German Apple Pancakes Recipe: A Delicious Traditional Treat
German Apple Pancakes, also known as Apfelpfannkuchen, are a delightful and traditional dish that combines the sweet, tart flavors of apples with a light and fluffy pancake batter. This recipe is a staple in German households, often enjoyed as a breakfast dish or a comforting dessert. Unlike American pancakes, German apple pancakes are typically cooked in a skillet and baked in the oven, giving them a puffy, almost soufflé-like texture. The caramelized apples on top add a rich, fruity sweetness, making them an irresistible treat for any time of the day.
In this article, we will provide a detailed German Apple Pancakes Recipe, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional information. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for impressing family and friends.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Active Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisines: German
- Course: Breakfast, Dessert
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 10-inch oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron)
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Blender (optional, for a smoother batter)
Ingredients
For the Pancake Batter:
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the Apple Topping:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnishing:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup or honey (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 10-inch oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron) in the oven while it preheats.
Step 2: Prepare the Pancake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and sugar until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, whisking continuously to create a smooth batter. You can also use a blender for a lump-free mixture.
- Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate.
Step 3: Cook the Apples
- In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and caramelized.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside.
Step 4: Bake the Pancake
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add 2 tablespoons of butter, swirling it around to coat the bottom and sides.
- Pour the prepared batter into the hot skillet.
- Arrange the caramelized apples evenly over the batter.
- Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pancake is puffed up and golden brown around the edges.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the pancake cool for a couple of minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup or honey.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Sugar: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
Tips for the Best German Apple Pancakes
- Choose the right apples: Granny Smith apples offer a tart contrast to the sweetness, while Honeycrisp apples provide a sweeter flavor.
- Use a hot skillet: Ensuring the skillet is hot before adding the batter helps achieve the perfect puffed texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter: This will keep the pancake light and airy.
- Serve immediately: German apple pancakes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they’re still puffy and warm.
- Try different toppings: You can switch up the toppings by adding raisins, nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Conclusion
This German Apple Pancakes Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a taste of Germany into your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a cozy breakfast or as a delicious dessert, its combination of caramelized apples and fluffy, oven-baked pancake makes it a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this delightful dish with minimal effort. Try it today and impress your family with this traditional and flavorful recipe!
Enjoy baking and happy eating! 🍏🥞
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.