The air on your way to the kitchen smells like apples and cinnamon and warm griddled batter — these Applesauce Pancakes are all the wonderful comforts of a fall morning in every bite. Slightly spiced, and naturally sweet, they’re a nostalgic yet refreshing variation on a breakfast classic.

The pancakes — filled with brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce and flour — get just the right amount of fluffiness and flavor. They’re easy to prepare, so they’re perfect for leisurely weekends or as indulgence on a weeknight when you want to eat something warm and homemade without a lot of hassle.

You could top them with sautéed apples or a pour of maple syrup for a breakfast that feels both straightforward and indulgent. Cooking for a crowd or just yourself, these pancakes are a comforting seasonal go to.

Applesauce Pancakes – Ingredients

Plain floor is the perfect base for pancakes like these, just light enough for satisfaction. Baking powder provides the lift you want, which makes each bite airy, fluffy. Brown sugar adds a bit of sweetness and cinnamon gives the applesauce a warm, toasty spice.

Unsweetened applesauce brings natural moisture and a subtle fruity flavor that deepens richness without being cloying. The egg holds everything together, providing structure, and vanilla extract subtly enhances the flavor profile, rounding out this comforting breakfast dish.

Homemade Applesauce Pancakes: Cooking Notes

Let the Batter Rest for Fluffier Pancakes

Let the pancake batter rest a few minutes before cooking. This prolonged soaking allows the flour to fully absorb the liquid and produces fluffier pancakes. This also gives the baking powder time to activate so you have a lighter texture.

Use buttermilk for additional richness

Regular milk is just fine in this recipe, but if you can replace it with buttermilk, you’ll add a tangy richness that pairs wonderfully with the sweet applesauce and cinnamon. Buttermilk also reacts with the baking powder, resulting in an even fluffier pancake.

Low and Slow Cooking

If you find the pancakes are browning too fast, turn the heat down a bit. Cooking over a lower heat helps the insides of the pancakes cook through without burning the outsides—a guarantee that golden-brown finish without that soggy or gummy center.

What To Serve With Applesauce Pancakes

Sautéed Apples

To step up the applesauce flavor, serve these pancakes topped with sautéed apples. “Sauté thinly sliced apples in a little butter, brown sugar and cinnamon until tender. It’s something that adds a sweet, caramelized dimension that goes beautifully with the pancakes and that brings out their autumnal flavors.

Maple Syrup and Whipped Cream

For a classic ending, drizzle these pancakes with the darkest maple syrup. For an even more luscious dessert, top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creaminess and sweetness of our yogurt will contrast the spice of the pancakes and complement them, adding another layer to your eating experience!

Crispy Bacon or Sausages

For a savory counterpoint, serve your applesauce pancakes with crispy bacon or breakfast sausages. The salty, savory flavors contrast nicely with the sweetness of the pancakes, making for a heartier breakfast spread.

FAQ: Applesauce Pancakes

Can I use sweetened/applesauce?

For this recipe, we recommend using unsweetened applesauce for a better balance of sweetness when you mix it into the brown sugar and cinnamon. However, you can use sweetened applesauce but will need to cut down on the brown sugar a little if you do.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this recipe. Just make sure the blend you use works well for pancakes to keep the correct texture.

Can I freeze these pancakes?

Absolutely! Allow the pancakes to cool completely before stacking them with parchment paper between the layers. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just pop into the toaster or microwave for a quick breakfast.

Can I make these pancakes in advance?

Yes, you can make the batter the night before, cover and refrigerate. Simply give it a stir before cooking. This will save you time in the morning but still make sure those pancakes are fresh and fluffy.

Applesauce Pancakes

This pancake recipe uses two old-school staples — cinnamon and applesauce — for a pancake experience that is perfect for breakfast. With brown sugar infused in their batter, they have the great balance of flavor and texture that makes them a good addition to a fall morning.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 14

Servings: 5

Course: Pancakes

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

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 unsweetened applesauce
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

Stir together the flour, baking powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl until fully combined.
In a separate bowl combine the milk (or buttermilk), unsweetened applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and the ingredients are incorporated.
Let the batter rest for a few minutes, which helps it thicken a bit and results in fluffier pancakes.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. If using a griddle, preheat according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Spray the cooking surface lightly with non-stick spray or small amount of butter.
Spoon about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the skillet or griddle. Let bubbles form on the surface, then flip the pancakes carefully. Cook until browned on second side. If the pancakes brown too quickly, lower the heat to promote cooking throughout.)
Serve the pancakes warm, ideally topped with sautéed apples, for a soul-satisfyingly complete breakfast.