Apple Pancakes

Apple pancakes are a tasty variant of the classic American recipe, enriched by the aroma and sweetness of apples. Here’s how to prepare delicious apple pancakes with an Italian touch.

Ingredients

• 150 g of 00 flour
• 2 apples (of your choice variety, for a more Italian note you could use Renette or Annurche apples)
• 2 eggs
• 200 ml of milk
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 sachet of baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
• Butter as needed for cooking

Preparation

1. In a bowl, sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, pinch of salt and cinnamon (if you decide to use it, it will add a spiced note).
2. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then add the milk and stir until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
3. Pour the liquid ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until fully incorporated, obtaining a lump-free batter.
4. Peel the apples, remove the core and cut them into small cubes. Then, fold the apple cubes into the batter.
5. Heat a non-stick pan and add a small piece of butter for each pancake you cook (to prevent sticking and give it a more indulgent flavor).
6. Pour a ladleful of batter into the hot pan for each pancake, and cook over medium heat until you see bubbles forming on the surface, indicating it’s time to flip. Then cook the other side until golden.
7. Repeat the process until the batter is used up, stacking the pancakes on a plate and keeping them warm covered.

Fun Facts

Apple pancakes are a classic of American breakfast but have won the hearts of Italians who often customize them with local ingredients. The apples make these pancakes great also as a snack or autumn dessert. Serve them with maple syrup, honey or, to stay on theme, with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of hazelnut spread.

If you’re in the mood to experiment, you can for example add ricotta to the batter to make the pancakes even fluffier and moister, or top them with a caramelized apple sauce with amaretto for a fully Italian twist.