17 Fall Apple Pancake Recipes for Cozy Morning Meals

Nothing beats the smell of apple pancakes cooking on a crisp fall morning. These recipes bring together sweet apples, warm spices, and fluffy pancakes for the perfect seasonal breakfast.

From classic buttermilk versions to creative twists with bourbon and bacon, these apple pancake recipes will make your kitchen smell amazing and your family smile.

01. Restaurant-Style Apple Pancakes

Thick, fluffy pancakes packed with tender apple pieces and warm cinnamon. This copycat recipe recreates that famous pancake house experience right in your kitchen.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 large eggs, 1¾ cups milk, 4 tablespoons melted butter, 2 medium apples (diced), 2 tablespoons brown sugar.

How To Make Restaurant-Style Apple Pancakes

1. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl until well combined. In a separate bowl, beat eggs then stir in milk and melted butter until smooth.

2. Toss diced apples with brown sugar in a small bowl, coating each piece evenly. This helps the apples caramelize beautifully while cooking and adds extra sweetness throughout each bite.

3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined – don’t overmix or your pancakes will be tough. Gently fold in the sugared apples, distributing them evenly through the batter.

4. Heat a lightly greased griddle over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup batter for each pancake and cook until bubbles form on surface and edges look set, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown on bottom, another 2-3 minutes.

02. Ancient Grain Apple-Cinnamon Pancakes

Nutritious einkorn flour creates incredibly tender pancakes with a nutty flavor. These protein-packed pancakes are naturally lower in gluten but big on taste.

Ingredients: 1½ cups einkorn flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, 1¼ cups milk, 2 large eggs, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 large apple (grated), 1 teaspoon vanilla.

How To Make Ancient Grain Apple-Cinnamon Pancakes

1. Combine einkorn flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl. Einkorn flour behaves differently than regular flour, so measure it carefully for the best texture.

2. Whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla in another bowl until completely smooth. Grate your apple using the large holes of a box grater, keeping the skin on for extra nutrition and color.

3. Pour wet ingredients into flour mixture and stir gently until just combined. Fold in grated apple, being careful not to overmix as einkorn can become gummy when overworked.

4. Cook pancakes on a preheated griddle over medium-low heat, using ¼ cup batter per pancake. These cook slightly slower than regular pancakes, so be patient and wait for bubbles to form before flipping.

5. Serve immediately while hot, topped with butter and maple syrup. The einkorn gives these pancakes an amazing nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet apples.

03. Brown Sugar Sautéed Apple Topping

Caramelized apple slices in a rich cinnamon-brown sugar sauce. This luxurious topping transforms ordinary pancakes into a restaurant-worthy breakfast treat.

Ingredients: 4 large tart apples, 4 tablespoons butter, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, pinch of salt.

How To Make Brown Sugar Sautéed Apple Topping

1. Peel and core apples, then slice them into ¼-inch thick wedges. I prefer using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples because they hold their shape well and provide the perfect sweet-tart balance.

2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it starts to foam. Add apple slices in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

3. Cook apples for 3-4 minutes without stirring, allowing them to develop a golden caramelized color on one side. Flip carefully and cook another 2-3 minutes until tender but still holding their shape.

4. Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg over the apples, stirring gently to coat. The sugar will melt and create a beautiful caramel sauce that coats each apple slice perfectly.

5. Add heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring until the sauce becomes glossy and thick. Season with a pinch of salt to enhance all the flavors, then serve warm over your favorite pancakes.

04. Fresh Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Shredded fresh apples and aromatic cinnamon make these from-scratch pancakes absolutely irresistible. Serve with warm cinnamon syrup for the ultimate fall breakfast experience.

Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 eggs, 1½ cups buttermilk, ¼ cup melted butter, 2 medium apples (shredded), 1 teaspoon vanilla.

How To Make Fresh Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until completely smooth and well combined.

2. Shred apples using the large holes of a box grater, leaving the skin on for extra fiber and color. Squeeze the shredded apples lightly with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could make pancakes soggy.

3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until flour disappears – lumps are okay. Gently fold in shredded apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter without overmixing.

4. Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake, cooking until bubbles form and pop on the surface, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Flip pancakes carefully and cook until golden brown on the bottom, another 2-3 minutes. The apple pieces will create beautiful caramelized spots that add incredible flavor to every bite.

05. Polish-Style Apple Fritters

Crispy outside, fluffy inside apple pancakes with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. These Polish-inspired treats work perfectly for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients: 3 large apples, 1 cup flour, 3 eggs, ⅓ cup milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, oil for frying, powdered sugar for dusting.

How To Make Polish-Style Apple Fritters

1. Peel and core apples, then slice them into thin rounds about ⅛-inch thick. Pat the apple slices completely dry with paper towels to ensure the batter sticks properly and creates that perfect crispy coating.

2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl. In another bowl, beat eggs until frothy, then whisk in milk until smooth and well combined.

3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and whisk until you have a smooth, thick batter that will coat the apple slices nicely. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to hydrate the flour.

4. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F. Dip each apple slice in batter, letting excess drip off, then carefully place in hot oil. Fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

5. Transfer to paper towels to drain briefly, then dust generously with powdered sugar while still warm. The contrast between the crispy coating and tender apple center is absolutely divine.

06. Oven-Baked Apple-Pecan Maple Pancakes

These impressive oven-baked pancakes cook entirely on a pie plate for easy serving. Maple syrup baked right into the batter creates incredible depth of flavor.

Ingredients: 1 cup flour, 1 cup milk, 6 large eggs, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla, ½ teaspoon salt, 4 tablespoons butter, 2 apples (sliced), ½ cup chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons brown sugar.

How To Make Oven-Baked Apple-Pecan Maple Pancakes

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and place a 10-inch pie plate inside to heat up. This creates a sizzling effect when you add the batter, similar to making Yorkshire pudding.

2. Whisk together flour, milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl until completely smooth. Let this batter rest while you prepare the apples and pecans for the best texture.

3. Toss sliced apples with brown sugar and chopped pecans in a bowl. The brown sugar helps caramelize the apples while they bake, creating pockets of sweet, nutty goodness throughout.

4. Carefully remove the hot pie plate from oven and add butter, swirling to coat the bottom and sides. Pour in batter immediately, then scatter the apple-pecan mixture evenly over the top.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed, golden brown, and set in the center. The pancake will dramatically puff up during baking, then settle slightly when removed from the oven.

07. Apple Cider Pancakes with Tangy Syrup

Pancake mix gets a fall makeover with apple cider and warm spices. The tangy apple cider syrup provides the perfect sweet-tart contrast to these fluffy pancakes.

Ingredients: 2 cups pancake mix, 1¼ cups apple cider, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ cup apple cider for syrup, ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

How To Make Apple Cider Pancakes with Tangy Syrup

1. Combine pancake mix and cinnamon in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together apple cider, eggs, and melted butter until well blended. The cider adds incredible apple flavor and makes the pancakes extra tender.

2. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined – don’t worry about small lumps. Overmixing will make your pancakes tough, so gentle stirring is key here.

3. For the syrup, combine ½ cup apple cider, maple syrup, and butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until butter melts and mixture is well combined.

4. Reduce heat and simmer syrup for 5-8 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

5. Cook pancakes on a hot griddle using ¼ cup batter per pancake. The apple cider in the batter creates lovely golden-brown pancakes with amazing flavor. Serve hot with the warm cider syrup.

08. Mom’s Classic Applesauce Pancakes

Traditional pancake mix elevated with cinnamon and smooth applesauce for extra moisture. This beloved family recipe creates incredibly tender pancakes that everyone will request again and again.

Ingredients: 2 cups pancake mix, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1¼ cups milk, ½ cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla.

How To Make Mom’s Classic Applesauce Pancakes

1. Whisk pancake mix, cinnamon, and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. The extra cinnamon and sugar enhance the apple flavor and create that perfect fall taste everyone loves.

2. In another bowl, combine milk, applesauce, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla, whisking until completely smooth. The applesauce not only adds flavor but keeps these pancakes incredibly moist and tender.

3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently just until flour disappears. A few small lumps are perfectly fine – overmixing will result in tough, dense pancakes instead of fluffy ones.

4. Heat your griddle or large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake, cooking until bubbles form on surface and edges look set, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Flip carefully and cook until golden brown on the bottom, another 2-3 minutes. These pancakes have a lovely subtle apple flavor and the most amazing tender texture that makes them absolutely irresistible.

09. Warm Cinnamon Apple Syrup

Fragrant apple pieces simmered in cinnamon-spiced syrup create the perfect pancake topping. This versatile sauce also works beautifully over ice cream, waffles, or French toast.

Ingredients: 3 medium apples, 1 cup water, ¾ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons cold water, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla.

How To Make Warm Cinnamon Apple Syrup

1. Peel and dice apples into small ½-inch pieces for the perfect texture in your syrup. I like using a mix of sweet and tart apples for the most complex flavor profile.

2. Combine diced apples, water, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until apples are tender.

3. Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until completely smooth with no lumps. This slurry will thicken your syrup to the perfect consistency for drizzling over pancakes.

4. Stir cornstarch mixture into the simmering apple mixture and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until syrup thickens nicely. The syrup should coat the back of a spoon when ready.

5. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla until butter melts completely. Serve warm over pancakes, storing any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently before serving.

10. Spiced Apple Cider Pancakes

Leftover apple cider transforms ordinary pancake batter into something magical. Brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg add warm fall spices that make your kitchen smell incredible.

Ingredients: 1½ cups flour, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ teaspoon salt, 1¼ cups apple cider, 2 eggs, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla.

How To Make Spiced Apple Cider Pancakes

1. Whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. The brown sugar adds extra moisture and a lovely caramel note that pairs perfectly with apple cider.

2. In another bowl, beat eggs until frothy, then whisk in apple cider, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined. Using room temperature ingredients helps everything blend together smoothly.

3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined – don’t overmix. The batter might seem slightly thin, but the apple cider creates incredibly tender, flavorful pancakes.

4. Cook pancakes on a preheated griddle over medium heat, using ¼ cup batter per pancake. The natural sugars in the cider help these pancakes develop a beautiful golden-brown color.

5. Flip when bubbles form on surface and edges look set, cooking until golden brown on both sides. Serve immediately with butter and maple syrup for the ultimate fall breakfast experience.

11. Hearty Oatmeal Applesauce Pancakes

Nutritious oats and smooth applesauce create substantially filling pancakes that keep you satisfied all morning. The thick batter produces incredibly hearty pancakes with amazing texture.

Ingredients: 1 cup old-fashioned oats, 1 cup flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, 1½ cups milk, ½ cup applesauce, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons melted butter.

How To Make Hearty Oatmeal Applesauce Pancakes

1. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl, whisking until evenly distributed. The oats add incredible texture and make these pancakes much more filling than regular versions.

2. In another bowl, whisk together milk, applesauce, eggs, and melted butter until completely smooth. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the oats to soften slightly for better texture.

3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The batter will be quite thick – this is normal and creates those wonderfully substantial pancakes that won’t leave you hungry.

4. Cook pancakes on a lightly greased griddle over medium-low heat, using ¼ cup batter per pancake. These need slightly lower heat and longer cooking time due to their thickness.

5. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The oats create a lovely nutty flavor while the applesauce keeps everything moist and adds subtle sweetness throughout.

12. Bacon Bourbon Apple Pancakes

Decadent pancakes combining crispy bacon, bourbon, and sweet apples for an unforgettable breakfast treat. These gourmet pancakes are worth every bit of extra effort involved.

Ingredients: 6 bacon strips, 2 cups flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 eggs, 1¾ cups milk, 3 tablespoons bourbon, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 large apple (diced), 2 tablespoons brown sugar.

How To Make Bacon Bourbon Apple Pancakes

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy, then transfer to paper towels and crumble when cool. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat for cooking the pancakes – it adds incredible flavor.

2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, beat eggs then whisk in milk, bourbon, and melted butter until smooth. The bourbon adds amazing depth without being overwhelming.

3. Toss diced apple with brown sugar in a small bowl, coating each piece evenly. This helps the apples caramelize beautifully while cooking and balances the savory bacon perfectly.

4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Gently fold in the sugared apples and crumbled bacon, distributing them evenly throughout the batter without overmixing.

5. Cook pancakes on a griddle greased with reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Use ¼ cup batter per pancake, cooking until bubbles form and edges set, about 3-4 minutes per side.

6. The combination of sweet apples, smoky bacon, and subtle bourbon creates an absolutely incredible flavor profile that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

13. Whole Wheat Harvest Pancakes

Nutritious whole wheat pancakes packed with fresh apple, banana, and warm spices. These wholesome pancakes prove that healthy can be absolutely delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients: 1½ cups whole wheat flour, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ teaspoon salt, 1¼ cups milk, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 apple (diced), 1 banana (mashed).

How To Make Whole Wheat Harvest Pancakes

1. Whisk together whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. Whole wheat flour creates heartier pancakes with more fiber and nutrients than white flour.

2. In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and mashed banana until smooth. The banana adds natural sweetness and helps keep these whole grain pancakes tender and moist.

3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Fold in diced apple pieces, being careful not to overmix as whole wheat flour can become tough when overworked.

4. Cook pancakes on a lightly greased griddle over medium heat, using ¼ cup batter per pancake. Whole wheat pancakes take slightly longer to cook, so be patient and wait for bubbles to form.

5. Flip when surface bubbles pop and edges look set, cooking until golden brown on both sides. These nutritious pancakes have amazing flavor from all the warm spices and fresh fruit.

14. Apple Puff Pancake

This impressive oven-baked pancake is more like cake than traditional pancakes. Sliced apples bake right into the batter, creating its own crispy crust around the edges.

Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter, 2 large apples, 3 large eggs, ½ cup milk, ½ cup flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, powdered sugar for dusting.

How To Make Apple Puff Pancake

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and place a 10-inch cast iron skillet inside to heat. Peel and slice apples into thin wedges, keeping them uniform for even cooking throughout the pancake.

2. Whisk eggs in a large bowl until frothy, then gradually whisk in milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon until completely smooth. Let batter rest while skillet heats for the best results.

3. Carefully remove hot skillet from oven and add butter, swirling to coat bottom and sides completely. The sizzling butter creates that signature crispy crust that makes this pancake so special.

4. Arrange apple slices in an overlapping pattern in the hot skillet, then immediately pour batter over the apples. The batter will sizzle and start cooking instantly around the edges.

5. Bake for 18-22 minutes until puffed, golden brown, and set in center. The pancake will rise dramatically during baking, creating beautiful sides that form a natural bowl shape.

6. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately while still puffed. Cut into wedges and enjoy this impressive breakfast that looks like it came from a fancy restaurant.

15. German Dutch Baby with Apples

This stunning cast iron skillet pancake starts with thin batter and transforms into an impressive puffed creation. Sliced apples add crunch, sweetness, and beautiful presentation.

Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter, 3 large eggs, ½ cup flour, ½ cup milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla, ¼ teaspoon salt, 2 medium apples, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, lemon juice for serving.

How To Make German Dutch Baby with Apples

1. Preheat oven to 425°F with a 10-inch cast iron skillet inside. Slice apples into thin wedges and toss with brown sugar and cinnamon, coating each piece evenly for perfect caramelization.

2. Whisk eggs in a bowl until light and frothy, then gradually add flour, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt, whisking until completely smooth with no lumps remaining.

3. Carefully remove the hot skillet from oven using oven mitts and add butter, swirling to coat the bottom and sides. The butter should sizzle immediately when it hits the hot pan.

4. Quickly arrange seasoned apple slices in the skillet, then pour the batter over them immediately. Work fast to maintain the pan’s heat, which creates that dramatic puffing effect.

5. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the pancake is puffed high around the edges and golden brown all over. Don’t open the oven door during baking or it might deflate.

6. Serve immediately while still puffed, cut into wedges with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The contrast between the crispy edges and custardy center is absolutely divine.

16. Blender Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Skip the mixing bowl and throw everything into your blender for these easy apple cinnamon pancakes. This simple method creates perfectly smooth batter with minimal cleanup required.

Ingredients: 1 cup flour, 1 cup milk, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 medium apple (peeled and chopped), ½ teaspoon vanilla.

How To Make Blender Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

1. Add all ingredients except the chopped apple to your blender in this order: milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, then flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This layering prevents sticking.

2. Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds until completely smooth and well combined. Stop and scrape down sides if needed, then blend again briefly to incorporate everything evenly.

3. Add chopped apple pieces to the blender and pulse 3-4 times just to mix them in without chopping them too finely. You want nice apple chunks throughout your pancakes.

4. Let batter rest for 5 minutes to allow flour to hydrate and bubbles to settle. This creates more tender pancakes with better texture than using the batter immediately.

5. Cook pancakes on a preheated griddle over medium heat, using ¼ cup batter per pancake. The blender creates incredibly smooth, lump-free batter that cooks into perfectly fluffy pancakes every time.

17. Oatmeal Pancakes with Apple Maple Sauce

Hearty oatmeal pancakes paired with homemade apple-maple sauce for the ultimate fall breakfast. These filling pancakes keep you satisfied while the sauce adds perfect sweetness.

Ingredients: 1 cup old-fashioned oats, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 eggs, ¼ cup flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 2 apples (diced), ½ cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons butter for sauce, ½ teaspoon cinnamon.

How To Make Oatmeal Pancakes with Apple Maple Sauce

1. Combine oats and buttermilk in a bowl and let soak for 10 minutes. This softens the oats and creates better texture in your finished pancakes, making them tender instead of chewy.

2. Beat eggs into the oat mixture, then stir in flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and melted butter until just combined. The batter will be thick but don’t add more liquid.

3. For the sauce, cook diced apples with butter in a saucepan over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add maple syrup and cinnamon, simmering until apples are tender and sauce thickens.

4. Cook pancakes on a greased griddle over medium-low heat, using ¼ cup batter per pancake. These thick pancakes need lower heat and longer cooking time to cook through completely.

5. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The oats create incredibly satisfying pancakes with nutty flavor, while the apple-maple sauce adds perfect fall sweetness.

Final Thoughts

These apple pancake recipes bring the best of fall flavors to your breakfast table. From simple weekday options to impressive weekend showstoppers, there’s something here for every craving.

Whether you prefer classic buttermilk pancakes with fresh apples or adventurous combinations like bacon bourbon, these recipes will make your mornings special and delicious.