Breakfast

German Apple Pancake

Name: German Apple Pancake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups milk; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 large apples, peeled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar

By Priya Rutherford · June 19, 2026 · Breakfast

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had a German Apple Pancake. It was at a small bakery in my hometown, and the combination of the crispy exterior and fluffy interior, paired with the sweetness of the apples, was love at first bite. Since then, I've been perfecting my own recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you.

This recipe is special because it's not only delicious, but it's also relatively easy to make and is a great way to get your daily dose of fruit and whole grains. The best part is that it's perfect for any time of day - whether you're serving it up for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.

As a registered dietitian, I'm always looking for ways to make healthy and balanced meals that are also delicious. This German Apple Pancake recipe fits the bill, with a combination of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats that will keep you full and satisfied.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's versatile. You can serve it with a variety of toppings, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. And, it's perfect for any occasion - whether you're making it for a special breakfast or brunch, or just a quick and easy dinner.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and rolled oats to give the pancake a nice texture and flavor. We'll also be using a variety of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, to give it a warm and comforting flavor. And, of course, we'll be using fresh apples to add natural sweetness and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to get your daily dose of fruit and whole grains.
The combination of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats will keep you full and satisfied.
It's perfect for any occasion - whether you're making it for a special breakfast or brunch, or just a quick and easy dinner.
You can serve it with a variety of toppings, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
It's a versatile recipe that can be made in advance and reheated as needed.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great German Apple Pancake is to use a combination of the right ingredients and techniques. First, we'll be using a mixture of all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and rolled oats to give the pancake a nice texture and flavor. We'll also be using a variety of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, to give it a warm and comforting flavor.

Another important factor is the cooking technique. We'll be cooking the pancake in a skillet on the stovetop, which will give it a nice crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. And, we'll be using a thermometer to ensure that the pancake is cooked to the right temperature.

Finally, we'll be letting the pancake rest for a few minutes before serving, which will help it to retain its shape and flavor. This is an important step, as it will help the pancake to stay moist and delicious.

By following these techniques and using the right ingredients, you'll be able to make a delicious German Apple Pancake that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving it up for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious German Apple Pancake, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important ingredient is, of course, the apples. You'll want to use a variety that holds its shape well, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. You'll also need a mixture of all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and rolled oats, as well as a variety of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

In addition to the dry ingredients, you'll also need some eggs, milk, and butter. The eggs will help to bind the ingredients together, while the milk will add moisture and flavor. The butter will add a rich and creamy flavor to the pancake.

2 large eggsThe eggs will help to bind the ingredients together and add moisture and flavor to the pancake. Make sure to use room temperature eggs for the best results.
1 1/2 cups milkThe milk will add moisture and flavor to the pancake. You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as whole, skim, or a non-dairy alternative.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, meltedThe melted butter will add a rich and creamy flavor to the pancake. Make sure to use high-quality butter for the best results.
1 cup all-purpose flourThe all-purpose flour will provide structure and texture to the pancake. Make sure to use a high-quality flour that is fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long.
1/2 cup whole wheat flourThe whole wheat flour will add fiber and nutrition to the pancake. Make sure to use a high-quality whole wheat flour that is fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long.
1/2 cup rolled oatsThe rolled oats will add texture and flavor to the pancake. Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best results.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamonThe cinnamon will add a warm and comforting flavor to the pancake. Make sure to use high-quality cinnamon for the best results.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmegThe nutmeg will add a warm and aromatic flavor to the pancake. Make sure to use high-quality nutmeg for the best results.
1/4 teaspoon saltThe salt will enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and add depth to the pancake. Make sure to use high-quality salt for the best results.
2 large apples, peeled and slicedThe apples will add natural sweetness and flavor to the pancake. Make sure to use a variety that holds its shape well, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
1/4 cup granulated sugarThe granulated sugar will add sweetness and flavor to the pancake. Make sure to use high-quality sugar for the best results.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or oven-safe panWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsElectric mixerInstant-read thermometerSpatula Cutting board

How to Make German Apple Pancake

1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, whole wheat flour, rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter.
4
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5
Add the sliced apples to the batter and fold them in gently.
6
Heat a large heavy skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of butter to the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
7
Pour the batter into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the edges start to set.
8
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the pancake is golden brown and the apples are tender.
9
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
10
Use a spatula to loosen the pancake from the pan and transfer it to a serving plate.
11
Serve the pancake warm, topped with your choice of toppings such as whipped cream, caramel sauce, or fresh fruit.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use room temperature eggs for the best results.
Don't overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough pancake.
Use a variety of apple that holds its shape well, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Don't overcrowd the pan, as this can result in a pancake that is difficult to cook evenly.
Let the pancake rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will help it to retain its shape and flavor.
Experiment with different toppings, such as whipped cream, caramel sauce, or fresh fruit, to find your favorite way to enjoy the pancake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the batter, which can result in a tough pancake.
Not using room temperature eggs, which can affect the texture of the pancake.
Overcrowding the pan, which can result in a pancake that is difficult to cook evenly.
Not letting the pancake rest before serving, which can result in a pancake that loses its shape and flavor.
Not using a variety of apple that holds its shape well, which can result in a pancake that is soggy and unappetizing.
Not cooking the pancake to the right temperature, which can result in a pancake that is undercooked or overcooked.

Variations and Substitutions

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the top of the pancake before serving for extra flavor.
Use a different type of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a non-dairy version of the pancake.
Add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or chia seeds, to the batter for extra texture and nutrition.
Use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat or oat flour, for a different flavor and texture.
Add some dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins, to the batter for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use a different type of sugar, such as honey or maple syrup, for a different flavor and texture.

What to Serve With German Apple Pancake

This German Apple Pancake is perfect for serving at breakfast or brunch, and can be topped with a variety of ingredients such as whipped cream, caramel sauce, or fresh fruit. You can also serve it as a dessert, topped with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Some other ideas for serving the pancake include topping it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, or serving it with a side of sausage or bacon. You can also try serving it with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of granola for a healthier twist.

Whipped creamCaramel sauceFresh fruitSausage or baconYogurtGranola

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This German Apple Pancake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the fridge, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. To freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

To reheat the pancake, simply microwave it for 20-30 seconds, or oven-heat it at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes. You can also try reheating it in a skillet on the stovetop, adding a small amount of butter or oil to the pan to prevent sticking.

It's also a good idea to make the pancake ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to serve it. This can be a great time-saver, especially if you're planning a big breakfast or brunch.

One thing to keep in mind when storing and reheating the pancake is that it can dry out if it's not stored properly. To prevent this, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and to reheat it gently to prevent burning or drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of apples should I use for this recipe?

You can use any variety of apple that holds its shape well, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Avoid using apples that are too soft or mushy, as they can make the pancake soggy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to serve it. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze.

How do I reheat the pancake?

You can reheat the pancake in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. Simply microwave it for 20-30 seconds, oven-heat it at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or heat it in a skillet on the stovetop with a small amount of butter or oil.

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat or oat flour, for a different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that the pancake may have a slightly different texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the pancake from drying out?

To prevent the pancake from drying out, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge or freezer. You can also try reheating it gently to prevent burning or drying out.

Can I add other ingredients to the batter?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the batter, such as chopped nuts or seeds, dried fruit, or spices. Just keep in mind that the pancake may have a slightly different flavor and texture.

How do I know when the pancake is done?

The pancake is done when it is golden brown and the apples are tender. You can also check the internal temperature of the pancake, which should be around 190-200°F (88-93°C).

Can I serve the pancake with other toppings?

Yes, you can serve the pancake with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream, caramel sauce, or fresh fruit. Just keep in mind that the pancake may have a slightly different flavor and texture with different toppings.

The Full Recipe

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