Fluffy apple-gingerbread pancakes make for a spicy and sweet brunch

I never loved gingerbread. People go crazy for it this time of year, and I could never understand why. I’d look at those flat, pathetic gingerbread men cookies and just not get the hype. There’s nothing appealing about a spicy flat cookie, in my opinion.

But then I realized gingerbread is more than just freaky, flat, man cookies, and as long as it’s not overdone, it’s actually a great flavor profile.

These pancakes combine the spiciness of gingerbread with the sweetness of apple, and they put the cookies to shame. Fluffy, moist and topped with a killer fall syrup, these are the perfect way to start your day.

Apple-gingerbread pancakes recipe

Apples and gingerbread combine for a spicy-sweet seasonal breakfast creation.

Serves 4

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the syrup

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

For the pancakes

• 1 apple, peeled, cored and diced
• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or white whole-wheat flour)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2-1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Directions:

1. In a small saucepot, combine the syrup ingredients, bring them to a simmer, and let cook/reduce for 5 to 7 minutes. Turn off the heat, and set aside.
2. Preheat the pancake griddle or skillet over medium heat.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, spices and salt.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, molasses, eggs and butter.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and stir until combined.
6. Add in the diced apples, and stir.
7. Grease the pancake griddle or skillet, and drop 1/4 cup of the batter onto the griddle, making 3 to 4 pancakes at a time.
8. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, flip, and cook the other sides. Transfer the pancakes to a plate, and continue cooking until the batter is finished.
9. Top the pancakes with the syrup cider, and serve.

More gingerbread recipes

Spicy gingerbread loaf cake
Gingerbread chocolate chip cookies
Gingerbread cheesecake bites