Fluffy Apple Pie Pancakes Drizzled with Sweet Vanilla Maple Syrup

These fluffy apple pie pancakes bring together everything we love about a classic apple pie and a cosy weekend breakfast. They are soft and thick inside, lightly crisp at the edges, and packed with warm cinnamon apple flavour, finished with a silky vanilla maple syrup. The recipe is easy enough for beginners and does not require any special equipment. From start to finish, you can have these pancakes on the table in about 35 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Pancake Batter

• 200 g plain flour
• 2 tbsp caster sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp fine salt
• 2 large eggs
• 240 ml whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, plus extra for cooking

For the Apple Filling

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Vanilla Maple Syrup

• 120 ml maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Fluffy Apple Pie Pancakes Drizzled with Sweet Vanilla Maple Syrup

Prepare the Apple Filling

Melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the apples are soft and lightly caramelised. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Make the Pancake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, caster sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate jug, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.

Fold in the Apples

Add the cooled apple mixture to the batter. Fold gently so the apples are evenly distributed without overmixing.

Cook the Pancakes

Heat a non stick frying pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Spoon small ladles of batter into the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden and cooked through. Keep warm while you cook the remaining batter.

Prepare the Vanilla Maple Syrup

Warm the maple syrup gently in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in the vanilla extract just before serving.

Assemble and Serve

Stack the pancakes on warm plates and drizzle generously with the vanilla maple syrup. Serve immediately while fluffy and hot.

Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Pancakes

Why are my pancakes not fluffy?

Make sure your baking powder is fresh and avoid overmixing the batter. A few small lumps are fine and help keep the pancakes light.

Can I stop the apples from making the pancakes soggy?

Dice the apples finely and cook them until most of the moisture has evaporated. Let them cool slightly before adding to the batter.

How do I stop pancakes from burning?

Cook over medium heat rather than high heat. This allows the pancakes to cook through without browning too quickly on the outside.

Can I keep pancakes warm before serving?

Place cooked pancakes on a tray in a low oven at 100°C while you finish cooking the rest.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with extra sliced apples and a sprinkle of icing sugar
• Add a dollop of Greek yoghurt or whipped cream
• Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch

Storage

Room Temperature

Pancakes can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours once cooked. After that, they should be refrigerated.

Refrigerator

Store cooled pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.

Freezing

Freeze pancakes in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen until hot.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated fat: 7 g
• Sodium: 420 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use cooking apples instead of eating apples?

Yes, cooking apples work well but may need a little extra sugar as they are more tart.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It is best to cook the batter fresh, but you can prepare it up to 1 hour in advance and keep it covered in the fridge.

Can I make these pancakes dairy free?

Yes, use a plant based milk and dairy free butter. The results will still be soft and flavourful.

What can I use instead of maple syrup?

Honey or golden syrup both work well, though the flavour will be slightly different.