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Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and melted butter (or oil). You can also use a hand mixer or a stand mixer if you prefer, but a whisk will do just fine.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter—it’s okay if there are a few lumps. The batter should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, you can add a little extra milk to reach the desired consistency.
Step 4: Add the Apples and Oats
Fold in the chopped or grated apple and the rolled oats into the pancake batter. The apples will add moisture and a burst of flavor, while the oats contribute a delightful chewiness and hearty texture to the pancakes.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with a small amount of butter or oil. Once the pan is hot, spoon about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread the batter into a round shape.
Cook each pancake for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until small bubbles begin to form on the surface. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, until golden brown. Adjust the heat if necessary—if the pancakes are browning too quickly, lower the heat to cook them more evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the pancakes are cooked, stack them on a plate and serve immediately. Top with extra apple slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of yogurt for extra creaminess.
Tips for Perfect Pancakes
- Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor, use fresh apples that are crisp and slightly tart, like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. These apples hold up well when cooked and add a nice balance of sweetness and tang.
- Adjust the Sweetness: The maple syrup or honey in the batter adds sweetness, but you can always adjust the amount to suit your taste. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the syrup and let the apples provide the natural sugar.
- Grated Apples for Softness: If you prefer a softer texture, grate the apples instead of chopping them. This way, the apple pieces blend seamlessly into the batter and create a moist, tender pancake.
- Add-ins for Extra Flavor: Feel free to get creative by adding a handful of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter. These additions will bring in extra texture and flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the pancake batter the night before and store it in the fridge. This saves time in the morning and makes for an even easier breakfast! Just give the batter a quick stir before cooking.
Variations and Customizations
While the apple, cinnamon, and oatmeal combination is already amazing, you can mix things up by adding your favorite ingredients:
- Cinnamon Swirl: For an extra cinnamon kick, swirl a little cinnamon sugar into the batter before cooking.
- Vegan Version: Swap the milk for a plant-based alternative (like almond or oat milk) and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) in place of the egg.
- Pumpkin Pancakes: In the fall, try swapping the apple for pumpkin puree and add a bit more cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a spiced-up version.
- Blueberry Add-In: For extra fruity flavor, fold in a handful of blueberries with the apples. The sweet-tart berries complement the cinnamon beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Pancakes with Apple, Cinnamon, and Oatmeal are the perfect way to start your morning with something wholesome, satisfying, and packed with flavor. They’re easy to make, customizable, and a great way to incorporate more whole grains and fruit into your diet. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, these pancakes are bound to be a hit.
Next time you want a cozy, comforting breakfast, skip the plain pancakes and give this delicious combination a try. With warm, spiced apples and hearty oats, these pancakes will quickly become your new favorite breakfast treat!
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