Oatmeal Apple Pancakes

Oatmeal apple pancakes became a weekend favorite after one chilly morning when I woke up craving something hearty and wholesome that still felt like a treat so I pulled out some oats and a crisp apple and just started mixing. What came off the griddle was exactly what I needed warm fluffy pancakes that were both comforting and nourishing.

Now whenever apples are in season I find myself reaching for this recipe because it’s such a satisfying way to start the day. These pancakes have the perfect balance of texture from the oats and natural sweetness from the apples and they fill the kitchen with the coziest scent of cinnamon and maple.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Rolled oats – Add heartiness and texture to the pancakes.
• All-purpose flour – Helps bind the batter and create a soft fluffy structure.
• Baking powder – Gives the pancakes their lift and fluffiness.
• Salt – Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
• Cinnamon – Adds warmth and that classic apple-pie vibe.
• Milk – Helps blend everything together into a smooth batter.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds structure to each pancake.
• Applesauce – Adds natural sweetness and keeps the pancakes moist.
• Maple syrup – Adds a hint of sweetness and complements the apple flavor.
• Apple – Fresh and crisp apples give a juicy texture and natural sweetness.
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor and adds a bakery-style touch.
• Butter or oil – For greasing the pan and keeping the pancakes golden brown.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – One for the dry and one for the wet ingredients.
• Whisk – To blend your ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Spatula – For folding ingredients and flipping pancakes gently.
• Griddle or nonstick skillet – Essential for getting that perfect golden-brown pancake.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To get your ingredient ratios just right.
• Box grater – For shredding the fresh apple evenly into the batter.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the batter

I start by whisking together the dry ingredients in a bowl rolled oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, I whisk the milk, egg, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 2: Combine and fold

I pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Then I grate the apple and fold it gently into the batter. I let it rest for about 5 minutes so the oats can soften a bit.

Step 3: Heat the pan

While the batter rests, I preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or oil to coat the surface lightly.

Step 4: Cook the pancakes

Using a 1/4 cup scoop, I pour the batter onto the skillet and let each pancake cook for about 2–3 minutes on one side, or until bubbles form on top. Then I flip them carefully and cook the other side for another 1–2 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve warm

Once cooked, I stack the pancakes high and top them with fresh apple slices and a drizzle of maple syrup. They’re best served warm straight off the griddle.

Tips

If you want extra texture, I sometimes mix in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. For added apple flavor, a few dashes of apple pie spice work beautifully. And if you’re in a rush, you can prep the dry mix ahead of time to make your morning smoother.

Ways to Serve

I love serving these with a pat of butter, warm maple syrup, and thinly sliced apples on top. They also pair perfectly with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola if you’re going for a high-protein breakfast. And they’re freezer-friendly just reheat in the toaster or microwave!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make oatmeal apple pancakes gluten-free?

Yes! Just use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I use dairy-free milk in this recipe?

Absolutely. Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work just fine.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, though the texture will be slightly softer. Rolled oats give the best bite.

How do I store leftover pancakes?

Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer.

Can I use apple chunks instead of grated apple?

You can, but grated apple blends better into the batter and cooks more evenly.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these oatmeal apple pancakes a try! They’re warm, filling, and full of fall flavor – perfect for cozy mornings or a brunch to impress. Let me know how they turn out and feel free to make them your own with extra toppings or twists.

Happy Cooking!

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