Name: Tasty German Apple Pancakes
Prep time: 23 min
Cook time: 47 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 4 eggs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (unbleached); 1 tbsp granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 pinch salt; 1 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 large tart apple, peeled, cored, and sliced

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

German apple pancakes are not your average pancakes. Instead of cooking them on a griddle, they bake in the oven, puffing up into a golden, custardy delight with caramelized apples at the bottom. The combination of warm spices, tart apples, and a slightly sweet batter creates a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re making it for family brunch or a cozy evening treat, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the batter:
4 eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (unbleached)
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 pinch salt
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

For the apple skillet base:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 large tart apple, peeled, cored, and sliced

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add the milk while stirring until smooth. Mix in vanilla, melted butter, and nutmeg. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a 10-inch oven-proof skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Brush butter up the sides of the pan.
Mix 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then sprinkle evenly over the butter in the skillet. Arrange apple slices in a single layer, sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and cook until bubbling and tender, about 2–3 minutes.
Pour the rested batter evenly over the apples. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 10 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
Remove from the oven, slide onto a platter, and cut into wedges. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 23 minutes
Cook time: 47 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories: About 1085 kcal per serving

Variations

Use pears instead of apples for a softer, more floral flavor.
Add raisins or dried cranberries to the apple layer for extra sweetness.
Swap nutmeg for cardamom or allspice for a different spice profile.
Drizzle with maple syrup, honey, or caramel sauce when serving.
Make it savory by omitting sugar and adding caramelized onions and cheese with the apples.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual slices for 30–60 seconds. For the best texture, avoid reheating multiple times.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it overnight for better hydration and flavor.

What type of apple works best?

Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp balance the sweetness perfectly.

Can I use a regular frying pan instead of an oven-proof skillet?

Only if it’s oven-safe. If not, transfer the apple layer to a baking dish before adding the batter.

How do I know when the pancake is done?

It should be puffed, golden brown, and set in the center without being wet.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can cut the sugar by one-third without affecting the structure, though the pancake will be less caramelized.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of wheat flour.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes, swap butter for dairy-free margarine and use almond or oat milk instead of cow’s milk.

Can I add nuts?

Absolutely. Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled over the apples add crunch and flavor.

Can I freeze German apple pancakes?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in foil and reheat in the oven.

What can I serve with it?

It pairs well with fresh fruit, whipped cream, yogurt, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Conclusion

Tasty German Apple Pancakes are a wonderful blend of soft, custardy batter and spiced caramelized apples, creating a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe is versatile, comforting, and sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Tasty German Apple Pancakes

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A light and fluffy baked German pancake with a caramelized apple base, warmly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this dish is custardy, golden, and beautifully indulgent.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 23 minutes
Cook Time: 47 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baked
Cuisine: German
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Slowly add the milk while stirring until smooth. Mix in vanilla, melted butter, and nutmeg. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a 10-inch oven-proof skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Brush butter up the sides of the pan.
Mix 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then sprinkle evenly over the butter in the skillet.
Arrange apple slices in a single layer, sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and cook until bubbling and tender, about 2–3 minutes.
Pour the rested batter evenly over the apples.
Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 10 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
Remove from the oven, slide onto a platter, and cut into wedges.
Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon if desired.