Why Make This Recipe
German Apple Pancake is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to your breakfast table. This recipe is simple to make and delivers a delightful blend of flavors. The combination of tender baked apples and a puffy pancake makes it a treat that everyone will enjoy. It’s perfect for family gatherings, weekend brunches, or whenever you crave a special breakfast. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those apples sitting in your kitchen!
How to Make German Apple Pancake
Ingredients:
- 4 apples (use 4 medium/large apples or 5 if they are smaller)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter, divided
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease or spray a 13×9 baking dish.
- Core, peel, and slice the apples.
- In a medium bowl, mix the apple slices with 1/4 cup of butter (half the stick), brown sugar, and cinnamon. You can heat this mixture in the microwave on high for 3-5 minutes until the apples are tender, stirring twice during the cook time. Alternatively, you can cook it on the stovetop in a skillet.
- Mix the apple mixture well and spoon it evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium to large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients: flour, eggs, milk, vanilla, and sugar. Mix until everything is well blended.
- Pour or spoon the pancake mixture evenly over the apple layer in the baking dish.
- Bake for 25-28 minutes. The middle should be set, and the pancake should be puffed up with nicely browned edges.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before cutting. You can serve it as is or sprinkle with a bit of powdered sugar. Enjoy!
How to Serve German Apple Pancake
Serve the German Apple Pancake warm, directly from the baking dish. It’s delicious on its own but also pairs well with maple syrup, fresh whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
How to Store German Apple Pancake
To store leftovers, let the pancake cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat pieces in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Tips to Make German Apple Pancake
- Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor. Sweet and tart apples can complement each other well.
- Be sure to not overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay.
- If you want a thicker pancake, let the batter rest for about 10 minutes before pouring over the apples.
Variation
You can add nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Also, consider adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom for different flavor profiles.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes! You can try pears or peaches, but you may need to adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Is this pancake good for breakfast or dessert?
It works well for both! Enjoy it as a sweet breakfast or a delightful dessert.
German Apple Pancake
Ingredients
For the apple mixture
- 4 pieces apples (use 4 medium/large apples or 5 if they are smaller) Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for complex flavor.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, softened To be mixed with the apple mixture.
For the pancake batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- 6 pieces eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Powdered sugar (optional) For serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease or spray a 13x9 baking dish.
- Core, peel, and slice the apples.
- In a medium bowl, mix the apple slices with 1/4 cup of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Heat this mixture in the microwave on high for 3-5 minutes until the apples are tender, stirring twice during the cook time, or cook on the stovetop in a skillet.
- Mix the apple mixture well and spoon it evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Batter Preparation
- In a medium to large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients: flour, eggs, milk, vanilla, and sugar. Mix until everything is well blended.
- Pour or spoon the pancake mixture evenly over the apple layer in the baking dish.
Baking
- Bake for 25-28 minutes. The middle should be set, and the pancake should be puffed up with nicely browned edges.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before cutting. Serve as is or sprinkle with powdered sugar.