Easy 5-Ingredient Apple Pancakes

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Total Time:
35 minutes mins

Yields:
14 pancakes
Recipe





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Try these easy 5-ingredient apple pancakes recipe for a quick and delicious breakfast idea! Made with fresh shredded apples and simple pantry staples, this flavorful pancake recipe is perfect for cozy mornings and can easily be packed in lunchboxes as a snack. Ready in minutes, these apple pancakes are sure to satisfy the whole family.



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More apple ideas: Apple Puff Pastry Turnovers (Light Puff) – flaky, handheld; or make the base with Healthy Puff Pastry (grated-butter).

There are many types of apple pancakes worldwide, varying by country, apple preparation (chunks, shredded, or sliced), and size (small finger food or large skillet pancakes). This straightforward recipe features just individual pancakes made with shredded apples folded into batter.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Apple Pancakes

  • It’s a great breakfast or brunch idea that’s both simple and delicious.
  • Quick and easy pancake recipe is ideal for busy mornings when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.
  • These easy 5-ingredient apple pancakes are made with fresh shredded apples and a hint of cinnamon, bringing natural sweetness, warm and comforting flavors.
  • It’s a kid-friendly breakfast for the whole family and a fantastic way to use up extra apples in your kitchen.
  • Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or a weekend treat, this simple apple pancake recipe is both kid-friendly and budget-friendly.





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Easy 5-Ingredient Apple Pancakes

Whip up these simple yet delicious apple pancakes in minutes using fresh shredded apples and pantry staples. Perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast, this simple recipe highlights the natural sweetness and comforting flavors of homemade apple pancakes.

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Prep Time
15 minutes mins
Cook Time
18 minutes mins
Cooling time
2 minutes mins
Total Time
35 minutes mins
Course:
Breakfast, Snack
Servings:
14 pancakes
Calories:
115kcal
Author:
Olga Caz
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Ingredients   1x 2x 3x

  • 3 medium apples (best are those sweet and sour)shredded, about 2.25 cups
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 Tbsp light brown sugar
  • ½ cup + 2 tbsp floura gluten free mix works too
  • tsp baking powder

Optional For Flavor

  • ½ Tbsp cinnamon powder

Instructions  

Prepare the Apples:

  • Shred the apples. Thick-shred on a mandoline or small-dice (box-grating releases more juice.

Prepare the Egg Mixture:

  • In a mixing bowl, beat the 2 eggs together with the 3 tablespoons of light brown sugar until well combined and foamy. About 2 minutes. This will help create a lighter texture.

Combine Dry Ingredients And Add Apples

  • Combine dry: Whisk together the ½ cup + 2 tablespoons of flour, ½ tablespoon of baking powder, and ½ tablespoon of cinnamon powder (if using).
  • Add the shredded apples into the egg mixture along with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; the batter should be slightly thick.

Heat the Skillet:

  • Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray if necessary.

Cook the Pancakes:

  • Scoop about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot skillet. Spread lightly to form an even circle. Try not to make them too thick, they need to cook through in the center.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set.
  • Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve:

  • Transfer the cooked pancakes to a serving plate. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
  • Serve warm, optionally topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or additional apple slices.

Notes

Apple Varieties:

  • Best Choices: Use tart and sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Mixing different types can add depth to the taste.

Batter Consistency:

  • Too Thick or Thin: If the batter is too thick, add a splash of milk or water. If too thin, mix in a little more flour.
  • Resting Time: Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the baking powder to activate for fluffier pancakes.

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Nuts and Seeds: Add a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch and nutrition.
  • Dried Fruits: Incorporate raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates for additional sweetness.
  • Spices: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or allspice along with the cinnamon.

Nutritional Boost:

  • Whole Grains: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
  • Superfoods: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseed meal to increase omega-3 fatty acids.

Nutrition Per 2 pancakes: ~115 kcal (~58 kcal each). Numbers vary with apple size and sweetener.

Tried this recipe?Mention @HealthyTasteOfLife or tag #healthytasteoflife!

Nutrition

Serving: 2pancakes
|
Calories: 115kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 22.8g
|
Protein: 3.2g
|
Fat: 1.6g
|
Fiber: 2.2g
|
Sugar: 13g

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.

Step-by-step: Easy 5-Ingredient Apple Pancakes

  1. Prep the apple:
    Wash, core, and thick-shred on a mandoline (or small dice). Fine box-grating releases more juice, stick to thicker pieces for better texture.
  2. Whisk the wet and dry:
    In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until smooth (30–40 sec). If your sweet ingredient is liquid sweetener (e.g., maple), whisk it in now. Stir flour and baking powder (and a pinch of salt or cinnamon if you use either, optional add-ins). Whisk just to combine, do not overmix.
  3. Fold in the shredded/diced apple:
    Add the apple, fold until evenly distributed. Batter should be thick but scoopable; if it’s too thick, add 1–2 tsp water; if too thin, dust in 1-2 tsp flour.
  4. Rest (quick hydrate):
    Let the batter stand 3–5 minutes so the flour hydrates and the baking powder wakes up. This also lets the apple release a touch of moisture, great for tenderness.
  5. Preheat the pan:
    Heat a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease (neutral oil or a dab of ghee). The surface is ready when a drop of water sizzles on contact.
  6. Portion:
    Scoop 2–3 tbsp batter per pancake (about 3-3½ in / 7-9 cm). Spread gently with the back of the spoon to level, keep them small and thick so they cook through without burning.
  7. Cook side one
    Cook 2–3 minutes until the edges look set and the bottom is deep golden. Because of apple pieces, you may see fewer bubbles than classic pancakes, go by color and set edges.
  8. Flip + finish:
    Flip carefully and cook 1½–2½ minutes more until the center springs back when pressed. Lower heat a notch if they brown too quickly.
  9. Batch & keep warm
    Transfer to a rack set over a sheet pan (prevents soggy bottoms) and keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish the batch.
  10. Serve
    Enjoy plain or with maple, yogurt/coconut yogurt, peanut/almond butter, or a spoon of jam. Dust with cinnamon if you like.


Texture Tips

  • Chunky vs. Smooth: If you prefer a chunkier texture, dice half of the apples instead of shredding them.
  • Moisture Control: Squeeze out excess juice from the shredded apples to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.


Cooking Tips

  • Heat Control: Cook on medium-low heat to ensure pancakes are cooked through without burning the exterior.
  • Oil vs. Butter: Use a neutral oil (like avocado oil) for cooking to prevent burning, or butter/ghee for added flavor.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Layer pancakes between sheets of parchment paper and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in a toaster oven, conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds.


FAQs

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 GF blend; rest batter 5–7 min.

Best apples?

Mix tart + sweet (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp).

Can I bake instead of pan-fry?

Spoon batter on parchment, bake 400°F / 205°C, 8–12 min, flip once; texture is cakier.

More Pancake Recipes To Try

Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes (1-Bowl, GF/DF Options)

Cabbage Fritters | Crispy Fried or Oven Baked Patties

Oat Flour Pancakes: Moist & Fluffy

Gluten Free Sourdough Pancakes – Light, Fluffy & Dairy Free

Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall with these easy 5-ingredient apple pancakes. Great for breakfast or brunch, these pancakes will be bringing a warm and cozy taste to your table.

Serve them warm with maple syrup, honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a truly irresistible morning treat!

Tried This Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Tap ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to rate it or leave a quick comment below! your feedback helps other readers (and keeps me creating new treats).




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