Fluffy applesauce pancakes are easy and delicious with a hint of brown sugar and cinnamon for a cozy fall flavor. The addition of applesauce gives these homemade pancakes the perfect texture. These will quickly become your favorite fall breakfast!
We LOVE pancakes at our house because they’re not just for breakfast. You can enjoy them any time of day. They are so easy to whip up on busy nights for dinner and nobody ever complains. Try more of our favorites like these German pancakes, these cinnamon roll pancakes, or these classic fluffy pancakes!
What Are Applesauce Pancakes?
Applesauce pancakes are thick, soft, and fluffy. The applesauce adds moisture and makes the pancakes tender while giving them a subtle apple flavor. It is also a great substitute for oil. Bonus points for making pancakes healthier while using less fat! The secret to fluffy pancakes is to not over-mix the batter. Leave small lumps in the pancakes to ensure fluffy and flavorful pancakes every time. These applesauce pancakes are fluffy, moist, and full of fall flavors.
With a golden crisp outside and a fluffy inside these are a welcome sight on the table first thing in the morning! They’ll be worth getting up for! Drizzle these pancakes with homemade syrup then complete this breakfast with crispy bacon and scrambled eggs. Your family will love you for it!
Ingredients in Applesauce Pancakes
Lucky for you, these applesauce pancakes are delicious AND easy to make! Use up that leftover applesauce and get to cooking. Once you try these, you will always want to have applesauce on hand to make these pancakes! See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.
- Flour: I used all-purpose flour for this recipe.
- Baking Powder: This helps the pancakes achieve that light and fluffy texture.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a sweet element to enhance the apple and cinnamon flavors.
- Cinnamon: The perfect spice to compliment apples.
- Salt: The salt will enhance all of the flavors in the recipe!
- Milk: The milk helps dissolve the ingredients and create a pourable mixture. Use any kind of milk or even buttermilk for extra fluffy pancakes.
- Applesauce: Applesauce is a great substitute for oil. It makes these pancakes super moist! I use unsweetened applesauce but if you like sweet pancakes use regular applesauce.
- Egg: The egg helps provide a structure to hold the bubbles and help the pancakes rise.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a great taste to these pancakes.
Applesauce Pancake Recipe
These pancakes are simple and easy and take less than 20 minutes from start to finish. They are easy enough that your kids can even help you make them! Follow the instructions below to make perfect pancakes.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: To a large bowl, add the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt then whisk to combine.
- Add Wet Ingredients to Dry Ingredients: Add the milk, applesauce, vanilla, and egg to the bowl of dry ingredients then whisk together until smooth and blended.
- Rest the Batter: Allow the batter to sit for a couple of minutes while you heat the skillet. It allows the batter to thicken a little.
- Prepare the Skillet or Griddle: Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat. Or heat a griddle according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly spray the skillet or griddle with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook: Pour ¼ cup batter onto the griddle or skillet and cook until bubbles begin to appear on the surface. Carefully flip and cook the opposite side until golden brown. Adjust and lower the heat if the pancakes begin to burn.
- Serve: Serve with my easy sautéed apples and enjoy! Canned apple pie filling would also be delicious.
Ideas for Toppings
The great thing about pancakes is that you can put just about anything with them and it just makes them taste even better! Here are a few ideas that you can try on these applesauce pancakes.
- Nuts: Walnuts or pecans are a delicious sweet and salty treat on pancakes.
- Fruit: Fresh fruit is bright and colorful, plus it adds a sweet and juicy taste. Skip the apples and try berries or bananas on top.
- Syrups: Maple syrup is most common but try some caramel syrup or blueberry syrup for more of a variety.
- Jams: Spread a fruity jam like peach or blackberry over top of each pancake for a thicker topping.
- Spreads: Peanut butter or any nut butter will melt over the top of the pancakes giving you a sweet and salty taste.
- Whipping Cream: Top with a dollop of whipping cream and add some sprinkles for a fun breakfast celebration.
Storing Leftover Pancakes
Leftover applesauce pancakes can be saved for tomorrow or frozen and reheated later! They are just as delicious the next time you eat them. Make an easy breakfast option for yourself and double a batch to save and store for later!
- In the Refrigerator: Once your pancakes have cooled place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days!
- In the Freezer: Let your pancakes cool and then place them in a ziplock bag. Seal tightly before placing them in your freezer. Label the bag with the date! Your pancakes will stay good for 1 month!
- To Reheat: You can reheat these in the toaster or the microwave! Heat until warmed through. Top with sauteed apples and syrup and enjoy!
Must Try Apple Recipes
Apples are perfect for baking and dipping, and add sweetness and texture to many delicious recipes. I love using apples in both savory and sweet dishes. They are perfect for adding a sweet crunch to salads or moisture to baked goods making them tender and soft. I can’t wait for you to try these apple recipes because I know you’ll LOVE them like I do!
Salads
Broccoli Apple Salad
20 mins
Desserts
Caramel Apple Slab Pie
1 hr 25 mins
Desserts
Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake
1 hr 20 mins
Desserts
Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
50 mins
Applesauce Pancakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk, or buttermilk
- 1 cup applesauce, unsweetened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
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To a large bowl, add the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk to combine.
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Add the milk, applesauce, vanilla, and egg to the bowl of dry ingredients. Whisk together until smooth and blended.
-
Allow the batter to sit for a couple of minutes while you heat the skillet. It allows the batter to thicken a little.
-
Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat. Or heat a griddle according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
-
Lightly spray the skillet or griddle with non-stick cooking spray.
-
Pour ¼ cup batter onto the griddle or skillet and cook until bubbles begin to appear on the surface. Carefully flip and cook the opposite side until golden brown. Adjust and lower the heat if the pancakes begin to burn.
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Serve with sautéed apples and enjoy!
