Soft, fluffy, and flavorful, these Applesauce Pancakes are perfect for breakfast! They're lightly spiced with cinnamon and moistened with unsweetened applesauce. Simple to make and so delicious.
Looking for more easy pancake recipes? Try my Blueberry Pancakes or Banana Oatmeal Pancakes next!
About This Recipe
Made with applesauce and a handful of pantry staples, this applesauce pancake recipe is a simple but delicious breakfast you can whip up in 20 minutes. These pancakes are perfect for any occasion, from a quick weekday breakfast to a fancy Mother's Day brunch. You can even enjoy them as an after-dinner dessert!
I love how the pancakes come out so soft and fluffy, but still very moist. The secret is not to overmix the batter- and of course, the applesauce brings in tons of natural moisture. They're so effortless to make. Simply whisk the wet and dry ingredients separately, then mix them together until just combined. The batter is now done, and all you need to do is cook them up in a skillet or griddle.
Key Ingredients
All-purpose flour: I use all-purpose flour for this recipe- and the results are always light and fluffy. I haven't tested other flours, but I think whole wheat flour or a gluten-free 1:1 mix can work here.
Baking powder: This gives the pancakes lift so that they're light and fluffy rather than flat and dense.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon pairs great with apple. Make sure your cinnamon isn't too old, otherwise the flavor won't be as pronounced.
Salt: Makes all the flavors pop so the pancakes don't taste flat.
Unsweetened applesauce: You can use store-bought or homemade here. The applesauce keeps the pancakes moist and gives them their apple flavor. I use unsweetened applesauce so I can control the sweetness myself by adding maple syrup to the batter.
Milk: I love whole milk to give the pancakes a richer crumb, but you can use any milk or nondairy milk of your choice.
Egg: Helps bind the batter and gives the pancakes structure.
Maple syrup: I use pure maple syrup from Costco. I only use 2 tablespoons to give the pancakes a bit of sweetness. If you like your pancakes sweeter, you can add more or just drizzle it on after cooking.
Vanilla extract: Adds warm, cozy flavor. Use the pure vanilla extract if you can!
Instructions
STEP 1: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
STEP 2: In another bowl, mix the milk, applesauce, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
STEP 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined- do not overmix. A few lumps are expected.
STEP 4: Heat a pan over medium-low heat until hot. Lightly grease it with butter or oil. Scoop about ยผ cup of batter into the pan. Cook until the batter starts to bubble and the edges look dry, about 2 minutes.
STEP 5: Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat as needed between batches. I've noticed that the skillet can get too hot after the third or fourth pancake, and you have to reduce the heat.
๐ Recipe
Applesauce Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 ยฝ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the milk, applesauce, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined.
- Heat a pan over medium-low heat. Lightly grease it with butter or oil.
- Scoop about ยผ cup of batter into the pan. Cook until the batter starts to bubble and the edges look dry, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve with maple syrup!
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