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Apple Cinnamon German Pancake Recipe

4.8 from 87 reviews

This Apple Cinnamon German Pancake is a delightful breakfast treat that combines a fluffy, oven-baked pancake with tender, caramelized apples spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar. Prepared in a cast-iron skillet and baked at a high temperature, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors with a crispy edge and a soft, custard-like center. Ideal for weekend brunches or special occasions, it can be customized with toppings like powdered sugar, nuts, maple syrup, or whipped cream.

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
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
  • 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 a heavy oven-safe baking dish inside the oven as it heats up to ensure it becomes very hot. This is key to achieving a beautifully puffed pancake with crispy edges.
  2. Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs until frothy. Add 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir gently just until combined; small lumps are fine and help maintain fluffiness. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
  3. Cook the Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt a small amount of butter. Add the peeled, cored, and sliced apples along with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sauté the apples, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and caramelized. Optionally, add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  4. Combine and Bake: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Spread the sautéed apples evenly in the skillet, then pour the batter over the apples. Immediately return the skillet to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the pancake is puffed, golden, and set in the center.

Notes

  • Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate oven temperature for optimal puffiness.
  • Placing the skillet in the oven while preheating is essential for a crispy crust.
  • Do not overmix the batter; a few lumps help create a tender texture.
  • Substitute buttermilk for milk to add a tangy richness if desired.
  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor or sweet varieties like Fuji for a sweeter taste.
  • Customize with toppings such as powdered sugar, nuts, maple syrup, or whipped cream for extra flavor and texture.

Keywords: Apple Cinnamon German Pancake, German Pancake, Oven-baked Pancake, Apple Breakfast Recipe, Cinnamon Pancake, Brunch Recipe, Fluffy Pancake