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Easy German Apple Pancake Recipe – Best Family Favorite

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This Easy German Apple Pancake (Apfelpfannkuchen) is a humble, rustic, soul-satisfying dish that comes together in about 30 minutes. With browned butter, jammy apples, and a puffy, custard-like center, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dinner, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced into ¼-inch thick wedges
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing skillet)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven to heat up.
  2. Prepare the apples: peel, core, and slice into ¼-inch thick wedges. Set aside.
  3. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and place on stovetop over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons butter and let it melt, swirling occasionally, until it turns light amber and smells nutty (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Add apple slices, 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Stir to coat and cook for 2-3 minutes until apples just start to soften. Remove from heat and spread apples in an even layer.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Make a well in the center, add eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth (a few lumps are okay).
  6. Pour the batter evenly over the apples in the hot skillet. It will sizzle.
  7. Immediately transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, until puffed, golden brown, and edges are crispy and pulling away from the sides.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm, straight from the skillet, with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the butter—it adds irreplaceable nutty flavor. Use room temperature eggs and milk for best rise. Do not open the oven while baking. Serve immediately for crispiest edges. For extra crispy edges, add an extra tablespoon of butter to the skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: German apple pancake, Apfelpfannkuchen, easy apple pancake, browned butter apple pancake, family breakfast, quick dessert

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/easy-german-apple-pancake-recipe-best-family-favorite/