Best Ever Cinnamon Apple Pancakes with Caramel Drizzle
There are some flavors that instantly transport you back to childhood, and for me, that’s cinnamon and sweet apples. My grandmother used to make the most incredible apple fritters whenever the weather started to turn crisp.
It was the ultimate cozy, easy dinner comfort food. I took that nostalgic taste and transformed it into the perfect morning treat: these incredible **Cinnamon Apple Pancakes with Caramel Drizzle**.
This recipe is a family favorite, yielding the fluffiest pancakes packed with soft, spiced apples. It’s a tested method that guarantees perfect results every time, making your weekend brunch absolutely unforgettable!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
❤️ Fluffy and Flavorful: These pancakes are incredibly light, holding their texture perfectly despite the chunks of spiced apple.
- They require only 15 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for busy mornings.
- The combination of warm cinnamon and tangy apple is irresistible fall comfort.
- You can easily make the caramel drizzle ahead of time to save a few minutes.
- This recipe is wonderfully scannable and mobile-friendly!
What You Need
You only need a few simple pantry staples for this recipe! We use basic flour, eggs, and milk, plus fresh diced apples and ground cinnamon for that perfect autumn flavor.
Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements and optional homemade caramel sauce instructions.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pancakes
💡 Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Lumps are okay! Overmixing develops gluten, which results in tough, chewy pancakes instead of light, fluffy ones.
- Rest the Batter: Let your batter sit for 5 to 10 minutes before cooking. This allows the baking powder to fully activate and the flour to absorb the liquid, ensuring maximum fluffiness.
- Use Medium Heat: Cook pancakes on medium or medium-low heat. If the heat is too high, the outside will burn before the apples inside have time to soften.
- The Bubble Test: Flip the pancakes only once the edges look set and bubbles start popping across the entire surface.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to customize your pancakes? This recipe is very flexible!
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Vegan Option: Replace the dairy milk with almond or oat milk, and use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) or a commercial egg replacer.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg and allspice to your batter for a deeper seasonal flavor profile.
- Try Different Fruits: Swap apples for diced pears or blueberries for a quick change.
Storage & Freezing
These pancakes are fantastic for meal prepping!
To Store: Keep leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or toaster oven.
To Freeze: Allow the cooled pancakes to completely cool, then stack them with small sheets of parchment paper in between. Place the stack in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or oven.
FAQ
What is the best apple to use in pancakes?
We recommend using firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape when cooked and provide a nice contrast to the sweet caramel drizzle.
Can I make the batter the night before?
It is generally best to mix the batter right before cooking. However, if you must prep ahead, mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, and combine them right before you are ready to cook.
How do I make the caramel drizzle thicker?
If your caramel is too thin, return it to the saucepan and simmer gently for a few extra minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. Remember it will thicken slightly as it cools!
These Cinnamon Apple Pancakes are truly a showstopper. Whether you make them for Sunday brunch or a weeknight treat, they are guaranteed to bring smiles.
If you loved this recipe, please leave a star rating below and Pin this for later! Happy cooking!
Fluffy Cinnamon Apple Pancakes with Homemade Caramel Drizzle
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
- 4 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 3/4 cups Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted, plus more for cooking
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Granny Smith Apple, finely diced
- For Drizzle: Prepared Caramel Sauce (or 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp butter for homemade)
Instructions
- Step 1 In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 2 In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Step 3 Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix; lumps are fine.
- Step 4 Gently fold in the finely diced apples. Let the batter rest for 5u201310 minutes.
- Step 5 Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
- Step 6 Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the griddle. Cook for 2u20133 minutes per side, until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges are set.
- Step 7 Flip and cook for another 1u20132 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 8 Serve immediately, topped generously with caramel drizzle and extra cinnamon, if desired.
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
- 4 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 3/4 cups Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted, plus more for cooking
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Granny Smith Apple, finely diced
- For Drizzle: Prepared Caramel Sauce (or 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp butter for homemade)
