Add a fruity twist to a breakfast classic with this quick and easy recipe for Cinnamon Applesauce Pancakes topped with sautéed apples.
Fall is in full force, and while I’m all for the season’s freshest fruit taking on starring roles in desserts of all kinds (especially Easy Caramel Apples), it’s about time apples had their place in the breakfast spotlight. Welcome to the main stage, Cinnamon Applesauce Pancakes!
I’ve taken my go-to recipe for Light and Fluffy Pancakes and given them a spiced spin with the addition of ground cinnamon (a dash of nutmeg would also be spectacular). And to the wet ingredients, I’ve added a full cup of applesauce to lend a touch of sweetness and really intensify the moisture factor of these flapjacks.
So here’s where you can keep this recipe as simple or as snazzy as you desire. Opt for your favorite brand of store-bought applesauce or go the extra step and whip up Slow Cooker Applesauce from scratch.
If you’ve never tried warm homemade applesauce, allow me to casually suggest you drop everything you’re doing and run to the store for a dozen of your favorite apples. It. Is. That. Good.
But for all those with prior engagements, you can still enjoy warm apples in the form of a quick-fix topping for your applesauce pancakes. This is a totally optional add-on for the recipe, but I’ve included instructions below if applesauce pancakes topped with warm sautéed apples is you sorta thing. (Hint: It’s mine!)
You could also spoon said apple topping over ice cream, finish it off with a drizzle of butterscotch and oh. em. gee. this pregnant lady needs to just stop typing. We made it from pancakes to ice cream in less than four sentences. My job here is done!
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder and brown sugar.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce, egg, vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. (The batter should be lumpy.)
- Place a nonstick pan or griddle over medium-low heat. Drop dollops of the batter onto the hot pan. Once bubbles form, flip the pancakes once and continue cooking 1 to 2 more minutes until the pancakes are cooked throughout. Serve immediately with maple syrup or other toppings.
Kelly's Notes:
- Do not overmix the batter or the pancakes will be dense and flat rather than light and fluffy.
- As an optional topping, add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 3 tablespoons brown sugar to a sauté pan set over medium-low heat. Once the butter has melted, add sliced apples and cook, stirring, until the apples have softened slightly. Spoon the topping over the pancakes and serve.
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Recipe by Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste. Please do not reprint this recipe without my permission. If you'd like to feature this recipe on your site, please rewrite the method of preparation and link to this post as the original source.
I made the cinnamon pancakes with the apples. They were delicious. Every few weeks a make pancake and I like to try different types.
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Jacquie!
These are wonderful. I had some pears that didn’t ripen well, so I made pear sauce out of them and used it instead of applesauce. And I substituted gluten free flour because I have celiac, it worked well. I would add a pinch of salt next time.
Love your swaps, Joan!
My daughter and I loved it!! Quick, easy and delicious. My kind of recipe. Thanks!
YESSSS! I’m so glad to read this, Lauren!
Loved the pancakes. My granddaughter said they are now her favourite pancakes.
Yay! I’m so thrilled to read this, Darlene!
Best pancakes ever ! They are so delicious!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Stephanie!
We really like this pancake recipe. We make them at least a couple times a month.
We substitute almond milk for whole milk to make them dairy-free pancakes.
Love reading this, Tom! I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe!
I really enjoyed this recipe. I modified it slightly by using buttermilk and adding 1/2 a teaspoon baking soda. The pancakes came out great and were very good.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Ben!