There’s something about a warm, cozy breakfast that just makes my heart sing, and this Cinnamon Apple Pancake Bake is my secret weapon! I still remember the first time I made it—my kitchen filled with the heavenly aroma of cinnamon and baked apples, and my family gathered around the table, eyes wide with anticipation. This dish is like a big hug on a plate, combining fluffy pancake goodness with sweet, tender apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon magic. It’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special occasions. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this delightful twist on classic pancakes!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tablespoons melted butter (make sure it’s cooled slightly to avoid cooking the eggs)
- 2 cups diced apples (I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but any firm apple works well!)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but they add a lovely crunch!)
How to Prepare Cinnamon Apple Pancake Bake
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your pancake bake cooks evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy. So, go ahead and set that temperature while you gather your ingredients!
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is well mixed—it’s the base for our fluffy pancake bake, and we want those flavors to blend beautifully!
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the large eggs, milk, and melted butter. Make sure the butter has cooled slightly before adding it to avoid scrambling the eggs. This mixture is what will make your pancake bake rich and delicious!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix it—lumps are totally okay! This will keep your pancake bake light and airy.
Add Apples and Walnuts
Next, fold in those lovely diced apples and the walnuts if you’re using them. Be gentle, so you don’t break up the apples too much. This is where the magic happens; the apples will bring sweetness and a bit of texture to every bite!
Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—woohoo!
Cool and Serve
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to cut into squares. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! Serve it warm, drizzled with maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. Each slice of this Cinnamon Apple Pancake Bake packs about 220 calories, making it a satisfying way to start your day without going overboard. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 5g
So, while you’re indulging in this delicious breakfast treat, you can feel good knowing you’re getting a mix of flavors and nutrients! Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this up even on your busiest mornings. No flipping pancakes required!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet apples creates a flavor explosion that’s truly irresistible.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh apples and whole ingredients, this dish is a wholesome choice to kickstart your day. Learn more about healthy breakfast options.
- Perfect for Family Breakfast: It serves a crowd easily, making it a fabulous choice for family gatherings or weekend brunches.
- Customizable: Feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits to make it your own!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare it ahead of time, so it’s ready to pop in the oven when you wake up.
- Comforting and Cozy: This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for chilly mornings or special occasions.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Cinnamon Apple Pancake Bake turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips:
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your bake as it approaches the 30-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it. If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes!
- Let it Cool: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but allowing the pancake bake to cool for a few minutes before cutting helps it set and makes serving easier. Plus, the flavors get even better as it rests!
- Swap the Apples: While I love using Granny Smith apples, feel free to experiment with your favorites! Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also add a lovely sweetness and texture.
- Adjust the Spices: If you’re a cinnamon lover, don’t hesitate to add a little extra! You can also mix in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warm, cozy twist.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, and you can simply reheat slices in the microwave.
- Try Different Mix-Ins: Get creative with add-ins! Chopped pecans, raisins, or even a handful of chocolate chips can elevate this dish and make it your own.
- Use a Glass Baking Dish: If you have one, a glass dish can help you see the browning better and ensure even cooking. Just remember to adjust the baking time, as glass can sometimes cook faster.
These little tips are sure to elevate your pancake bake to the next level—trust me, you’ll be the star of the breakfast table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious Cinnamon Apple Pancake Bake and, lucky you, there are leftovers! First off, let me just say, you’re going to want to savor every last bite. To store it properly, let the pancake bake cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze! Just pop a slice in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or until warmed through. If you prefer a crispy edge, you can also reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the slice on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes. This way, you’ll get that warm, comforting texture back, just like when it was fresh out of the oven! Don’t forget to drizzle a little extra maple syrup or add a dollop of whipped cream on top for that just-made feel. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
FAQ Section
Can I make this pancake bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pour it into the greased baking dish in the morning and bake it fresh for a warm breakfast.
What kind of apples work best in this recipe?
I personally love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are also fantastic choices! They add a lovely sweetness and texture to the bake.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to let the pancake bake cool completely, then cut it into slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned before!
What can I serve with the pancake bake?
This dish is delightful on its own, but I highly recommend serving it with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream. You could even add fresh fruit or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra special touch!
How do I know when it’s fully baked?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it’s wet, it needs a little more time in the oven. Keep an eye on it, especially after the 30-minute mark!
Can I add other ingredients to the pancake bake?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips can be fantastic additions. Just remember to adjust the mix-ins to your taste!
Why is my pancake bake dense?
If it turned out dense, it might be because of overmixing the batter. Make sure to stir until just combined, and lumps are totally fine! Also, avoid packing the flour too tightly when measuring.
Cinnamon Apple Pancake Bake: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Indulge
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious baked pancake dish made with cinnamon and apples.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter together.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples and walnuts if using.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve with maple syrup or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Apple Pancake Bake