My Dinner

  • German Christmas
  • About My Dinner - A German Food Blog
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Contact
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Vegetarian

    Fluffy Apfelpfannkuchen (authentic German apple pancakes)

    Published: Feb 14, 2024 · Modified: Feb 22, 2024 by Marita Sinden · 2 Comments

    345 shares
    • facebook
    • whatsapp
    • Flipboard
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Traditional Apfelpfannkuchen are fluffy variations of the classic German pancakes (Pfannkuchen) made with apple slices. This German apple pancake recipe only needs a few ingredients and is quick and easy to make. An easy mid-weak family meal that everybody will love. Let me share my Apfelpfannkuchen recipe with you. 

    Apfelpfannkuchen-german pancakes with apples

    German Apfelpfannkuchen vs German Apple Pancakes (American Version)

    Apfelpfannkuchen and German Apple Pancakes, are two entirely different recipes. The American version is similar to Dutch baby pancakes, puffy pancakes that are cooked in a cast-iron skillet in the oven. These Dutch babies or Dutch Puffs as they are also called were supposed to be introduced by German settlers in the United States in the 19th century. What Germans will associate as an "Apple Pancake" is a pancake that is baked in a medium skillet on the stove, refined with slices of fresh apples.

    "Apfel" is the German word for apples and "Pfannkuchen" is the German word for Pancakes.

    These sweet pancakes are popular across all of Germany and are served as a main course for lunch. In the regions with the largest apple orchards such as Altes Land near Hamburg, the Lake Constance region, and Saxony-Anhalt.

    Apples are one of the most popular fruits in Germany. There are many German recipes with apples such as German Apple Cake, Apple Strudel, Potato Salad with Apples, Egg Salad, German Apple Sauce or German Baked Apples.

    Apfelpfannkuchen Pronounciation

    In this short audio clip, I am going to show you how to pronounce Apfelpfannkuchen.

    How to make Apfelpfannkuchen from scratch

    You will only need basic ingredients to make these delicious apple pancakes. Compared to traditional German Pancakes, these Apfelpfannkuchen are light and fluffy. This is because we fold in the stiff egg whites into the pancake batter to create pockets of air.

    It is easier to use a small 8-inch frying pan, as it makes it easier to turn this traditional pancake.

    Ingredients:

    • fresh apples: the best apples are those that hold their shape in the frying pan. Tart apples such as Elstar, Braeburn, Jonagold, and Granny Smith apples work well. Do not use cooking apples as they will lose their shape while cooking. 
    • brown sugar: they will help the apples to caramelize in the pan  
    • eggs - medium size. Separate them. 
    • milk
    • carbonated/ seltzers water - these will make the pancake extra light, but also act as a raising agent. 
    • sugar, salt, butter, or vegetable oil

    Apfelpfannkuchen Recipe Steps

    1. Separate the eggs. Using a hand or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Set aside. 
    2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and milk and whisk until you can no longer see any lumps. Add in the egg yolks, carbonated / seltzer water, sugar, and salt, and mix to a thick dough.
    3. Carefully fold in the egg whites, and leave the mixture to rest in the fridge for approximately 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten in the batter to develop and give the pancake stability. 
    4. In the meantime core and slice apples into thin thin.wedges (0.5 cm). Pour over the lemon juice, so the apples do not brown and sprinkle with the brown sugar. 
    5. Heat the butter or vegetable oil in a coated frying pan on medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and starts sizzling use a ladle to add the dough to the pan. The dough is a little thick, so you might need to distribute it with a spoon. 
    6. The last thing is to lay the apple slices in a circular pattern on top of the pancake batter. Cook on low to medium heat for approx 2-3 minutes. Exact cooking times may differ. You will notice that the pancake is ready by checking if you can lift the sides of the pancakes. 
    7. To prevent the pancake from breaking, place a serving plate over the pan. Pressing down on the plate firmly with your free hand while flipping the pan over using the other hand, so that the plate catches the pancake. Now place the pan down & slide the pancake back into the pan from off the plate. Cook on the other side for a further 2-3 minutes

    Recipe Variations

    • Cube the apples and mix them into the pancake batter, instead of placing them on top of the apple
    • If you like you can add a dash of cinnamon to the pancake mix. 
    • Add some raisins to the batter for a bit of natural sweetness. 
    Apfelpfannkuchen with cinnamon sugar

    How to serve Apfelpfannkuchen

    This delicious pancake is best served with a mixture of cinnamon sugar (Zimt und Zucker) sprinkled on top. Try it with some freshly whipped cream homemade vanilla sauce or maple syrup. In the summer a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add a nice cooling touch. 

    In Germany, this dish is usually served for lunch, but they are also a delicious treat for breakfast on a Sunday morning.

    a slice of German apple pancake on a fork.

    Storage Instructions

    This German apple pfannkuchen will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave, or in the oven at a medium-low temperature.

    The Best German Pancake Recipes

    • Kaiserschmarrn- Scrambled Pancakes
      Easy Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy scrambled pancakes)
    • Kartoffelpuffer
      Homemade Kartoffelpuffer/ Reibekuchen (German Potato Pancakes)
    • A German Pancake with Jam
      Pfannkuchen Recipe – German Pancakes
    • Authentic German Pancake Soup (Flädlesuppe)

    More German Sweet Dishes

    • Milchreis (German Rice Pudding)
    • Heart Waffles - German Waffles
    • Germknödel
    • German Apple Pancakes (Apfelpfannkuchen)
    • Plum Dumplings (Zwetschgenknödel)
    • Semolina Pudding (Grießbrei)

    Recipe

    Apfelpfannkuchen-german pancakes with apples

    Apfelpfannkuchen (German Apple Pancakes)

    Marita
    These delicious German Apple Pancakes and be assembled within 30 minutes and taste so delicious with cinnamon sugar.
    5 from 3 votes
    I look forward to your feedback. Just click the stars above.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Main Course
    Cuisine German
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 455 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 225 g flour 1 cup 8oz, Germany Type 405, UK Plain Flour, USA All Purpose flour
    • 3 eggs medium size at room temperature
    • 180 ml milk 6 fl oz, ¾ cup
    • 60 ml carbonated water /seltzer water ¼ cup, 2 fl oz
    • 1 pinch salt
    • 1 pinch sugar
    • 4 apples
    • 4 teaspoon brown sugar
    • 4 tablespoon butter or vegetable oil 3.5 oz
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Separate the eggs. Using a hand or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Set aside. 
      3 eggs
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and milk and whisk until you can no longer see any lumps. Add in the egg yolks, carbonated / seltzer water, sugar, and salt, and mix to a thick dough.
      225 g flour, 180 ml milk, 60 ml carbonated water /seltzer water, 1 pinch salt, 1 pinch sugar
    • Carefully fold in the egg whites, and leave the mixture to rest in the fridge for approximately 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten in the batter to develop and give the pancake stability. 
    • In the meantime core and slice apples into thin thin.wedges (0.5 cm). Pour over the lemon juice, so the apples do not brown and sprinkle with the brown sugar. 
      4 apples, 4 teaspoon brown sugar
    • Heat the butter or vegetable oil in a coated frying pan on medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and starts sizzling use a ladle to add the dough to the pan. The dough is a little thick, so you might need to distribute it with a spoon. 
      4 tablespoon butter or vegetable oil
    • The last thing is to lay the apple slices in a circular pattern on top of the pancake batter. Cook on low to medium heat for approx 2-3 minutes. Exact cooking times may differ. You will notice that the pancake is ready by checking if you can lift the sides of the pancakes. 
    • To prevent the pancake from breaking, place a serving plate over the pan. Pressing down on the plate firmly with your free hand while flipping the pan over using the other hand, so that the plate catches the pancake. Now place the pan down & slide the pancake back into the pan from off the plate. Cook on the other side for a further 2-3 minutes
    • To serve you sprinkle the pancake with cinnamon sugar.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 455kcalCarbohydrates: 87gProtein: 13gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 106mgPotassium: 362mgFiber: 5gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 369IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 129mgIron: 4mg
    Keyword apfelpfannkuchen, German apple pancakes, german apple pancakes recipe
    Did you make this recipe? I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Please leave a quick Comment and star rating. I appreciate your feedback.

    More Vegetarian

    • Rhubarb Streusel Cake Slice
      Rhubarb Streusel Cake (Rhabarberkuchen)
    • Homemade Quarkbällchen (German Donut Balls)
    • Tiroler Spinatknödel
      Homemade Spinatknödel (Spinach Dumplings) with Parmesan
    • Sweet Potato Pancakes
      Quarkkeulchen (German Potato Pancakes with mashed potato)
    345 shares
    • facebook
    • whatsapp
    • Flipboard

    Comments

      5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Alicia says

      March 05, 2014 at 11:42 am

      Looks so tasty!!!

      Reply
      • Marita says

        March 05, 2014 at 12:31 pm

        Thanks Alicia! It was very tasty as well! And very easy to make

        Reply

    Hi, I'm Marita

    Food enthusiast & home cook. I returned to Germany after living in the UK for 20 years. Here at My Dinner, you will find traditional and authentic German recipes with cultural backgrounds.

    More about me>

    Let's get social

    • MyDinner Facebook page
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Popular Posts

    • Raclette Square
      Raclette Ideas – a Guide to your Perfect Dinner Party
    • Berliner on a cake stand stacked like a pyramid
      Authentic Berliner Donut (German Donuts)
    • New Years pretzel on grey background. In the background you can see two champagne glasses and a marzipan pig and some golden ribbons
      Easy New Year's Pretzel (Neujahrsbrezel)
    • Three Kings Cake
      Three Kings Cake Recipe – (Dreikönigskuchen)
    • German Hefezopf
      Hefezopf - Braided sweet bread (zopf bread/striezel)
    • A German apple streusel cake on a glass plate. One of the slices is being lifted out with a cake slice. In the background there are some red apples. One red apple is sliced.
      Easy German Apple Streusel Cake (Apfelstreuselkuchen)
    • Rahmsauce in a saucepan. A wooden spoon is dipping in
      Basic Recipe for Rahmsauce – German Cream Sauce
    • German Goulash Soup
      Easy Gulaschsuppe ( authentic German Goulash Soup) + video
    An advert for a free Mini German Cookbook

    Footer

    Featured on:

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 My Dinner - Easy German Recipes

    • 236

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.