Cinnamon Apple Ring Pancakes
Cinnamon apple ring pancakes turn simple apples into golden, fluffy breakfast treats with soft centers and crisp, buttery edges.
This recipe gives you the cozy flavor of apple pancakes without a big stack of batter. Each apple ring gets dipped, cooked in butter, and served with creamy Greek yogurt, warm cinnamon, and maple syrup.
Suggested categories: Breakfast, Budget Meals, Brunch Recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big apple flavor: Every bite has tender fruit, warm cinnamon, and a light pancake coating.
- Quick to make: You can slice, dip, and cook the rings in about 25 minutes.
- Budget-friendly: Apples, flour, eggs, and milk make a filling breakfast from simple staples.
- Naturally balanced: Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess, while apples bring fiber and natural sweetness.
Fabian’s Budget and Health Tip: Use firm apples that are already in your fruit bowl. Slightly older apples work well as long as they still hold their shape. Buy plain Greek yogurt in a larger tub instead of small flavored cups, then add maple syrup only when serving.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 3 medium firm apples, such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp (about 570 g)
- 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour (155 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (240 ml)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (8 g)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (4 g), plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
- 2 tablespoons butter (28 g), plus more as needed
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (240 g)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (60 ml), plus more to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Slice the Apples into Rings
Wash the apples, then core them. Slice each apple into rings about 1/4 inch thick (6 mm). Pat the rings dry with a clean towel. A dry surface helps the batter cling instead of sliding off.
2. Mix the Pancake Batter
Add the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon to a mixing bowl. Whisk until the cinnamon looks evenly blended through the flour. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk just until the batter looks smooth and thick. It should fall slowly from the whisk like classic pancake batter.
3. Heat the Butter
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add some of the butter and let it melt until it foams gently. You should smell a warm, buttery aroma, but the butter should not turn dark.
4. Dip the Apple Rings
Dip one apple ring into the batter and coat both sides. Lift it up and let the extra batter drip back into the bowl. The ring should look covered but not heavy or clumpy.
5. Cook Until Golden
Place the coated apple rings in the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, until the edges puff slightly and turn golden brown. Flip and cook the second side for 2 to 3 minutes more. The kitchen should smell like warm cinnamon, butter, and sweet apples.
6. Serve with Yogurt and Maple Syrup
Transfer the apple ring pancakes to plates while they are warm. Spoon Greek yogurt on top or on the side. Dust with more cinnamon and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve right away while the edges still taste crisp and buttery.
Expert Troubleshooting and FAQs
Can I use any kind of apple?
Use firm apples that hold their shape when heated. Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, and Honeycrisp work well. Softer apples can break when you flip the rings.
Why is the batter sliding off the apples?
The apples may be too wet, or the batter may be too thin. Pat the apple rings dry before dipping. If the batter looks runny, whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until it coats the fruit well.
How do I keep the apple rings from burning?
Cook over medium heat and watch the butter. If the pan smells sharp or smoky, lower the heat and wipe out dark bits before adding more butter.
Can I make these dairy free?
Yes. Use your favorite plain plant milk in the batter. Cook the rings in a neutral oil or plant based butter. Serve with dairy free yogurt.
Can I keep them warm for a crowd?
Yes. Place cooked apple ring pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200 F oven (95 C). Keep them in one layer so the coating stays light instead of steaming.
Estimated Nutritional Facts
Per serving, based on 4 servings:
- Calories: about 360
- Protein: about 13 g
- Carbs: about 57 g
- Fats: about 10 g
Cinnamon Apple Ring Pancakes
Ingredients
- 3 medium firm apples, such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp (about 570 g)
- 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour (155 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (240 ml)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (8 g)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (4 g), plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
- 2 tablespoons butter (28 g), plus more as needed
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (240 g)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (60 ml), plus more to taste
Instructions
- 1. Slice the Apples into Rings. Wash the apples, then core them. Slice each apple into rings about 1/4 inch thick (6 mm). Pat the rings dry with a clean towel. A dry surface helps the batter cling instead of sliding off.
- 2. Mix the Pancake Batter. Add the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon to a mixing bowl. Whisk until the cinnamon looks evenly blended through the flour. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk just until the batter looks smooth and thick. It should fall slowly from the whisk like classic pancake batter.
- 3. Heat the Butter. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add some of the butter and let it melt until it foams gently. You should smell a warm, buttery aroma, but the butter should not turn dark.
- 4. Dip the Apple Rings. Dip one apple ring into the batter and coat both sides. Lift it up and let the extra batter drip back into the bowl. The ring should look covered but not heavy or clumpy.
- 5. Cook Until Golden. Place the coated apple rings in the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, until the edges puff slightly and turn golden brown. Flip and cook the second side for 2 to 3 minutes more. The kitchen should smell like warm cinnamon, butter, and sweet apples.
- 6. Serve with Yogurt and Maple Syrup. Transfer the apple ring pancakes to plates while they are warm. Spoon Greek yogurt on top or on the side. Dust with more cinnamon and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve right away while the edges still taste crisp and buttery.
