Dessert

German Apple Pancake Recipe

Name: German Apple Pancake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 Eggs; 1/2 cup Milk; 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour; 1 pinch Salt; 1 Apple, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons Butter; 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; 1 pinch Ground Nutmeg; 1/4 cup Brown Sugar

ByCleo Brixton December 25, 2025December 25, 2025

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Introduction

The German Apple Pancake is a delightful combination of fluffy batter and tender, spiced apples. Baked to golden perfection, this treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert. Its simple ingredients come together quickly for a comforting homemade dish.

A close-up of a thick pancake in a black cast iron pan sitting on a white marbled surface with a checkered cloth partly visible below. The pancake has a golden-brown, uneven surface with bubbles and raised edges, showing a soft, slightly spongy texture. Thin slices of cooked apple with a light brown tint are partially embedded into the top layer, blending with the yellowish pancake. The edges are slightly crispy and puffed up, creating a rough crust that contrasts the smoother center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 Eggs
1/2 cup Milk
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
1 pinch Salt
2 tablespoons Butter
1 Apple
1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1 pinch Ground Nutmeg
1/4 cup Brown Sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined.
Step 2: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apple. Heat butter in a medium to high heat cast iron skillet until melted. Add the apple slices, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg, and cook for about 2 minutes until the apples soften slightly.
Step 3: Stir in the brown sugar and allow it to caramelize lightly with the apples, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4: Pour the pancake batter evenly over the caramelized apples in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the pancake is puffed and golden.
Step 5: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy your delicious German Apple Pancake.

Tips & Variations

Use a tart apple like Granny Smith for a nice balance to the sweet brown sugar.
You can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the apples while cooking to brighten the flavor.
Swap ground nutmeg with ground cardamom for a different warm spice note.
If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, an oven-safe non-stick pan will also work.

Storage

Store any leftover pancake covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be eaten cold if preferred.