Are you ready to turn your breakfast into a special treat? This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Pancake Skillet is a game-changer. With soft pancakes swirled with warm, spiced apples, every bite is pure joy. Whether it’s a Saturday morning or a quick weekday meal, this dish will delight your taste buds. Join me as we whip up this easy recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
To make the Apple Cinnamon Swirl Pancake Skillet, gather these ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– Extra butter or oil for cooking
These simple ingredients come together to create a warm, fluffy pancake. The apples add a nice crunch and sweetness. The cinnamon gives it that cozy flavor that everyone loves.
Be sure to use fresh apples for the best taste. Granny Smith apples work great because they are tart and hold their shape well. The buttermilk makes the pancakes tender and fluffy. Each bite brings warmth and comfort, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or brunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Whisk these together until they blend well. This mix will give your pancakes a nice rise and great flavor.
Preparing Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
– 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure they are well combined. The buttermilk and eggs add moisture and fluffiness to your pancakes.
Mixing Batter and Apples
Now, gently pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir lightly with a spatula until just combined. A few lumps are okay.
Next, prepare the apples. In a small bowl, toss:
– 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
This adds sweetness and helps prevent browning.
Cooking Pancakes
Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the pan.
Pour about ½ cup of pancake batter into the skillet, forming one large pancake.
Then, sprinkle a handful of the apple mixture on top. Drizzle a little extra batter over the apples to create a swirl.
Cook for about 3-4 minutes. Look for bubbles forming on the surface. Once the edges firm up, carefully flip the pancake. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Repeat this process for the remaining batter and apple mixture. Don’t forget to add more butter or oil as needed between batches.
For a fun finish, stack the pancakes back into the skillet. Drizzle with maple syrup or a warm mix of melted butter and brown sugar. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Fluffiness
To get fluffy pancakes, do not overmix the batter. Mix just until combined. A few lumps help keep the pancakes light. If you mix too much, they will be dense, and we want fluffy bites of goodness.
Perfect Cooking Temperature
Use medium heat when cooking your pancakes. This heat ensures even cooking. Too high heat burns the pancakes outside while leaving them raw inside. Watch the bubbles form on top; that’s your cue to flip!
Cooking in Batches
When cooking in batches, add butter or oil between each one. This step helps keep the pancakes from sticking. It also adds flavor and keeps the pancakes nice and golden. Repeat this for each pancake for the best results.

Variations
Flavor Additions
You can make the Apple Cinnamon Swirl Pancake Skillet more fun. Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist. You could also add spices like nutmeg for extra warmth. These additions will make your pancakes even more tasty and unique.
Fruit Substitutes
If you want to mix it up, use different fruits. Try other apple types, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a sweeter flavor. You can also swap apples for pears or berries. Each fruit brings a new taste and makes your skillet special.
Gluten-Free Option
For those who need a gluten-free choice, just swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. This simple change keeps the pancakes delicious while being safe for gluten-free diets. Don’t worry; they will still taste great!
Storage Info
Refrigeration
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to three days. When you want a quick breakfast, just grab them and enjoy!
Freezing Instructions
To freeze pancakes, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. This keeps them from sticking together. They can last in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating Tips
Reheat pancakes in a microwave or toaster. For the microwave, heat for about 30 seconds. If using a toaster, toast them until warm and crispy. Both methods work well to bring back that fluffy texture!
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but add a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk’s acidity. This small addition helps create the tangy flavor that buttermilk gives. It also helps make the pancakes fluffy. Just mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice into the regular milk. Let it sit for five minutes, and you’re good to go!
How do I keep pancakes warm while cooking?
Place pancakes on a warm plate in a low oven (around 200°F). This helps keep them hot without cooking them more. You can stack them up as you cook. Just be careful not to let them dry out.
What toppings go well with Apple Cinnamon Swirl Pancake Skillet?
Maple syrup, whipped cream, or additional sautéed apples are great choices. Maple syrup adds sweetness, while whipped cream makes it extra creamy. Sautéed apples can enhance the apple flavor. You can even mix and match these toppings for a fun twist!
These Apple Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes are a delightful treat you can easily make. We covered choosing the right ingredients, mixing the batter, and cooking to golden perfection. Don’t forget the tips for fluffiness and cooking temperature. You can even customize these pancakes with nuts or different fruits. Store leftovers properly, and reheat when ready. Enjoy these pancakes with warm maple syrup or whipped cream. The simple recipes and tips make it easy to savor this dish anytime. Happy cooking!
