German Apple Pancake Recipe

Fluffy German Apple Pancake Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Whipping up a delightful german apple pancake brings pure morning magic to your kitchen.

Crisp autumn apples mingle with sweet cinnamon and fluffy batter.

Sunlight streams through the window as you fold ingredients with gentle care.

Childhood memories of weekend breakfasts flood back with each whisked movement.

Soft textures and rich aromas promise a comforting culinary experience waiting to unfold.

Each golden-edged pancake tells a story of warmth and traditional german baking.

Savor this delectable creation and let your taste buds dance with delight.

Why German Apple Pancake Is A Sweet Classic

  • Craft Culinary Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a stunning, restaurant-worthy dish that impresses without professional cooking skills.
  • Master Quick Comfort: Prepare a delightful breakfast or dessert in minimal steps, making it perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous sweet cravings.
  • Celebrate Versatile Indulgence: Enjoy a recipe that seamlessly transitions from breakfast treat to elegant dessert, suitable for casual family meals or elegant brunch gatherings.
  • Customize with Creativity: Adapt the recipe by experimenting with different fruits, spices, or toppings to match personal taste preferences and seasonal ingredients.

What’s In German Apple Pancake

For the Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and creates the classic pancake texture.
  • Eggs: They bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rich, smooth consistency of the batter.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a light, tender pancake with a delicate crumb.
For the Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: These ingredients bring sweetness and help caramelize the apples, creating a rich, deep flavor profile.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, comforting aroma.
For the Fruit and Spices:
  • Apples: Provide a fresh, sweet base that transforms when caramelized, adding natural sweetness and texture.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Delivers a warm, aromatic spice that complements the apples and adds depth to the dish.
For the Fats and Seasonings:
  • Butter, Melted Butter: Contributes richness, helps with browning, and adds a luxurious flavor to the pancake.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
For the Finishing Touches:
  • Powdered Sugar, Maple Syrup: Optional toppings that add extra sweetness and presentation appeal.

How To Cook German Apple Pancake Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 425°F, creating the perfect environment for a puffy, golden masterpiece.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt
  • Melted butter

Blend until silky smooth with zero lumps.

Step 3: Prepare the Apples

Carefully peel and core the apples, then slice them into delicate, thin crescents that will caramelize like a dream.

Step 4: Spice Up the Apples

Toss the apple slices with:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Ensure each slice gets a generous coating of sweet, aromatic goodness.

Step 5: Prepare the Skillet

Melt butter in a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat, creating a perfectly slick surface.

Step 6: Arrange Apple Slices

Create a beautiful, overlapping pattern of cinnamon-sugar coated apple slices across the bottom of the skillet.

Step 7: Pour the Batter

Gently pour the prepared batter over the arranged apples, letting it settle naturally without disturbing the fruity foundation.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch in awe as the pancake puffs up and turns a rich, golden-brown.

Step 9: Rest and Release

Remove from the oven and let the pancake rest for 5 minutes, allowing it to stabilize and easily release from the pan.

Step 10: Dramatic Reveal

Carefully flip the pancake onto a serving platter, showcasing the gorgeous caramelized apple layer on top.

Step 11: Final Touches

Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup on the side for an extra touch of sweetness.

Helpful Tips For German Apple Pancake

  • Prevent Lumpy Batter: Whisk ingredients thoroughly and strain the mixture if needed to ensure a silky-smooth consistency.
  • Slice Apples Strategically: Cut apples into thin, uniform pieces to guarantee even caramelization and perfect texture throughout the pancake.
  • Master Cast-Iron Technique: Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for optimal heat distribution and a beautiful golden-brown crust.
  • Control Moisture Levels: Pat apple slices dry before coating with cinnamon-sugar to prevent excess liquid from making the pancake soggy.
  • Serve at Peak Perfection: Enjoy the pancake immediately after inverting to experience the optimal texture and temperature of this delightful breakfast treat.

Tasty Variations Of German Apple Pancake

  • Pear and Cardamom Variation: Replace apples with thinly sliced pears and add ground cardamom for a subtle, warm spice profile that complements the fruit's delicate flavor.
  • Gluten-Free German Pancake: Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend made from rice flour and almond flour, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this classic dish.
  • Berry Bliss Adaptation: Substitute apple slices with mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a tangy, colorful alternative that bursts with summer freshness.
  • Savory Herb Rendition: Transform the recipe by using caramelized onions instead of apples and adding fresh thyme and rosemary to create a robust, savory version of the traditional sweet pancake.

Perfect Pairings For German Apple Pancake

  • Brew Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: Create a warm, complementary beverage that mirrors the pancake's aromatic cinnamon notes, enhancing the apple's natural sweetness and providing a comforting morning experience.
  • Select Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a creamy, cold contrast to the warm pancake, letting the smooth vanilla complement the caramelized apples and create a delightful temperature and flavor interplay.
  • Match with Maple Bourbon Cream: Drizzle a sophisticated adult sauce that deepens the pancake's richness, blending smooth bourbon undertones with classic maple sweetness for an elevated breakfast indulgence.

How To Store German Apple Pancake Correctly

  • Store leftover apple pancake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Pancakes can be frozen for 1-2 months without losing significant texture or flavor.
  • Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30-45 seconds until warm, checking to avoid overheating which can make the pancake tough.
  • Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent edges from burning. This method helps restore the pancake's original crispy texture and keeps the apples soft and caramelized.

FAQs For German Apple Pancake

  • How do I know if my batter is the right consistency?

The batter should be smooth with no visible flour lumps, similar to a thin pancake batter that easily flows when poured.

  • Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples work best because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness during baking.

  • Why is a cast-iron skillet recommended for this recipe?

Cast-iron skillets distribute heat evenly, help create a perfect golden-brown crust, and allow for seamless stovetop-to-oven cooking without changing pans.

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German Apple Pancake Recipe

German Apple Pancake Recipe


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4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Indulgent German apple pancake brings continental breakfast charm straight from Bavaria’s kitchens. Golden-edged layers studded with caramelized apples promise a delightful morning experience you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Pancake Batter:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

Fruit and Topping:

  • 4 medium apples (preferably granny smith)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F, ensuring a hot environment for the pancake’s dramatic rise and golden transformation.
  2. Whisk flour, eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter in a large mixing bowl until the batter becomes smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Peel and core the apples, then slice them into thin, uniform crescents that will caramelize beautifully during cooking.
  4. Toss apple slices with brown sugar and ground cinnamon, coating each piece to create a sweet, aromatic mixture.
  5. Melt butter in a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat, ensuring even coating across the surface.
  6. Arrange the cinnamon-sugar coated apple slices in an artistic, overlapping pattern across the bottom of the skillet.
  7. Pour the prepared batter gently over the arranged apples, allowing it to settle naturally without disturbing the fruit layer.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the pancake to puff dramatically and turn a rich golden-brown color.
  9. Remove from oven and let the pancake rest for 5 minutes, allowing it to stabilize and easily release from the pan.
  10. Carefully invert the pancake onto a serving platter, revealing the caramelized apple layer on top.
  11. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately with maple syrup on the side for those desiring extra sweetness.

Notes

  • Choose a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for the best non-stick surface and even heat distribution during baking.
  • Slice apples uniformly to ensure consistent caramelization and an even cooking experience throughout the pancake.
  • Whisk batter thoroughly to eliminate flour lumps, creating a smooth, silky texture that rises beautifully in the oven.
  • Experiment with alternative flours like almond or gluten-free blends for those with dietary restrictions, adjusting liquid ratios as needed.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 240 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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