Pin it
Tucked inside fluffy, golden pancake batter, apple rings make a tasty twist on regular pancakes. This take on the Polish favorite jabłka w cieście gives you tender apple centers wrapped in soft, slightly tangy pancake shells. With warm spices and sweet fruit, they work great as a morning meal, afternoon treat, or cozy dessert when you're looking for something simple but satisfying.
During my college exchange program, I stayed with a Polish family who introduced me to these treats. Every Sunday, my host mom would make these, filling the house with sweet apple and vanilla smells. She showed me that using yogurt in the mix was the secret—it makes the pancakes extra soft with a slight tang that goes great with the sweet apples. These pancakes are still my favorite comfort food when I want something warm and tasty without spending forever cooking.
Batter Creation Ingredients
- One cup plain yogurt: Adds moisture and a zingy flavor that makes these much better than regular pancakes.
- Two large eggs: They give the pancakes structure and help the batter stick to the apple pieces.
- Two tablespoons sugar: Brings just enough sweetness to match the fruit's natural taste.
- One teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives a warm, sweet smell that makes everything taste better.
- One tablespoon melted butter: Makes the mix richer and improves how the pancakes feel in your mouth.
- Quarter teaspoon salt: Balances the sweet stuff and makes all the flavors pop more.
- One and half teaspoons baking powder: Makes sure your pancake coating puffs up nicely.
- One cup all purpose flour: Forms the right base while keeping the coating light around your apples.
Apple Selection Guide
- Four small soft apples: Pick the sweet kinds for best results.
- Fuji apples: Keep some bite while getting tender when you cook them.
- Honeycrisp apples: Give great flavor with the right mix of sweet juice.
- Gala apples: Always deliver sweetness and soften beautifully while cooking.
- Clarified butter: Gives the tastiest results for frying but regular oil works fine too.
Perfect Topping Options
- Maple syrup: Brings rich depth that works wonderfully with the apple taste.
- Powdered sugar: Makes a pretty finish with light sweetness.
- Greek yogurt: Adds protein and creamy contrast when placed next to warm pancakes.
- Honey: A light drizzle gives natural sweetness with flowery hints.
- Cinnamon sugar: Adds warm spice notes that fit perfectly with apple.
Pin it
Preparation Process Explained
- Batter Mixing Method:
- Grab a big mixing bowl with enough space to work in. Start with yogurt as your base. Break both eggs right into the yogurt. Add two tablespoons sugar to the mix. Pour in one teaspoon vanilla for that nice smell. Mix in your melted butter after it's cooled a bit so it won't cook the eggs. Toss in a quarter teaspoon salt and one and half teaspoons baking powder. Whisk everything until it's smooth and mixed well. Now add your flour bit by bit, in three parts, whisking gently between each addition. Stop stirring as soon as you can't see flour anymore or you'll end up with tough pancakes. Your batter should be thick enough to coat apple slices well.
- Apple Preparation Technique:
- Choose apples that give a little when you squeeze them gently. Peel them completely with a sharp peeler. Take out the core with an apple corer for perfect rings, or just cut around it with a small knife. Slice your apples into rings about a third of an inch thick. If they're too thin, they'll cook too fast; too thick and they'll stay too firm. Lay your rings on paper towels to dry off extra moisture. Try to make all your slices about the same size so they cook evenly.
- Cooking Surface Preparation:
- Use a heavy non-stick pan or well-used cast iron skillet. Put it on medium heat and let it warm up completely. Add a bit of clarified butter or vegetable oil. Move the pan around to spread a thin layer of oil everywhere. Test if it's hot enough by dropping a tiny bit of batter in—it should sizzle gently.
- Apple Ring Frying Process:
- Take each apple ring one at a time and dunk it in your batter. Make sure it's covered completely on all sides and edges. Let extra batter drip off for a few seconds. Place it carefully into your hot pan, leaving plenty of room between rings. Check the holes in the middle for too much batter. Use a small spoon to remove any pooling if needed. Let them cook without moving for two to three minutes until they're golden on the bottom. Flip gently with a thin spatula when you see bubbles around the edges. Cook another two minutes on the other side until golden all over. Move finished pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up extra oil.
- Serving Presentation Suggestions:
- Put your warm apple ring pancakes on individual plates. Shake powdered sugar over them using a small strainer to get it even. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if you want that extra warmth. Serve them right away while they're still warm for the best taste and feel. Offer honey, maple syrup, or yogurt on the side so everyone can add what they like.
My grandma always used clarified butter when frying these pancakes. She said it made them perfectly golden without burning. She'd make a small batch of clarified butter just for this recipe and keep any extra in the fridge for next time. That extra step really does make them taste and look better. My kids love helping dip the apple rings, though I handle the hot frying part for safety.
Tasty Serving Suggestions
Scatter some fresh berries around the plate to add bright colors and a bit of tartness next to these sweet pancakes. A spoonful of lightly sweetened ricotta cheese brings creamy richness that goes great with the fruit. For brunch, try serving them with savory foods like scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a mix of sweet and salty flavors that'll please everyone at the table.
Inventive Recipe Variations
Try mixing spices right into the batter—cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom will add more complex flavors. Play around with different flours like whole wheat pastry flour or gluten free mixes if you have dietary needs. Adding lemon or orange zest to the batter brings bright citrus notes that make the apple flavor stand out even more and gives this simple dish an unexpected touch of class.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which apples work best for these fluffy pancakes?
- Choose softer apples like Gala that cook quickly. Firmer types might not soften in the short frying time.
- → Can I prep the batter earlier?
- Absolutely! Store it in the fridge up to a day. If it thickens too much, stir in a bit of milk.
- → What’s the trick to keeping the batter light?
- Use a spoon-and-level method for measuring your flour. If it still feels too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time.
- → Is Greek yogurt a good alternative?
- Yes, though it'll make the batter denser. Add a splash of milk (1-2 tablespoons) to thin it to a smooth consistency.
- → How do I know when they’re ready?
- They’ll be golden on both sides, with a fork-tender apple slice inside but no sogginess in the center.
- → Can I make a gluten-free version?
- Sure thing! Swap regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free mix. The texture might shift a little but they'll still taste amazing.