Apple Cinnamon Pancakes bursting with fresh fruit and cozy flavor … a perfect breakfast to share with the kids. You can use shredded apple or tuck a full slice of apple into the middle for extra yum.

Apple cinnamon pancakes on kids pink plate with sides.

I love all kinds of pancakes, especially for weekend breakfasts or to reheat from leftovers for quick meals, and these Apple Cinnamon ones are so darn delicious. The base is similar to my beloved Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes, but they have the addition of both cinnamon and apple.

You have two options with the apple: You can grate one apple and add it to the batter, or you can slice an apple very thinly, coat it with batter, and cook it similarly to my Mini Pancakes with Fruit. The latter option is fun because the texture is interesting and the apple is loud and clear. Both are yummy, though, so you can do the one you think your kids will prefer.

(You may also like my Fresh Apple Pancakes, Buckwheat Pancakes, and my Applesauce Pancakes.)

Your toddler won’t eat? Help is here!

Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Ingredients You Need

Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this pancake recipe for kids—or to share with the kids—so you know what to have on hand.

Ingredients for apple cinnamon pancakes on countertop.
  • Milk (dairy or nondairy): You can use any type of milk you prefer. I usually cook with whole milk, but nondairy milk works, too.
  • Yogurt: I like to add yogurt to my pancake batter to make it fluffy. It also adds some protein and calcium, which is a nice bonus.
  • Eggs: I use large eggs in my baking; eggs add structure to the batter.
  • Butter: I prefer to bake and cook with unsalted butter so I can season the food myself. You can use salted butter and just omit the salt from the recipe.
  • Vanilla extract: Use either pure or imitation vanilla extract in this recipe to add a little flavor.
  • Whole wheat flour: I usually make this recipe with whole wheat flour to add some whole grains and fiber to the mix, though it works with all-purpose flour if that’s what you have or prefer.
  • Baking powder: Baking powder helps pancakes rise and bake through, so you’ll want to make sure yours is fresh and active.
  • Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon in this batter adds extra flavor that pairs so well with the apple.
  • Apple: You can add shredded apple or grated apple to the batter, or you can thinly slice apple to tuck into the middle of the batter. I prefer to use softer apples here, such as Gala, to ensure they cook through in the same time the batter cooks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Below is an overview of how to make this kids breakfast recipe so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full recipe with the amounts and timing.

Dry ingredients in yellow bowl for apple cinnamon pancakes.

Step 1. Add the dry ingredients to a medium bowl. Whisk.

Wet ingredients in yellow bowl for apple cinnamon pancakes.

Step 2. Add the wet ingredients to the batter. Whisk gently to combine.

Apples being cut on cutting board for apple cinnamon pancakes.

Step 3. Fold in the apple OR slice the apple ⅕-inch thick.

Apple cinnamon pancakes in pan before flipping.

Step 4. Cook on both sides in a well-greased pan.

Serve warm with maple syrup, or you can serve it with applesauce or apple butter.

Apple cinnamon pancakes after flipping in pan.

How to Store

To store leftovers, let the apple cinnamon pancakes cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Warm for 15-30 seconds in the microwave and serve warm. You can also freeze pancakes for up to 3 months in a zip-top freezer bag.

Apple cinnamon pancakes on two kids plates with sides.

Best Tips for Success

  • In order to have the apple slices cook through in the time it takes to cook the pancake batter, be sure to very thinly slice them on a mandoline or using a paring knife.
  • Gluten-free: Use cup-for-cup gluten-free flour or buckwheat flour and add more milk as needed to make the batter thin enough.
  • Dairy-free: Use ¾ cup milk in place of the milk and yogurt. 
  • Egg-free: Omit the eggs and add ¼ more yogurt.
  • Let the apple cinnamon pancakes cook on the first side until you see bubbles around the edges and that the edges are set. This will help to ensure they cook through.
  • Top with additional applesauce, apple butter, nut butter, or maple syrup as desired.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Apple cinnamon pancakes on kids pink plate with sides.

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes bursting with fresh fruit and cozy flavor … a perfect breakfast to share with the kids. You can use shredded apple or tuck a full slice of apple into the middle for extra yum.
5 from 10 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Breakfast
Calories 245kcal
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • ½ cup milk (dairy or nondairy)
  • ½ cup plain yogurt
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled, plus additional to grease the pan)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup shredded apple (from about 1 medium apple; OR 1 medium apple sliced ⅕ inch thick; you can include the peel)
Save this recipe?
Enter your email to save this recipe in your inbox!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Instructions

  • Add the milk, yogurt, eggs, butter, and vanilla to a medium bowl. Whisk to combine into a smooth mixture.
  • Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk gently to combine.
  • Fold in the apple OR slice the apple ⅕ inch thick.
  • Warm a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add a small bit of the butter, melt, and spread it around the pan.
  • Drop ¼ cupfuls of batter onto the pan and spread out thinly to about 1/4-½ inch think. Cook for about 3 minutes or until you see bubbles on the surface of the pancake. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Continue to cook the rest of the batter.
  • If using the sliced-apple option, dip each one in the batter, flip over, and use a fork to lift out of the bowl and place onto the pan. Cook as directed in the previous step.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

  • To store leftovers, let pancakes cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Warm for 15-30 seconds in the microwave and serve warm. You can also freeze for up to 3 months in a zip-top freezer bag.
  • To have the apple slices cook through in the time it takes to cook the pancake batter, be sure to very thinly slice them on a mandoline or using a paring knife.
  • Gluten-free: Use cup-for-cup gluten-free flour or buckwheat flour and add more milk as needed to make the batter thin enough.
  • Dairy-free: Use ¾ cup milk in place of the milk and yogurt. 
  • Egg-free: Omit the eggs and add ¼ more yogurt.
  • Let the pancakes cook on the first side until you see bubbles around the edges and the edges are set. This will help to ensure they cook all the way through.
  • Top with additional applesauce, apple butter, nut butter, or maple syrup as desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 105mg, Sodium: 561mg, Potassium: 255mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 386IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 223mg, Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

This post was first published October 2023.

Related Products

Share it with the world

Pin

Filed Under

5 from 10 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How many stars would you give this recipe?




All comments are subject to our Terms of Use.

Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These are my favourite to make! My two year old gobbles them up! He prefers the shredded apple vs apple rings, I seem to have to always add an extra tbsp of milk to make sure the batter isn’t too thick. Awesome flavour and lots of protein if you use Siggis yogurt and I also add a dollop of peanut butter for dipping. Yum!

  2. 5 stars
    Made these this morning for the family and they were so yummy and easy! I used slices from 1 apple, but had enough batter to also make some without apples. One kid liked them with the apples in them and the other preferred them without. Husband and I liked both options!

  3. 5 stars
    Delicious! I ended up giving the apples bc the slices took too long to use all the batter! The batter itself was great. I love the addition of yogurt, it gives it that fluffiness! My 2 yr old and husband loved them!

  4. 5 stars
    These were great! I added more apple just to make it even yummier. Already made them 2 times, double batched each to have them frozen.

  5. I tried some with slices and some with the shredded apple. My toddler and husband didn’t care much for either apple option. I think the sliced ones were more fun but not sure I’d want a whole serving. I may have had too much shredded apple in mine since I winged it a bit mixing up how I included the apple. Also the apples themselves aren’t the best.

  6. 5 stars
    I just made this for my teenage daughter. She said that it was “spectacular!” High praise!!! Thank you for your simple and healthy recipes!

  7. 5 stars
    Amazing recipe and super quick to prepare and meal prep! We will be adding this to our weekly breakfast rotation. My picky 15-month toddler enjoyed these pancakes this morning, even without any toppings or syrup! Definitely slice the apples as thinly as possible so that they cook throughly at the same time as the batter.

  8. 5 stars
    Made these gluten free, egg free, non dairy milk with shredded apple and they came out so good. Thank you! Always on the hunt for easy recipes for my toddlers and their dietary restrictions 😊