Ingredients
Pancake Batter
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 ½ tablespoons vinegar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional: add another ½ teaspoon if you love cinnamon)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons oil
Apple Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the Skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat, aiming for about 275 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure even cooking of the pancakes.
- Prepare Buttermilk: Whisk together the milk and vinegar in a small bowl, then let it rest for 5 minutes. This will curdle the milk slightly, creating a homemade buttermilk substitute that tenderizes the pancakes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk these together until well blended.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk the egg and oil into the curdled milk mixture. Then, add these wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; some lumps should remain to keep the pancakes light and fluffy. Avoid overmixing.
- Cook the Pancakes: Lightly spray the preheated skillet with cooking spray. Use a ¼ cup measuring cup to pour batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface and edges look dry. Flip with a spatula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate and repeat with remaining batter.
- Prepare Apple Topping: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir frequently and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the apples are very tender. Stir in the maple syrup, warming the mixture through.
- Serve: Spoon the warm apple topping generously over the stack of pancakes and serve immediately for a cozy breakfast experience.
Notes
- Use freshly peeled and diced apples for the best texture and flavor; tart varieties like Granny Smith work especially well.
- If desired, increase cinnamon in the batter to 1 ½ teaspoons for a more pronounced cinnamon flavor.
- To keep cooked pancakes warm while finishing the batch, place them in a low oven (about 200°F) on a baking sheet.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or agave nectar if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and vegan butter alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
