Cinnamon Apple Puff Pancake
A skillet puff pancake rises around tender cinnamon apples for a cozy breakfast that feels special without a fuss.
Prep: 10 · Cook: 20 · Total: 30 · Serves: 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (156 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
A Dutch baby style breakfast built around quick cinnamon apples and a single hot skillet.
Story
I love a breakfast that makes the kitchen smell like a Sunday morning before anyone has finished their first cup of coffee. The apples get a quick buttery cinnamon start, then the batter puffs around them while I set out plates. It looks dramatic when it comes out of the oven, but the whole thing is very forgiving. Cut it into wedges and let everybody add their own maple syrup.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- Powdered sugar and maple syrup
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425°F and place a 10-inch oven-safe skillet inside while it heats.
- Melt the butter in the hot skillet, add the apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and cook for 3 minutes until glossy and just tender.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, flour, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt in a bowl until smooth with no dry streaks.
- Pour the batter over the apples and quickly return the skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until the edges are puffed and browned and the center is set with a slight wobble.
- Dust with powdered sugar, cut into wedges, and serve right away with maple syrup.
Chef Tips
- Use room-temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter and a better rise.
- Do not open the oven during the first 12 minutes or the puff can sink.
- Tart apples hold their shape best, but any apple works in a pinch.
- Leftovers are good cold or reheated in a 300°F oven for 8 minutes.
Cook's Notes
- **Skillet:** A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet gives the edges their best lift.
- **Timing:** Have the batter ready before the skillet comes out of the oven.
- **Apple cut:** Thin slices soften quickly without turning mushy.
- **Serving:** Powdered sugar and maple syrup are plenty, but yogurt is nice too.