Experience the delightful fusion of fresh fruit and fluffy pancakes with our irresistible Apple Pancake Rings. Thinly sliced apples are enrobed in a light, spiced pancake batter and cooked until golden, creating a breakfast sensation or an exceptional after-school snack!
As the crisp autumn air settles in, or even when you’re simply craving a taste of something warm and comforting, apples take center stage in our kitchens. While a classic apple pie or a rustic apple crumble always hits the spot, sometimes you need a recipe that’s a little more whimsical, a little more fun, and perfectly suited for any time of day. That’s where these incredible Apple Pancake Rings come in. Imagine tender, juicy apple slices, each one carefully dipped in a fragrant pancake batter, then griddled to golden perfection. The result? A ring of pure delight, offering a perfect balance of tart apple, sweet pancake, and a hint of spice. They’re not just food; they’re an experience, a joyous way to kickstart your morning or surprise the family with a wholesome, delicious snack.
If you’re already an apple enthusiast, you know the versatility of this beloved fruit. From savory dishes to sweet treats, apples truly shine. We invite you to explore more of our delicious apple recipes. And for those who eagerly await fall’s bounty, don’t miss our curated list of 15 Apple Recipes You’ll Want to Make Every Fall. These Apple Pancake Rings are just the beginning of your apple culinary journey!
The Inspiration Behind These Irresistible Apple Pancake Rings
Many culinary adventures begin in unexpected places, and for these Apple Pancake Rings, the spark came from a popular daytime television show: The Chew. When the show first premiered, I, like many others, found myself both intrigued and a little overwhelmed by its energetic format. With five hosts discussing food topics simultaneously, the initial episodes felt a bit like a delightful, yet chaotic, culinary whirlwind. It was live, it was bustling, and it certainly kept you on your toes. However, I’m truly glad I stuck with it, because over time, the hosts found their rhythm, and the show evolved into a fantastic source of inspiration, showcasing a diverse array of recipes that begged to be recreated at home.
Among the many mouth-watering dishes featured, from Carla Hall’s Pumpkin Beignets and Mario Batali’s Chicken with Black Beans and Rice to Michael Symon’s Lola Burger, Daphne Oz’s Cannoli Parfait, and Clinton Kelly’s Purple Cow, one recipe particularly captured my imagination from that very first episode: Carla Hall’s Apple Pancake Rings. There was something uniquely appealing about turning a simple apple into a pancake, transforming a familiar fruit into an innovative, fun, and utterly delicious treat. Carla Hall has a knack for making food approachable and exciting, and these pancake rings were a perfect example of her culinary charm. The idea of enrobing apple slices in a warm, spiced pancake embrace was simply too good to pass up, and it quickly became a recipe I knew I had to master.
This recipe builds beautifully on concepts we’ve explored before. If you’ve followed my guide on how to make your own homemade pancake mix, you already have the perfect foundation for these rings. And for those who appreciate creative twists on classic breakfast items, you’ll remember the fun we had with Breakfast Meatballs. The Apple Pancake Rings offer yet another fantastic and innovative way to utilize that trusty pancake mix, transforming everyday ingredients into something truly special. They’re a testament to how a little creativity can elevate a simple meal, making it memorable and endlessly enjoyable for everyone at your table.
Crafting the Perfect Apple Pancake Rings: Tips for Success
Making these Apple Pancake Rings is a straightforward and enjoyable process, but a few key details can elevate your results from good to absolutely fantastic. The most crucial element, naturally, is the apple itself. I experimented with a couple of different apple varieties to find the ideal texture and flavor profile. On hand, I had both Granny Smith and Gala apples, and after tasting the final product, I overwhelmingly preferred the Granny Smith. Its vibrant tartness provides a wonderful counterpoint to the sweet pancake batter, creating a harmonious flavor balance that truly pops. Furthermore, Granny Smith apples maintain a lovely firm texture when cooked, offering a satisfying bite without becoming mushy. The Gala apples, while still tasty, tended to soften a bit more and lacked that distinctive tart punch that made the Granny Smiths shine in this particular application. For best results, I highly recommend opting for a crisp, slightly tart apple variety like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or even Braeburn. These apples hold their shape beautifully and offer a delightful textural contrast.
While the picture above shows just two apples, I found that using about four medium apples was ideal to make the most of a typical batch of pancake mix. This ensures you have plenty of delicious rings to go around, whether you’re feeding a family breakfast or preparing a generous snack spread. The slicing of the apples is also key; aim for slices about 1/8-inch thick. This thickness allows the apple to cook through tenderly while still holding its structure within the pancake batter, creating that perfect “ring” effect.
When it comes to serving, the possibilities are endless. On “The Chew,” Carla Hall suggested a sophisticated reduced apple cider syrup with cinnamon, which sounds absolutely divine. However, if you don’t have apple cider readily available, don’t fret! A classic drizzle of your favorite maple syrup or a simple honey will do wonders. I served mine with good old pancake syrup, and they were utterly delicious that way. For an extra touch, consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar, or serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. These rings are truly versatile, making them a fantastic breakfast option, but I also genuinely believe they make the perfect after-school snack. The warm, comforting embrace of the pancake and apple is a delightful treat after a long day.
A little note on leftovers: these Apple Pancake Rings are undeniably best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, while they are still warm and crisp. The apples retain their best texture, and the pancake batter is at its fluffiest. While you can store leftovers, they do tend to get a bit soggy over time. If you do have any left, gently reheat them in a dry skillet or a toaster oven to revive some of their original charm, but truly, the magic lies in eating them up while they’re hot! Trust me, you won’t regret savoring every warm, delicious bite.
More Delicious Apple Breakfast Recipes to Try
If you’ve fallen in love with these Apple Pancake Rings and are eager for more apple-infused morning meals, you’re in luck! Apples are a breakfast superstar, adding natural sweetness, a hint of tang, and wonderful texture to a variety of dishes. Here are some of our other favorite apple breakfast recipes that we think you’ll adore:
- German Apple Pancake: A large, impressive pancake that puffs up beautifully in the oven, studded with tender apple slices.
- Apple Pancakes with Caramel Apple Syrup: Fluffy pancakes made with apple cider, crowned with a luscious caramel apple syrup.
- Apple Cider Doughnuts: A classic fall treat, these doughnuts are infused with the cozy flavor of apple cider.
- Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Perfectly spiced and moist muffins, bursting with chunks of sweet apple.
- Baked French Toast with Apples and Raisins: A comforting casserole that can be prepped ahead, featuring soft bread, apples, and plump raisins.
Each of these recipes brings out the best in apples, offering diverse ways to enjoy this incredible fruit for breakfast or brunch. Whether you prefer light and airy, rich and decadent, or quick and easy, there’s an apple breakfast recipe here for everyone. We encourage you to try them all and discover your new favorite way to incorporate apples into your morning routine!
Apple Pancake Rings
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Ingredients
- 1 batch Pancake Mix prepared (or your favorite store-bought mix)
- 1/2 cup additional buttermilk (or regular milk, adjusted for desired batter consistency)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg)
- zest of 1/2 lemon (optional, for a bright note)
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Butter or cooking spray (for griddle)
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Griddle: Heat a non-stick griddle or a large frying pan over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
- Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, prepare your pancake mix according to package directions. Stir in the additional 1/2 cup of buttermilk (or milk), the pumpkin pie spice, and the lemon zest (if using). Whisk until just combined, ensuring a smooth but slightly thick batter. Adjust milk quantity slightly if needed to reach desired consistency—it should be thick enough to cling to the apple slices without being overly runny.
- Prepare the Apples: Wash, peel, and core the apples. Slice them into approximately 1/8-inch thick rings. A mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform thickness, but a sharp knife works well too.
- Dip and Cook: Using a toothpick, a fork, or your fingers, dip each apple slice into the prepared pancake batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently place the coated apple rings onto the heated griddle, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and the pancake batter is cooked through. The apple inside should be tender.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked Apple Pancake Rings to a plate. Serve immediately while warm, drizzled with your favorite maple syrup, honey, or a cinnamon-reduced apple cider syrup for an extra special touch. These are delightful for breakfast, brunch, or a fun afternoon snack.