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

ByHailey Reed December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

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Introduction

The German Apple Pancake is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite, combining fluffy batter with warm, spiced apples. This recipe bakes the pancake to golden perfection with a caramelized apple topping that’s sure to impress any brunch guest.

A close-up of a puffed, golden-yellow baked dish in a black cast-iron skillet, showing a thick, uneven surface with browned edges and some visible slices of cooked apple peeking through the batter. The texture looks soft and slightly fluffy with a few bubbles, and the apples have a light tan color with hints of caramelization. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface under soft natural light. 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 incorporated.
Step 2: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apple. In a medium to high heat cast iron skillet, melt the butter. Add the apple slices along with the ground cinnamon and nutmeg, cooking for about 2 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Sprinkle the brown sugar over the apples and cook a little longer to allow the sugar to caramelize slightly.
Step 4: Pour the prepared batter evenly over the caramelized apples. 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 briefly, then serve warm and enjoy your German Apple Pancake!

Tips & Variations

Use a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the batter in place of some milk.
Try adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup when serving.
If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, any oven-safe skillet will work well.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm individual slices gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. The pancake is best enjoyed fresh but can be enjoyed warm the next day.