Apple Cinnamon German Pancake recipe perfect for a cozy breakfast. This dish features a light, puffy batter baked over caramelized cinnamon-spiced apples, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, ideal for a comforting morning treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, plus extra for sautéing apples)
  • 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced – Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Add-ons

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for crunch
  • Maple syrup for drizzling
  • Whipped cream for a touch of indulgence

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish inside the oven as it preheats to get it hot, which helps create a crispy edge and ensures the pancake puffs up beautifully.
  2. Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk 3 large eggs until frothy. Add 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir gently just until combined; a few lumps are fine and will disappear during baking. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
  3. Cook the Apples: Heat some unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add peeled, cored, and sliced apples, then sprinkle with 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sauté the apples, stirring occasionally, until tender and caramelized. Optionally, add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Be careful not to burn the apples.
  4. Combine and Bake: Remove the hot skillet from the oven, carefully arrange the sautéed apples in it, then pour the prepared batter evenly over them. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until the pancake is puffed and golden. For an extra golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning. Do not open the oven door during baking to prevent deflating.

Notes

  • Use an oven thermometer for accurate temperature control.
  • For richer flavor, substitute buttermilk for milk in the batter.
  • Granny Smith apples provide tartness; Honeycrisp or Fuji offer a sweeter profile.
  • Keep an eye on apples during sauté to avoid burning and ensure even caramelization.
  • The cast-iron skillet should be preheated in the oven to help achieve a crisp edge.
  • Opening the oven door during baking can cause the pancake to collapse, so avoid it.
  • Optional toppings like powdered sugar, nuts, maple syrup, or whipped cream can be added after baking to enhance flavor and texture.

Keywords: Apple cinnamon German pancake, German pancake recipe, baked pancake, cinnamon apples, breakfast pancake, cast-iron skillet pancake