If you want to see a group of kids (and adults) stare in wonder at an oven door, you have to make this recipe. This Apple Cinnamon German Pancake is pure culinary theatre. We pour a simple batter over sautéed apples, slide it into the oven, and watch the magic happen. It puffs up spectacularly high, billowing over the edges of the skillet like a golden, edible cloud.
It is the most dramatic, fun, and impressive breakfast recipe you can make with zero special skills. The puffed edges and custardy center with those caramelized apples on top make it perfect for a special brunch. It all comes together in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to sit down and enjoy breakfast with everyone.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
- Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
- How to Make Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
- My Top Tips for This Recipe
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
- Variations on Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
- Equipment for Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
- Storage Tips for Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
- Adam's Tip for Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
- FAQ about Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- recipe
Why You'll Love This Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
- Super easy to make - Just mix, pour, and bake. No flipping required.
- Perfect for fall mornings - The warm spices and tender apples make it cozy and seasonal.
- Feeds a crowd - One pan serves 4 to 6 people, so it's great for brunch gatherings.
Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
This easy German apple pancake recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients. The apples get caramelized right in the pan, and the batter puffs up beautifully around them as it bakes. It's similar to what you might find at the Original Pancake House, but you can make it right at home.
What You'll Need
For the Caramelized Apples:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of allspice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Pancake Batter:
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the skillet)
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Maple syrup or caramel drizzle
- Whipped cream
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Tart and sweet apples - Using a mix like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives you the perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg spice blend - These warm spices are what make this pancake taste like fall in every bite.
- Cast iron skillet - It holds heat well and creates those crispy, golden edges we all love.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
This classic German apple pancake is a delightful combination of sweet, spiced apples and airy pancake, making it a must-try dish for breakfast. If you've ever wondered about the German apple pancake vs Dutch baby debate, they're actually very similar. Both are oven-baked one-pan pancakes with a custardy center and crisp edges.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place your cast iron skillet (or oven-safe skillet) inside to heat up while you prep everything.
- Prepare the apples. Peel, core, and slice your apples thinly. In a small bowl, toss the apple slices with 2 tablespoons of sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. Set aside.
- Make the pancake batter. In a blender or mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, vanilla, and salt. Blend or whisk until smooth. The batter should be thin, almost like crepe batter.
- Caramelize the apples. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven (use oven mitts). Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt, swirling to coat the bottom. Add the spiced apple slices and cook on the stovetop over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring gently, until the apples start to soften and caramelize. This German apple pancake stove top method for the apples gives them extra flavor.
- Add the batter. Pour the pancake batter evenly over the apples in the skillet. The pancake is poured over apples before baking. Don't stir, just let it settle.
- Bake. Transfer the skillet back to the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the pancake is puffed up around the edges and golden brown.
- Serve warm. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and slice into wedges. Enjoy!
Hint: For extra crispy edges, make sure your skillet is fully preheated before you add the batter.
If you love warm breakfast bakes like this one, you'll definitely want to try our Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal. It's another cozy fall favorite that the whole family asks for on repeat.
My Top Tips for This Recipe
Don't skip the preheating step. Getting that skillet nice and hot before you pour in the batter is what creates those beautiful puffed edges. Work quickly once you add the batter. The hotter the pan, the better the rise. If your pancake deflates a little after you take it out of the oven, that's totally normal. It still tastes great.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
The first time I made this, Adam was standing on his little step stool next to me, watching the apples cook in the pan. He asked, "Mom, are we making a giant pancake or a pie?" I laughed and told him it was kind of both. When I poured the batter over the apples, his eyes got wide. "Wait, we're cooking it upside down?" he said.
When it came out of the oven all golden and puffy, he couldn't stop staring at it. He took his first bite and said, "This tastes like fall tastes!" I couldn't have said it better myself. Now every time I make it, he tells me it's his favorite fancy pancake.
Substitutions for Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
- Apples: Swap Granny Smith for Fuji or Pink Lady apples for a sweeter version.
- Milk: Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Flour: Try gluten-free all-purpose flour for a GF version.
- Butter: Substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter if needed.
Variations on Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
- Pear and Ginger: Replace apples with ripe pears and add extra fresh ginger.
- Berry Bliss: Toss in fresh blueberries or raspberries with the apples.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples before baking.
You can also make this in a 9x13 pan if you want to double the recipe for a larger crowd. Just adjust the baking time by about 5 minutes. For more easy, cozy breakfast ideas, check out our Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs. They're simple, high-protein, and perfect for meal prep.
Equipment for Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
- 10 inch cast iron skillet - Holds heat beautifully and creates crispy, golden edges.
- Blender or whisk - Makes mixing the batter quick and smooth.
- Oven mitts - Essential for handling that hot skillet.
- Cutting board and knife - For slicing apples evenly.
Storage Tips for Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes to bring back some of that crispy texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended. This pancake is best enjoyed fresh and warm.
For more brunch inspiration, our Zucchini and Feta Balls make a great savory side to balance out all that sweet cinnamon goodness.
Adam's Tip for Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
"Don't eat all the apples before they go in the pan! I tried and Mom said I needed to save some for the pancake. But they smell so good when they're cooking!"
FAQ about Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
What is a German apple pancake?
A German apple pancake is a baked pancake with a custardy center and crisp, puffed edges. It's made by pouring pancake batter over caramelized apples in a hot skillet, then baking it in the oven until golden and fluffy. This old fashioned apple cinnamon German pancake is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
What is the difference between German pancakes and regular pancakes?
German pancakes are baked in the oven instead of cooked on a stovetop griddle. They have a lighter, airier texture and puff up dramatically around the edges. Regular pancakes are thicker and fluffier, cooked individually on a flat surface. This baked German apple pancake is closer to a popover than a traditional pancake.
What is the German version of latkes?
Latkes are a Jewish dish, not German. However, Germany has a similar dish called Kartoffelpuffer, which are crispy, pan-fried potato pancakes often served with applesauce or sour cream.
What is an Austrian pancake with apples?
You might be thinking of Kaiserschmarrn, a shredded Austrian pancake often served with fruit compote or caramelized apples. It's light, fluffy, and torn into pieces before serving.
Looking for another delicious, protein-packed breakfast option? Try our Protein Quark Taler. They're crispy, fluffy, and loved by kids and adults alike.
If you want to explore more apple pancake variations, this Apple Pancakes recipe from Allrecipes offers a different take on the classic.
Conclusion
Gravity will eventually win, and the puff will settle, but the memory of that golden, towering masterpiece remains. I hope this dramatic dish brings a little bit of wonder and applause to your breakfast table this weekend.
Give it a try, and don't forget to dust it with powdered sugar and drizzle on some maple syrup. If you make it, I'd love to hear how it turns out. Drop a comment and let me know what your family thought!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Apple Cinnamon German Pancake:
recipe
Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
Equipment
- 1 10-inch cast-iron skillet Preheating helps create crispy edges
- 1 Blender or whisk For a smooth batter
- 1 Cutting board For slicing apples evenly
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Oven mitts Handle hot skillet safely
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Apples:
- 2 medium apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch allspice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Pancake Batter:
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter For the hot skillet
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup or caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place your cast iron skillet inside to warm. This step makes all the difference, my daughter Olivia always reminds me that a “super hot pan makes the magic puff happen!”
- In a bowl, toss the sliced [apples], [sugar], [cinnamon], [ginger], [nutmeg], and [allspice]. Olivia loves shaking the bowl gently, her “apple snow globe.”
- Blend or whisk together the [eggs], [milk], [flour], [sugar], [vanilla], and [salt] until smooth. I always let Olivia crack the eggs, it's her favorite part and a good chance to practice those gentle hands.
- Using oven mitts, remove the hot skillet from the oven and melt the [butter]. Add the spiced apples and cook for 3–4 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize. The smell always fills our kitchen with the sweetest fall scent.
- Pour the batter over the apples. Don’t stir, just let it settle naturally. Olivia calls this the “pancake blanket” moment.
- Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, until puffed around the edges and beautifully golden.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup. We always share the first slice together, our little Saturday morning tradition.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use oat milk and vegan butter.
- Try pears or peaches instead of apples for a fun seasonal twist.
- This pancake is best served right away so the dramatic puff stays tall for serving.
- Add chopped pecans before baking for a lovely crunch.
Leave a Reply