If there’s one breakfast that instantly captures the essence of autumn, it’s a tall stack of Apple-Cinnamon Pancakes. Picture this: golden, fluffy pancakes studded with tender apple chunks, each bite carrying a burst of sweet fruit and the cozy warmth of cinnamon. The smell alone — that mix of buttery batter, caramelizing apples, and earthy spice — feels like the first chilly morning when you pull on a sweater and sip hot coffee.
These aren’t just pancakes; they’re your go-to fall breakfast recipe, the kind that makes you want to slow down and savor every bite. Whether you serve them for a lazy Sunday brunch, a quick weekday treat, or even a festive holiday breakfast, these fluffy apple pancakes will win over every plate at the table.
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Easy Apple-Cinnamon Pancakes You’ll Crave All Fall
These fluffy Apple-Cinnamon Pancakes are the ultimate cozy breakfast for crisp fall mornings. Soft, golden, and loaded with tender apple bites and warm cinnamon spice, they’re quick to make yet feel like a special treat. Perfect for brunch, family breakfasts, or anytime you want that comforting autumn flavor.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 pancakes 1x
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 large egg
3/4 cup milk (or more as needed)
1/2 cup plain yogurt (or sour cream)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 cup diced apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
1 tbsp butter (for sautéing apples)
1 tbsp brown sugar (for apples)
Extra butter or oil for cooking pancakes
Instructions
Prepare apples: In a small skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add diced apples and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from heat.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk egg, milk, yogurt, and melted butter until smooth.
Combine: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — a few lumps are fine. Fold in the sautéed apples.
Cook pancakes: Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium-low. Grease lightly. Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake, cook until bubbles form and edges look set, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes.
Serve: Stack pancakes, top with extra sautéed apples or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup.
Notes
You can swap yogurt for buttermilk for extra tang.
For sweeter pancakes, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to the batter.
These freeze well — store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months and reheat in the toaster.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Why You’ll Love These Apple-Cinnamon Pancakes
These pancakes combine fresh apple flavor, a hint of spice, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels indulgent but comforting. The cinnamon gives them that signature autumn vibe, while the apples add moisture and natural sweetness. They’re easy enough for beginners but taste like something from a cozy café. Plus, they pair perfectly with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the kind of breakfast that keeps you thinking about fall recipes all year long.
If you’re all about light, tender pancakes with a little twist, you’ll love my Fluffy Banana Sour Cream Pancakes — they’re another breakfast that feels like a treat without being fussy.
The Secret to Perfect Apple-Cinnamon Pancakes
Here’s where most pancake recipes fall short: they throw raw apple chunks into the batter and call it a day. Not here. The secret to these cinnamon apple pancakes is to sauté the diced apples in a little butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon before adding them to the batter. This extra step caramelizes the fruit, deepens the flavor, and ensures the apples are tender by the time your pancakes are cooked. Another key is not overmixing — the less you stir, the fluffier your pancakes will be. Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes so the flour fully hydrates and the texture becomes cloud-soft.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Pancakes Every Time
- Use the right apples: Firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith keep their texture without turning mushy.
- Control the heat: Medium-low is your friend. Too hot, and you’ll scorch the outside before the inside cooks.
- Freshly ground cinnamon: It’s worth it — the flavor is more vibrant, giving you the most aromatic cinnamon pancakes possible.
- Double batch it: These freeze beautifully. Just reheat in the oven or toaster for instant fall breakfast bliss any day.
- Maple butter upgrade: Mix softened butter with maple syrup for a spreadable topping that melts into every fluffy bite.
Fun Variations to Try
- Apple Pie Pancakes: Add a pinch of nutmeg and top with warm apple pie filling for a dessert-like brunch.
- Cinnamon-Pecan Pancakes: Fold toasted pecans into the batter for crunch and a deeper nutty flavor.
- Apple Oat Pancakes: Replace some flour with quick oats for a heartier, more rustic fall breakfast recipe.
If you’re feeling fancy, swap the maple syrup for a fruity topping like these Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Fresh Berries – Golden Stacks Made for Weekend Brunch. The fresh fruit and creamy ricotta play beautifully with the warm apple-cinnamon flavor.
Why These Pancakes Are the Perfect Fall Breakfast
When you think about autumn, you think about comfort. These Apple-Cinnamon Pancakes deliver that in every single bite. The warm spice of cinnamon, the sweetness of apples, the fluffiness of the pancake itself — it’s a combination that feels like a hug in breakfast form. They’re perfect for cozy weekends, holiday mornings, or anytime you want to bring a little seasonal magic to your table.
So next time the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, you’ll know exactly what to make. And after one bite, you’ll understand why these really are the Apple-Cinnamon Pancakes you’ll crave all fall.
