Indulge in the delicate allure of an Apple Cinnamon German Pancake, a dish that transforms the humble breakfast into a true culinary experience. This elegant creation is known for its airy, custard-like texture, enhanced by the warm embrace of spiced apples. It’s a sophisticated spin on traditional pancakes, capturing the essence of seasonal flavors while remaining deceptively simple to prepare.
Why Make This Recipe
- Effortless Yet Elegant: Create an impressive dish with minimal effort—perfect for brunch or special gatherings.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just a handful of staples come together to create a flavor profile that’s anything but ordinary.
- Impressive Flavor: The combination of caramelized apples and aromatic cinnamon elevates this pancake to a gourmet delight.
Beyond its straightforward preparation, the balance of sweetness and spice, along with its stunning presentation, makes it a standout choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
Base
- 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup milk (preferably whole)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Sauce
- 2 large apples (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Topping
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Whipped cream (optional)
How to Make Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving the perfect puff.
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well-combined. The mixture should be light and frothy.
- Melt the Butter: In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Be cautious not to brown it; you want it just melted and bubbling.
- Add the Batter: Pour the batter gently into the hot skillet, ensuring even distribution. The hot pan will create a lovely crust.
- Sauté the Apples: In a separate pan, combine the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the apples begin to soften and caramelize, approximately 5–7 minutes.
- Bake: Carefully spoon the sautéed apples over the batter in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is puffed.
- Cool and Dust: Once baked, allow the pancake to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. The visual transformation is as delightful as its taste.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
For an elegant presentation, serve the pancake directly from the skillet, garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Accompany it with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for added richness and a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color. A few extra slices of caramelized apples can enhance the visual appeal and flavor.
How to Store Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
To maintain its texture and flavor, allow the pancake to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, ensuring it warms through without becoming rubbery.
Tips to Make Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps create a fluffier texture in the pancake.
- Foil Shielding: If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent burning while the center bakes.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different apple varieties or add a splash of bourbon to the sautéed apples for a richer depth of flavor.
Variation
Consider enhancing this elegant pancake with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the top for an indulgent twist. Alternatively, incorporate toasted pecans or walnuts in the sautéed apples for added crunch and sophistication.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before pouring it into the skillet.
Can I use a different type of fruit?
Absolutely! Pears or peaches can provide a delightful alternative to apples while maintaining the dish’s refined charm.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the pancake retains its delicate texture.
Conclusion
The Apple Cinnamon German Pancake is a magnificent celebration of flavor and texture, merging simplicity with elegant presentation. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice, transforming breakfast into a culinary masterpiece. Share your experience in the comments, and feel free to connect with others who appreciate the art of refined cooking. How would you make this dish your own?
Print
Apple Cinnamon German Pancake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicate and airy pancake topped with spiced apples, perfect for brunch or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup milk (preferably whole)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large apples (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well-combined.
- In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Pour the batter gently into the hot skillet.
- In a separate pan, combine the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice and cook over medium heat until the apples begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Carefully spoon the sautéed apples over the batter in the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is puffed.
- Allow the pancake to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
Using room temperature eggs helps create a fluffier texture. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 210mg