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Cozy German Apple Pancake for Two: Easy, Perfect Fall Recipe

german apple pancake for two - featured image

A simple, quick German pancake with caramelized apples, crispy edges, and a soft custardy center—perfect for a cozy breakfast for two.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch wedges
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (120 ml)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60 grams), spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 10-inch oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron) in the oven while it preheats. Let it heat for 10 minutes after reaching temperature.
  2. While the oven preheats, peel and core the apples. Slice them into thin wedges about 1/4 inch thick.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until light and frothy, about 30 seconds. Add the milk, flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth with no lumps. The batter should be thin, like heavy cream. Do not overmix.
  4. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Place it on the stovetop over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and swirl until melted. Add the sliced apples, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, and cinnamon. Stir to coat. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the sugar is bubbling and starting to turn golden.
  5. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it melt.
  6. Spread the apples into an even layer in the skillet. Pour the batter evenly over the apples. Do not stir. The batter should sizzle slightly.
  7. Carefully transfer the skillet back to the oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the pancake is puffed up, golden brown around the edges, and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Do not open the oven door during the first 12 minutes.
  8. Remove the skillet from the oven. Dust generously with powdered sugar. Cut into wedges and serve warm. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup or add a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature eggs and milk. Preheat the skillet in the oven to ensure a dramatic puff and crispy edges. Do not overmix the batter. Serve immediately as the pancake will deflate as it cools. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and oat milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: German pancake, apple pancake, breakfast for two, fall recipe, easy pancake, cast iron pancake