Apple Cinnamon German Pancake Recipe
Introduction
The Apple Cinnamon German Pancake is a cozy breakfast treat that combines fluffy, puffed batter with warm, caramelized apples and cinnamon. This dish is perfect for chilly mornings when you want something comforting yet light. Try it for a delightful start to your day!

Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
- 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)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
- Optional: chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for added crunch
- Optional: maple syrup for drizzling
- Optional: whipped cream for a touch of indulgence
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a cast-iron skillet or baking dish inside to heat up while you prepare the batter.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Add the milk, flour, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring just until combined. A few lumps are fine.
- Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, melt a small amount of butter. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add the melted butter. Spread the sautéed apples evenly in the skillet, then pour the batter over the top.
- Step 5: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until the pancake is puffed and golden. For an extra golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar, sprinkle chopped nuts, and add maple syrup or whipped cream if desired. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use Granny Smith apples for tartness or try Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.
- Replace regular milk with buttermilk for a richer, tangy taste.
- Add a splash of lemon juice when cooking apples to brighten the flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps help keep the pancake light and fluffy.
- Keep the oven door closed while baking to ensure the pancake rises properly.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or in a toaster oven to help maintain the crisp edges. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pancake soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it’s suitable for baking to maintain the pancake’s texture.
What type of pan works best for baking this pancake?
A cast-iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat well and creates a crispy edge. If you don’t have one, use any oven-safe skillet or baking dish that can withstand high temperature.
PrintApple Cinnamon German Pancake Recipe
This Apple Cinnamon German Pancake is a cozy and fluffy breakfast treat that combines sautéed apples with a sweet and spiced batter. Baked to golden perfection with a delightfully puffed texture, this dish is perfect for a comforting morning meal. Featuring fresh apples, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla, it offers a warm, aromatic flavor with optional toppings like powdered sugar, nuts, maple syrup, or whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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, plus additional for sautéing)
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a cast-iron skillet or baking dish inside the oven while it heats up to ensure it gets very hot, which will help the pancake develop a crispy edge and puff up nicely during baking.
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk 3 large eggs until frothy. Add 1 cup milk, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gently stir the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth with a few lumps remaining; avoid overmixing. For a richer flavor, you can substitute buttermilk for milk if desired.
- Cook the Apples: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a small amount of unsalted butter. Add the peeled, cored, and sliced apples, then sprinkle 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon over them. Sauté the apples until they become tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Optionally, add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
- Combine and Bake: Remove the hot skillet from the oven, add the sautéed apples evenly across the bottom, and pour the prepared batter over the apples. Immediately return the skillet to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the pancake is puffed and golden. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent deflating. For an extra golden top, broil the pancake for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate oven temperature for best puffing results.
- Placing the skillet in the oven before adding batter helps create crispy edges.
- Do not overmix the batter; slight lumps are fine and will bake out.
- Sauté apples gently to prevent burning and enhance caramelization.
- Opening the oven door during baking can cause the pancake to collapse.
- Optional add-ons like powdered sugar, nuts, maple syrup, or whipped cream can be added for extra flavor and texture.
- Granny Smith apples provide tartness that balances sweetness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji are great alternatives.
Keywords: Apple Cinnamon German Pancake, German Pancake, Dutch Baby, Apple Breakfast, Cinnamon Apple Pancakes, Cozy Breakfast, Baked Pancake

