Baked apple pancake

Baked Apple Pancakes - A Comforting Delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Imagine a crisp autumn day, with leaves falling and a slight chill in the air. There’s no better way to enjoy this season than with a warm serving of baked apple pancakes. This simple yet impressive recipe combines the sweetness of caramelized apples with a fluffy pancake-like batter, all baked slowly to achieve the perfect texture. It’s an ideal dessert for a family evening or to impress guests. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:
- 50 g butter
- 4 apples (preferably sweet-tart varieties)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- 125 ml milk
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Ingredient Details:
The apples are the stars of this recipe. Choose fresh, in-season apples that are crisp yet slightly soft, such as Granny Smith or Fuji. The butter will add a rich flavor, and the cinnamon will provide a warm and comforting note, perfect for the colder season. The flour and baking powder will help achieve that fluffy texture, while the powdered sugar will add a touch of elegance at the end.

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the apples:
- Start by peeling the apples and cutting them into quarters. Make sure to remove the seeds. The sliced apples will be the base of this delicious dessert, so choose them carefully!

2. Caramelizing the apples:
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced apples. Stir them frequently to ensure they caramelize evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with the cinnamon. This mixture will add a wonderful flavor to the apples. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the caramelizing apples.
- Continue to cook the apples for 6-8 minutes until they become soft and take on a golden color. Then, transfer them to a baking dish or, if the skillet has a metal handle, you can leave the apples in it.

3. Preparing the batter:
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and add the milk, the remaining sugar (2 tablespoons), and cinnamon. Mix well with a whisk or electric mixer to achieve a smooth batter.
- Add the flour and baking powder, gently mixing until no lumps remain. It’s important to thoroughly combine the mixture to achieve a fine texture.

4. Assembling:
- Carefully pour the egg mixture over the caramelized apples in the baking dish. Make sure all the apples are evenly covered.

5. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the batter is golden and slightly firm to the touch. This is the perfect moment to fill your home with the enticing aroma of apples and cinnamon!

6. Serving:
- After taking it out of the oven, let the dessert cool slightly. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish. You can serve the pancakes with a vanilla sauce or a dollop of cream for a delicious contrast.

Practical Tips:
- If you want to add a touch of acidity, you can include a few drops of lemon juice over the apples before caramelizing.
- For a fresh note, you can add some chopped nuts or raisins to the pancake batter.
- This recipe is versatile; you can replace the apples with pears or peaches, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits:
Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, contributing to good digestion and strengthening the immune system. Eggs provide necessary proteins for the body, while butter adds healthy fats. Whole flour can be used to enhance nutrient intake.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use canned apples? I recommend fresh apples for better texture and taste.
- How can I make the recipe healthier? You can reduce the amount of sugar or use natural sweeteners.
- Can this recipe be prepared in advance? Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours ahead, but it’s best to bake it fresh to maintain the fluffy texture.

Ideal Pairings:
This baked apple pancake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fragrant apple and cinnamon tea. You can also try a sweet wine or cider for a complete culinary experience.

I conclude this recipe with a personal note: I discovered this recipe in my childhood when my grandmother used to make it on chilly evenings. The aroma of baked apples and cinnamon filled the entire house, bringing smiles to all our faces. I hope you find the same joy in every bite!

Enjoy your dish and don’t forget to share it with loved ones!