Apple Pancakes with Vanilla Maple Syrup

Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall with these Apple Pancakes topped with Vanilla Maple Syrup. These fluffy pancakes are packed with grated apples and warm spices, creating a delicious breakfast treat. The rich, aromatic vanilla maple syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor that perfectly complements the apple pancakes. Perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or brunch!

Ingredients

Pancakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground clove
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup grated apple (about 1 medium apple)
• Butter or vegetable oil for skillet

Vanilla Maple Syrup:

• About ½ cup maple syrup, warmed gently
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or the scrapings of 1 vanilla bean

Instructions

Make the Pancakes:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and salt.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a measuring cup or small bowl, measure out the milk. Add the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
3. Mix Batter: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients all at once. Mix until just combined. The batter should have some small to medium lumps; do not overmix.
4. Add Apples: Gently fold in the grated apple.
5. Preheat Skillet: Preheat your skillet over medium heat and brush with 1 ½ teaspoons of butter or 1 teaspoon vegetable oil.
6. Cook Pancakes: Using a ¼-cup measure, scoop batter onto the warm skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until small bubbles form on the surface, then flip. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook on the opposite side for about 1 minute, or until golden brown.
7. Keep Warm: Transfer cooked pancakes to a baking sheet and place in a preheated 200°F oven to keep warm.
8. Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more butter or oil to the skillet as needed. Serve immediately.

Make the Vanilla Maple Syrup:

1. Combine Ingredients: Stir together the warmed maple syrup and vanilla extract.
2. Serve: Serve the syrup over the warm apple pancakes. Optionally, serve with Vanilla Maple Butter for extra flavor.

Tips

• Apples: Use a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice texture and tartness.
• Consistency: If your batter is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency.
• Cooking: Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet; cook a few pancakes at a time for even cooking.
• Keeping Warm: Keeping the pancakes in a warm oven ensures they stay hot and fresh while you cook the remaining batter.

These Apple Pancakes with Vanilla Maple Syrup are a delightful way to start your day, bringing together the sweetness of apples and the warmth of spices in every bite. Enjoy them with your favorite breakfast sides and a hot cup of coffee or tea!