Welcome to Cozy Apple Cinnamon Pancake Heaven!
Hey there! If you’re like me, nothing beats the smell of warm pancakes fresh from the skillet, especially when they have a cozy hint of cinnamon and sweet, tender apples inside. These apple cinnamon pancakes have become a little favorite in my kitchen — super fluffy, naturally sweet, and way more exciting than the average breakfast. Plus, they’re pretty simple to whip up on a weekend morning or whenever you want a comforting start to your day.
Why These Apple Cinnamon Pancakes Are a Morning Win
Beyond tasting amazing, these pancakes bring some nice benefits to your breakfast table. The grated apple adds natural sweetness and extra moisture, which means you can use less added sugar — I love using just a touch of honey or maple syrup to keep things balanced but not too sweet. Then, the cinnamon isn’t just for flavor; it’s packed with antioxidants that can give your metabolism a gentle boost.
Using yogurt here (Greek or whole milk works best) makes the batter super tender and adds a little protein and calcium — great for keeping you full longer and starting your day with some good nutrition.
Customize Your Pancakes with These Variations
- Dairy-Free Twist: Swap the yogurt with coconut yogurt and use coconut oil instead of butter for cooking.
- Vegan Version: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 mins per egg) and plant-based yogurt; maple syrup works perfectly as your sweetener.
- Extra Fruit Boost: Toss in some blueberries or chopped walnuts to the batter along with the apple for an added crunch and flavor punch.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger alongside the cinnamon if you love warm spices.
Easy & Fluffy Apple Cinnamon Pancakes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large apple (peeled and grated or finely chopped)
- 1 cup plain yogurt (whole milk or Greek yogurt works best)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or neutral oil (plus extra for cooking)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Peel your apple and either grate it finely or chop it very small. Set aside — this little trick makes sure every bite is bursty with apple goodness.
- In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This is the base that gives you those soft, fluffy pancakes.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the yogurt, vanilla extract, melted butter, and if you like, honey or maple syrup until everything is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix. Gently stir until combined. Don’t overdo it — a few lumps are totally okay because overmixing can make your pancakes tough.
- Fold in the grated or chopped apple evenly through the batter to spread out that fresh apple flavor.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to grease the surface.
- Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges start to look set.
- Carefully flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the other side is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove pancakes and keep warm while cooking the rest. Add more butter or oil to the skillet as needed.
- Stack the pancakes on your favorite plate, dust them generously with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup.
- Serve immediately and enjoy that warm, cozy feeling in every bite!
Helpful Tips to Make Your Pancakes Shine
- Keep it Fluffy: Resist the urge to stir the batter too much; those little lumps give the best texture!
- Warm Plates: Keep cooked pancakes warm by placing them on a plate in a low oven (around 200°F/90°C) while you finish cooking the batch.
- Mix Up Sweeteners: Feel free to adjust sweetness to your taste—sometimes I skip the added honey or syrup if my apples are really sweet.
- Skillet Options: A cast-iron skillet works great for even heat, but any non-stick pan will do.
- Storage: Leftover pancakes store well in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for a quick breakfasts later. Just reheat them in a toaster or oven!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowls (at least two)
- Whisk and mixing spoon or spatula
- Grater or knife for chopping the apple
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plate or warming tray for cooked pancakes
Common Questions About Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose? Yes! It will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber but might make the pancakes a bit denser.
- Can I make the batter ahead of time? You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge, but I’d recommend folding in the grated apple right before cooking, so they stay fresh and don’t brown too much.
- How do I get the pancakes nice and fluffy? Make sure you don’t overmix your batter and keep your heat to medium. High heat can burn pancakes outside while leaving them raw inside.
- What’s the best apple to use? Crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work really well to give a little tartness and texture.
- Can I add other fruits or nuts? Definitely! Blueberries, chopped walnuts, or even raisins can be tasty additions—just fold them in with the apple.
Let’s Make Mornings Better Together!
I hope you give these apple cinnamon pancakes a try soon — they bring a little warmth and sweetness that makes mornings extra special for me. If you make them, please share your pictures and tell me your favorite twists! I’d love to see your creations. Come find me on Pinterest for more cozy, easy recipes you’ll want to make again and again!

