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Apple Cinnamon German Pancake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 126 reviews

This Apple Cinnamon German Pancake is a cozy and delightful breakfast treat that combines fluffy, puffed pancakes with tender, caramelized apples seasoned with cinnamon. Perfectly baked in a hot cast-iron skillet, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors with a crispy edge and a soft center. Ideal for a weekend brunch or a comforting morning meal, it can be customized with nuts, powdered sugar, maple syrup, or whipped cream for an indulgent touch.

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)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Add-ons

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for added 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 baking dish in the oven as it heats to get it hot, which helps create the pancake’s signature crispy edges.
  2. Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk the 3 eggs until frothy. Add 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir just until combined; some lumps are fine and will disappear during baking. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter tender.
  3. Sauté the Apples: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter. Add the sliced apples, then sprinkle with 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cook while stirring occasionally until the apples become tender and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Optionally, add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  4. Combine and Bake: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and butter it lightly if desired. Spread the sautéed apples evenly in the skillet, then pour the prepared batter over them. Immediately return the skillet to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until the pancake is puffed up and golden brown. Do not open the oven door during baking to prevent deflation. For a golden top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes while watching carefully.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Remove the pancake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar, sprinkle chopped nuts, drizzle with maple syrup, or add whipped cream as desired. Slice and serve warm for a comforting breakfast experience.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor, or mix with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness.
  • Preheating the skillet is key for crispy edges and proper rising of the pancake.
  • Do not overmix the batter; slight lumps are okay.
  • Keep an eye on the apples while sautéing to avoid burning.
  • Do not open the oven door during baking to preserve the pancake’s puffiness.
  • Broil only at the end if you want a crispier top, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Keywords: German pancake, apple cinnamon pancake, baked pancake, breakfast recipe, cast iron skillet pancake, caramelized apples, cozy breakfast, brunch recipe

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/apple-cinnamon-german-pancake-recipe/