Apple Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
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If you’re anything like me, breakfast is the best part of the day, especially when it involves something as irresistible as Apple Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. I love whipping these up on lazy weekend mornings or when I need a cozy, indulgent treat. The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and fluffy pancakes makes every bite feel like a hug from Grandma. It only takes about 40 minutes to get these on the table, including the optional glaze that takes them from delicious to decadent. What’s even better is that you get the delightful swirl of cinnamon roll filling right in the pancake, making every bite a little surprise. These pancakes are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, and they’ll definitely impress anyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love Apple Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Delicious Cinnamon Roll Twist: These pancakes have a swirl of cinnamon roll filling baked right in, making breakfast extra special.
- Quick and Cozy Breakfast: In just about 40 minutes, you can enjoy a warm, comforting meal that feels like a hug from Grandma.
- Perfectly Sweet and Spicy: With apples and cinnamon, these pancakes strike the perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every bite.
- Optional Glaze for Extra Indulgence: Drizzle on the optional glaze for a decadent touch that takes these pancakes from yummy to irresistible.
- Family-Friendly Treat: Ideal for weekends or special occasions, these pancakes are sure to please everyone at your breakfast table.
Ingredients Needed To Make Apple Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Flour
- Egg
- Applesauce
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk
- Avocado oil
- Kosher salt
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Apple
- Butter
- Light brown sugar
- Milk
- Powdered sugar
How To Make Apple Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Swirl: Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Transfer to a piping bag or a plastic bag with the tip cut off.
- Make the Pancake Batter: In one bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, whisk eggs, applesauce, vanilla, buttermilk, and avocado oil. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together, then fold in diced apple.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium/low heat and lightly butter it. Pour batter onto the skillet to form pancakes. When bubbles form around the edges, pipe a swirl of the cinnamon roll mixture on top. Flip the pancake and cook until golden brown.
- Make the Optional Glaze (if using): Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Serve: Remove pancakes from the skillet and serve hot, drizzled with optional glaze if desired. Enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I store leftover pancakes?
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them.
Can I freeze the pancakes?
Yes, you can freeze pancakes. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
How do I reheat frozen pancakes?
Reheat frozen pancakes in a toaster or toaster oven until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for about 30 seconds per pancake, though they might not be as crisp in the microwave.
What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag for the cinnamon swirl?
If you don’t have a piping bag, a plastic bag with a small corner cut off works great. You can also use a spoon to drizzle the cinnamon mixture, though it might be less precise.
Can I use a different fruit instead of apple?
Absolutely! You can swap apples for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if the fruit is very juicy.
How can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
You can make the pancake batter ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before cooking. You can also pre-cook the pancakes and reheat them as needed.
Apple Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Equipment
- Piping bag (or a plastic bag with the tip cut off)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl (for optional glaze)
- Sifter (optional, for glaze)
Ingredients
Pancakes
- 1 ¼ cup 1:1 gluten-free flour
- 2 eggs
- 4 ounces applesauce
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ cup apple finely diced
Cinnamon Roll Swirl
- 4 tbsp butter melted
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp milk
Instructions
Prepare Cinnamon Roll Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or plastic bag with the tip cut off. Set aside.
Prepare Pancake Batter
- In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, kosher salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, applesauce, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and avocado oil.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the finely diced apple. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are lumps.
Cook Pancakes
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium/low heat and lightly butter it.
- Pour batter onto the skillet to form pancakes.
- When the edges start to bubble, pipe a swirl of the cinnamon roll mixture on top of the pancake.
- Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Optional Glaze (if desired)
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp milk until smooth.
- Add additional milk, 1 tbsp at a time, if needed, to achieve the desired consistency.
Serve
- Remove pancakes from the skillet and serve hot with optional glaze drizzled on top, if using.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
These Apple Cinnamon Roll Pancakes have quickly become a breakfast favorite in my house. They’re a perfect way to start the day with a bit of indulgence and warmth. If you’re looking for a fun twist on your morning routine, definitely give these a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Delicious! My daughter wanted cinnamon rolls, but I wasn’t interested in putting in more than a “pancake level effort” into breakfast. We had just gone apple picking and so this recipe was perfect! The whole family devoured a double batch. Great recipe!
Thank you for this review!!! So happy you all loved them!