German Apple Pancakes: Cozy Fall Breakfast with a Healthy Twist
If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to celebrate fall mornings, these German Apple Pancakes are where it’s at! Think perfectly spiced apples, golden crispy edges, and a soft, fluffy center. I love how this pancake gives off cozy fall vibes while sneaking in some wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour and flaxseed meal. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also packed with a few health benefits, especially for women over 50. So, let’s dive into why you should make this for your next breakfast (or brunch), and I’ll share a few tips to make sure you get that perfect pancake flip!
Enjoy this recipe with your favorite cup of coffee or tea and take a moment to savor the season. If you give this a try, let me know how it turned out. Don’t forget to snap a picture—because, trust me, this is a brunch showstopper!
Happy cooking!
Protein-Packed Bliss: German Apple Pancakes
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Equipment
- medium bowl
- Small Bowl
- Cast Iron or Enamel Skillet
- Whisk
- Apple Slicer optional
- Sifter optional
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed meal
- 1 tbsp coconut palm sugar or organic cane sugar
- ⅓ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp teaspoon ground cinnamon divided
- 1 cup egg whites (from about 7 eggs, preferably cage free)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp coconut oil melted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup organic sugar
- 3 green apples unpeeled, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp confectioners' (powdered) sugar
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, flax meal, sugar, salt, and ½ teaspoon of the cinnamon in a medium bowl.½ cup whole wheat flour, ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ cup ground flaxseed meal, 1 tbsp coconut palm sugar or organic cane sugar, ⅓ tsp fine sea salt, 1 tsp teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Beat together the egg whites, coconut milk, coconut oil, and vanilla in a small bowl. Add to the flour mixture and whisk well until combined. Let stand for 30 minutes.1 cup egg whites, 1 cup coconut milk, 2 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Coat the bottom and sides of a 10-inch ovenproof skillet with cooking spray.cooking spray
- Combine the organic sugar and remaining ½ teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl; sprinkle half of the mixture evenly over the bottom and sides of the pan. Arrange the apple slices in the pan in a single layer, in a spoke pattern. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon mixture over the apples.1 tsp teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ cup organic sugar, 3 green apples
- Cook over medium heat undisturbed until the mixture bubbles, about 8 minutes.
- Carefully pour the batter evenly over the apple slices. Transfer to the oven, being careful not to spill the batter, and bake for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and bake until the center is set, about 13 minutes.
- Cool for 5 minutes, then gently loosen the pancake from the skillet with a spatula and slide onto a serving platter. Alternatively, if you can flip the pancake and plate it with the sliced apples displayed on top.
- Sift the confectioners' sugar over the top. Cut into 6 wedges and serve warm.1 tbsp confectioners' (powdered) sugar
Video
More About This Recipe
Cooking Tips
- Batter Resting Time: Be sure to let your batter rest for at least 30 minutes! This helps the flour absorb the liquid fully and ensures a fluffier texture.
- Apple Arrangement: When arranging the apple slices in the pan, try to keep them uniform in thickness so they cook evenly. I like to layer them in a spoke pattern for a pretty presentation when you flip the pancake!
- Skillet Choice: Using a enamel skillet is key for this recipe. It retains heat really well and gives you that perfectly crisp edge. Don’t forget to generously coat the skillet with cooking spray or melted coconut oil to prevent sticking.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Cast Iron or Enamel Skillet: For an even, crispy edge.
- Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the batter for a lighter pancake.
- Apple Slicer: Makes slicing the apples super quick and easy.
- Sifter: For that beautiful dusting of powdered sugar at the end!
Nutrition
The Health Benefits
1. Whole Wheat Flour
Whole wheat flour is a great alternative to refined flour because it’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Fiber helps support healthy digestion and can lower cholesterol, which is super important for heart health. For women over 50, maintaining heart health becomes more crucial due to natural changes in hormones during menopause. Fiber can help balance cholesterol and blood pressure, keeping your heart in check.
2. Flaxseed Meal
One of my favorite ingredients to bake with is flaxseed meal. Flax is a powerhouse for Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for brain health and reducing inflammation. This is especially helpful for women over 50 who may be at increased risk for inflammatory diseases. Plus, flaxseed is an excellent source of lignans, compounds that have antioxidant properties and may help balance hormones.
3. Apples
We can’t talk about this recipe without mentioning the apples! Not only are they the stars of the dish, but apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C, both of which are great for supporting immune health and lowering cholesterol levels. A 2017 study even found that eating apples regularly can improve heart health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, which is a win in my book!
4. Egg Whites
I opted for egg whites in this recipe to lighten it up while still getting a solid source of lean protein. Protein is key for maintaining muscle mass, which is particularly important as we age. Plus, egg whites are lower in cholesterol, making them a heart-friendly option for everyone.