My family loves my regular German pancake recipe, but when I received a large box of SweeTango apples late last week, I started throwing around the idea of an German apple pancake recipe. I gave it a whirl this afternoon with spectacular results, but first let me tell you just a bit about SweeTango apples.
SweeTango is a new apple that's a cross between Honeycrisp and Zestari varieties. It was available in 2010 in limited volumes but will be available nationally this fall. As you can imagine based on their "parents", they're sweet, juicy, crisp, and utterly delicious. Look for these beautiful deep red over a yellow-breaking background apples at your local Walmart store now!
Now back to the German apple pancake recipe I was mulling over — having not cooked with the SweeTango variety previously, I was a little worried about whether they would simply turn to mush, but they held their shape nicely and produced lovely, tender and flavorful apple slices within the pancake.
I mentioned on Facebook as I was trying out the recipe that the smell was divine and that if the pancake tasted half as good as it smelled, it would be a hit. And a hit it was — even garnering a spontaneous hug from my nine-year-old son after he tasted it!
If you don't have a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, I highly recommend making the investment. I used my trusty #8 Wagner, but any non-stick pan that can go from stove top to oven will work for this recipe.
Don't assume because it's a pancake this recipe is only for breakfast or brunch — it's perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert too.
Printable Recipe ↓
German Apple Pancake
Ingredients
For the batter:
- 4 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
For the apples:
- 2 SweeTango or Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored, and sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the over to 375 degrees.
- Add eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla and salt to a blender and puree. You can refrigerate the batter overnight if desired.
- Melt butter in a cast iron or oven-safe nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, making sure to coat sides of skillet.
- Add apples to skillet, along with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for about 10 minutes until tender.
- Pour batter over cooked apples and bake in the oven until cooked through and golden brown, about 25 minutes.
- Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar if desired. Slice into wedges to serve.
More Easy Brunch Recipes
If you like this German apple pancake recipe, you might also enjoy these other delicious brunch recipes:
- Cinnamon-Sugar Easy Popovers Recipe
- Cinnamon Roll Waffle Recipe
- Customizable Monkey Bread From Grands Biscuits
- Maple Pecan Candy Bacon Recipe
- Simple Creampuff Recipe
Did you make this recipe?
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laurie says
I was looking for an apple German pancake and yours popped up. It looks wonderful and it's in my oven as I type. Thanks for breakfast! I'm signing up for email delivery because I want more!! Thank you!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Glad you found it, Laurie! I haven't made this for awhile — I definitely need to get it into the rotation for fall with all of the yummy apples available.
Trish Engels-Trantham says
I was so excite to find this in Pinterest! My grandmother made these on special occasions. It is one if my very fondest memories. She called this (excuse my spelling) Apfelfannekuchen. Sometimes she made this with plums from her tree- and it was just as delicious. She did not bake these though. She started with the batter in a cast iron pan, fanned the apples over the top of the batter, covered it for a minute or so, then ever so carefully, she flipped it like a regular pancake. The apples would caramelize, then she would turn it out onto a warm plate and sprinkle it with white sugar. Sometimes, I make these for my brother for his birthday. He always cries and tells me how much they are like grandma's. Grandma didn't leave a recipe, she always trusted that I was paying attention while she threw a cup of this and a pinch if that into the bowl. I'm glad I was paying attention. Thank you again for sharing this recipe, it's made my day.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Love your story, Trish. Thanks for sharing!
Dee:-) says
This is so yummy. I was looking for something to snack on and discovered your site. Thank you so much for sharing your recipes. Keep them coming.. I plan on trying a few others also the biscuits, the cucumber salad, toasted almond crisp cookies and some others.. all sound so good and makes me want to make them. Your pictures do the trick, like you can pluck them out of the picture & eat it!. Thank you...
irmag says
I had never heard of Apple German Pancake, but I will have to try this recipe.
melissa dunbar says
I just made this! it was delish! thanks!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
So glad to hear you enjoyed it, Melissa! I'm thinking it's about time to make another one here.
Valerie Kite says
Sounds like a Dutch Baby from Florida. Appeals to my Germwn ancestry
Betty says
Tara I am on my way to Walmart to get some Sweet Tango Apples-- Thank you for this great receipe--I will be inviting my breezeway neighbors for pancakes. Love, Grandma
Cindy says
That cake looks absolutely delicious and it is making my mouth water!! I will be down for a piece, save me some!! Love Mom
Kathleen says
We went apple picking here on L. I. last Sunday, so I have plenty! I will make this tomorrow for breakfast and let you know the result!
It looks delicious!
Petra says
I'm so glad I've stumbled across your site. I love yummy without the fuss. I love yummy recipes with a few simple ingredients. Thank you! I will definitely try this!!
Lori Carter says
This recipe looks amazing! I can't wait to try it.
I found a delicious apple muffin recipe last year and will e-mail it to you for you to try. I'm looking forward to apple picking soon so I can make lots of yummy apple treats. :)
Carrie Cronin says
I live in Minnesota in the city where one of the original Sweet Tango apple orchards are and they are delicious! Thanks for the recipe, I will be trying it this weekend!
Georgia Pellegrini says
I love these kinds of pancakes. It's soo "fall." Thanks for the inspiration! I'm going to make them for sure.
Alex@Spoonful of Sugar Free says
This looks amazing! I tried to make something like this last week, but it just didn't get as fluffy! More custardy. Still good, but not what I wanted to achieve.
Pictures are gorgeous, by the way!
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says
I will be on the look out for those apples and the pancake looks divine!