If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Delicious Applesauce Pancakes Recipe. These pancakes are fluffy, tender, and carry a gentle sweetness and subtle cinnamon warmth that’s bound to brighten your morning. Using applesauce not only adds moisture but also gives a lovely natural fruity twist that sets these pancakes apart from the usual stack. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe offers a comforting start to any day, with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in making your pancakes perfectly fluffy, flavorful, and lightly sweetened. The balance between the dry and wet components creates that ideal pancake texture we all adore.
- 1 cup (120 g) all purpose flour: The base of the batter that provides structure and fluffiness.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the applesauce.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: The magic leavener that lifts the pancakes to a light, airy perfection.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warm, cozy notes that complement the applesauce beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness and moisture.
- 1 cup (255 g) unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient that keeps pancakes moist and naturally sweet.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor and brings out the sweetness.
- 1-3 tablespoons water, as needed: Adjusts the batter consistency for the perfect pourable texture.
How to Make Delicious Applesauce Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. This step ensures that all your dry ingredients are evenly combined, giving a consistent taste and texture in every bite of your pancakes.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then stir in the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract. The applesauce not only adds moisture but also keeps these pancakes tender and flavorful without needing extra oil or butter.
Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Add water one tablespoon at a time until the batter reaches a smooth, pourable consistency that’s not too thick but not runny either. Take care not to overmix to keep the pancakes light and fluffy.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it if needed. Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake and cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, around 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown, usually another 1-2 minutes.
How to Serve Delicious Applesauce Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your pancakes with fresh garnishes like sliced apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dusting of powdered sugar. A drizzle of pure maple syrup or a dollop of Greek yogurt can add a lovely balance of sweetness and creaminess that complements the applesauce flavor superbly.
Side Dishes
Pair your pancakes with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast, or keep it light with a simple fruit salad bursting with seasonal berries, citrus slices, or banana for a naturally sweet addition that brings freshness to your breakfast table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your Delicious Applesauce Pancakes Recipe high and layering them with a smear of cream cheese or ricotta mixed with honey between each pancake. You can also shape small pancakes for mini stacks perfect for brunch parties or top them with a warm apple compote to enhance the apple theme.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pancakes, cool them completely before stacking with parchment paper between each to prevent sticking. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick breakfast fix.
Freezing
These pancakes freeze beautifully. Flash freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them from clumping together and allows you to pull out just what you need. They’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
For reheating, pop the pancakes in a toaster, oven, or microwave. The toaster crisps up the edges nicely, while the microwave is super quick—just be sure to cover them to retain moisture. They’ll taste nearly as good as fresh, making morning prep hassle-free.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Absolutely! Using sweetened applesauce will add extra sweetness, so you might want to reduce the added sugar slightly or skip additional sweet toppings to keep the balance just right.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract on hand?
No worries! You can omit the vanilla or try substituting it with a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract for a different but delicious flavor twist.
Are these pancakes gluten-free?
This particular recipe uses all purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to make these pancakes suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I make these pancakes vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, replace the egg with a flax or chia egg and use a plant-based applesauce or sweetener. The texture might vary slightly, but they’ll still turn out delicious!
How thick should the batter be?
The batter should be pourable but not runny, somewhat thick like heavy cream. Adjust with water one tablespoon at a time to reach that perfect consistency for easy flipping.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing these Delicious Applesauce Pancakes Recipe that feels comforting and wholesome all at once. They’re super simple to prepare, wonderfully flavorful, and versatile enough to please any appetite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your new go-to breakfast that brings smiles around the table every time.
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Delicious Applesauce Pancakes Recipe
Delicious and fluffy Applesauce Pancakes that incorporate the natural sweetness and moisture of unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist on classic pancakes. Perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 8 pancakes
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (255 g) unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–3 tablespoons water, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently to combine, adding 1 to 3 tablespoons of water as needed to achieve a thick but pourable batter consistency. Be careful not to overmix.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or oil if desired to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pancakes: Pour ¼ cup portions of batter onto the hot skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve Warm: Remove pancakes from the skillet and serve immediately with your choice of toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or extra applesauce.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of water to get the batter consistency you prefer; thicker batter will make thicker pancakes.
- Use unsweetened applesauce to control sugar levels, but sweetened applesauce can be used for extra sweetness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins to the batter.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep pancakes light and fluffy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
