There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of apple cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. This Easy Cast Iron Skillet Apple Cinnamon Pancake embodies that warmth and is perfect for bringing family and friends together. With its golden-brown exterior and fluffy inside, every slice feels like a hug on a plate. Ideal for a lazy weekend breakfast or a cozy brunch, this pancake can quickly become a tradition in your home.
At the heart of this recipe are a few simple yet delightful ingredients. You will need 1 cup of all-purpose flour, which serves as the foundation, combined with 2 tablespoons of sugar to sweeten the deal. Baking powder, salt, and a cup of milk round out the base, while a large egg adds richness. The real star, though, is the apple – peeled, diced, and folded into the batter, along with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for that classic, familiar flavor profile. Topping this off are 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and a splash of vanilla extract, enhancing the pancake’s overall deliciousness.
What sets this recipe apart is not just the incredible taste, but its effortless method. Simply preheat your oven while mixing the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Combine them, fold in the apple and cinnamon, and cook it up in a sizzling hot cast iron skillet. Once you’ve let it bake in the oven, the result is a beautifully puffed pancake that’s ready for slicing. Serve it warm, optionally drizzled with maple syrup, for a delightful breakfast experience.
This pancake is perfect for making on chilly mornings, where it warms both the kitchen and your heart. It’s also great for potlucks or family gatherings, allowing everyone to enjoy a slice of joy.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Cast Iron Skillet Apple Cinnamon Pancake
- Quick to Prepare: The simplicity of this recipe allows you to whip it up in no time, making mornings a bit easier.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you are likely to have everything on hand.
- Comfort Food: The flavors of apple and cinnamon create a cozy, nostalgic feel that everyone will love.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a recipe that can involve the whole family, with options for little hands to help with mixing and measuring.
- Versatile Options: You can easily modify it with your favorite fruits or toppings.
Apple Tips
When selecting the apple for your pancake, go for sweet varieties like Fuji or Granny Smith. They not only hold their shape when cooked but also add a delightful sweetness. If you prefer a slightly tart flavor, opt for the Granny Smith. Whichever you choose, make sure to peel and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the pancake batter.
Options for Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute brown sugar for white sugar to add a deeper flavor.
- Dairy Alternatives: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of regular milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Applesauce: Replace the egg with unsweetened applesauce to make this pancake vegan.
- Coconut Oil: Swap out the unsalted butter with melted coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Nutmeg: Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
While making this pancake, a few pitfalls can easily happen. First, avoid overmixing your batter. This can lead to a dense pancake instead of the fluffy texture we all love. Remember, it’s okay if there are a few lumps; just mix until the ingredients are combined.
Another common mistake is not preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) before transferring your skillet. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect puffiness in your pancake. If it’s not hot enough, you might end up with a flat pancake.
Also, be careful not to skip the cooking time in the skillet. Cooking for just 3-4 minutes allows the batter to develop bubbles on the surface, indicating it’s time to move on to the baking phase. If you skip this, your pancake may not set correctly.
Lastly, don’t forget to let the pancake cool slightly before slicing. It will be much easier to cut, and the flavors will be more pronounced when allowed to sit for a few moments.
What to Serve With Easy Cast Iron Skillet Apple Cinnamon Pancake?
Consider pairing your pancake with a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing touch, or serve it alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast. A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balances out the sweetness of the apple cinnamon flavor wonderfully. You might even enjoy it with a cup of steaming coffee or herbal tea to complement the dish.
Storage Instructions
Store: Leftover pancakes can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re in an airtight container to retain freshness.
Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze slices of pancake for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Reheat: To reheat, place the pancake slices in a skillet over low heat, or microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your preference.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: Approximately 4
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 90-100g
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 apple, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Additional butter or oil for the skillet
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, take your cast iron skillet and place it on medium heat on the stove. Add a bit of butter or oil for greasing.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure this mixture is well combined for an even batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; it’s fine if there are a few lumps.
Step 5: Add Apple and Cinnamon
Fold in the diced apple and ground cinnamon into the batter. Be careful not to overmix; the apple should be evenly distributed.
Step 6: Cook on the Stovetop
Pour the batter into the hot skillet. Allow it to cook for about 3-4 minutes, watching for bubbles to form on the surface.
Step 7: Bake in the Oven
Once bubbling, transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pancake is puffed and golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Allow the pancake to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, optionally drizzled with maple syrup.
This Easy Cast Iron Skillet Apple Cinnamon Pancake is not just a recipe; it’s a cozy moment waiting to happen. So gather your loved ones, whip up this delightful dish, and bask in the buttery warmth of every slice. I invite you to try this recipe, share your experiences, and explore more heartwarming dishes on the blog. Your kitchen and your family will thank you!
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Easy Cast Iron Skillet Apple Cinnamon Pancake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and fluffy apple cinnamon pancake baked in a cast iron skillet, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 apple, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Additional butter or oil for the skillet
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and heat the cast iron skillet on medium with some butter or oil.
- Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a different bowl until well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apple and ground cinnamon, being careful not to overmix.
- Cook the batter in the hot skillet for about 3-4 minutes until bubbles form on the surface.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serve warm, optionally with maple syrup.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also swap butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 85g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
