Apple Cinnamon Pancakes: Weekend Comfort Food That Feeds the Whole Crew

Apples are incredibly forgiving in galley conditions - they store well, and even slightly soft apples work perfectly in pancakes. The cinnamon adds warmth that's especially welcome on cold mornings, while the apple chunks provide natural sweetness and a satisfying texture that makes these pancakes more filling than the basic variety.

Plus, the prep work can be done the night before, making morning execution smooth and stress-free even when you're feeding a hungry crew.

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes (Serves 10)

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes Make-ahead friendly

The Pancake Base:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 2 tablespoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

The Wet Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups whole milk

• 3 large eggs

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

The Apple Addition:

• 3 medium apples, peeled and diced small

• 1 tablespoon flour (for coating apples)

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• Butter for cooking

Instructions:

1. Prep the Apples:

• Peel and dice apples into small, uniform pieces

• Toss with 1 tablespoon flour and 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• This prevents apples from sinking and adds extra flavor

2. Make the Batter:

• Whisk together all dry ingredients in a large bowl

• In separate bowl, combine milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla

• Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients

• Stir just until combined - lumps are okay

• Fold in prepared apples gently

3. Cook the Pancakes:

• Heat griddle or large skillet over medium heat

• Butter the cooking surface

• Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake

• Cook until bubbles form on surface and edges look set (2-3 minutes)

• Flip and cook until golden brown (1-2 minutes more)

Galley Pro Tips:

• Apple prep: Dice apples the night before and store covered in the fridge

• Batter consistency: Don't overmix - lumpy batter makes fluffier pancakes

• Temperature control: Medium heat prevents burning while ensuring cooked centers

• Keep warm: Hold finished pancakes in 200°F oven while cooking remaining batches

The Perfect Apple Choice

For galley cooking, these apples work best:

• Granny Smith: Tart flavor, holds shape well

• Honeycrisp: Sweet, crisp texture

• Gala: Mild, sweet, readily available

• Even slightly soft apples work - perfect for galley efficiency

Serving Suggestions

These pancakes are delicious with:

• Pure maple syrup (the classic choice)

• Butter and cinnamon sugar

• Apple butter for double apple flavor

• Whipped cream for special occasions

• Chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch

Make-Ahead Strategy

Perfect for meal prep:

• Night before: Dice apples, measure dry ingredients

• Morning of: Just combine wet ingredients and cook

• Leftover pancakes: Reheat in toaster or oven - they freeze beautifully

• Double batch: Make extra for quick breakfasts all week

Want more comfort food breakfast ideas that actually work in galley conditions? Subscribe to Ben's Galley to receive my free 1-day meal plan sample and discover how I approach morning meals with systematic, tested methods that deliver satisfaction every time.