Apple pancake rings are a delightful snack, party bite, or breakfast option. If you enjoy homemade pancakes with fruit, these apple pancake rings are a must-try: thin apple slices dipped in pancake batter and cooked until golden. The result is crispy at the edges, tender where the apple meets the batter, and naturally sweet.
Adding fresh fruit to pancakes is one of my favorite ways to boost flavor and nutrition. Below is a clear, user-friendly recipe so you can make these at home.
Apple Pancake Rings
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup ground flax seed
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 Tbsp canola oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 5-6 apples Granny Smith, Ambrosia, Gala
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, ground flax seed, cinnamon, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
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In a separate bowl, beat the eggs then mix in the milk, oil, and vanilla. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until moistened; do not overmix.
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Wash the apples. If you have an apple corer or a peeling/slicing tool, core and slice the apples into horizontal rounds about 1/4 inch thick so each piece forms a ring. Peeling is optional.
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Heat a lightly greased griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Dip 4 to 5 apple slices at a time into the batter, lifting with a fork to let excess batter drip off so the center holes stay clear. Place the coated slices onto the hot pan.
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Cook until the tops start to look set and small bubbles appear, then flip and cook the other side until golden and cooked through.
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Use any remaining batter to make regular pancakes.
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Serve warm with your choice of toppings such as maple syrup, fruit compote, strawberry freezer jam, or whipped cream.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Toppings for Your Apple Pancake Rings
I often skip traditional syrup and serve these apple pancake rings with fruit compote, yogurt, strawberry freezer jam, or simply dusted with icing sugar and a squeeze of lemon. These alternatives balance sweetness without drowning the apple flavor.
These rings are easy to make and convenient to eat on the go—best without heavy syrup. They were a hit at a Bike to Work Day event where I cooked them outdoors on an electric frying pan.
Getty Stewart is a speaker and writer who shares recipes, time-saving tips, and practical kitchen ideas to make home cooking enjoyable. She is a Professional Home Economist, author of the Prairie Fruit Cookbook, founder of Fruit Share, a mom, and a vegetable gardener.