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Cozy German Apple Pancake – Easy Apfelpfannkuchen Recipe

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This cozy German apple pancake is a warm, custardy puff with crispy edges and tender caramelized apples. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a cozy morning or a low-key dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced into thin wedges
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ½ cup whole milk (120 ml)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60 grams), spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) with a rack in the middle. Place your empty 10-inch cast iron skillet inside while the oven heats.
  2. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice 2 medium apples into thin wedges, about ¼-inch thick. Toss them in a small bowl with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs and ½ cup whole milk until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk again. Gradually add ½ cup all-purpose flour, whisking until the batter is smooth with no lumps. Let it rest while you cook the apples.
  4. Caramelize the apples: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven (use oven mitts). Place it on the stovetop over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and let it melt, swirling the pan. Add the apple slices and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the sugar has turned into a golden syrup.
  5. Add more butter: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet and let it melt, tilting the pan to coat the bottom and sides.
  6. Pour the batter: Pour the batter evenly over the apples. Don’t stir—just let it settle. Immediately transfer the skillet to the oven.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes. The pancake will puff up dramatically around the edges and turn golden brown. It’s done when the center is set and the edges are deep golden and crispy. Don’t open the oven door during baking.
  8. Serve immediately: Remove the skillet from the oven (use oven mitts!). Dust generously with powdered sugar. Cut into wedges and serve warm.

Notes

Hot skillet is non-negotiable for puff. Room temperature eggs matter. Don’t overmix the batter. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes. Watch the oven, not the clock. Stick to a 10-inch pan for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: German apple pancake, Apfelpfannkuchen, apple pancake, easy pancake recipe, German breakfast, cast iron skillet pancake

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/cozy-german-apple-pancake-easy-apfelpfannkuchen-recipe/