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These applesauce pancakes are perfectly thick and fluffy and made with wholesome ingredients! No flour needed; they cook up in minutes.
Come the cooler months, cozy and perfectly spiced pancakes are always a good idea. Some of our favorites include pumpkin pancakes or cinnamon roll pancakes but whenever I have an abundance of applesauce on hand, it’s begging to be used in my applesauce pancakes recipe.
Table of Contents
Why this recipe works
While some may enjoy applesauce on its own, I like to use it in many of recipes. Sometimes I use it as an egg replacement or a way to cut down on fat, but it also is perfect for apple pie-flavored treats:
- It adds delicious apple flavor. You don’t have to bake a pie to enjoy your favorite flavor. These pancakes are easier and much quicker to make.
- It replaces eggs. Applesauce adds moisture to the pancakes and helps keep them together.
- It’s healthy. Like in protein pancakes, applesauce replaces the need for butter or oil. Not only does this cut down on fat and calories, but it’s also packed with fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
- It’s perfect for meal prep. These cinnamon applesauce pancakes freeze very well. Make a big batch and freeze it for a quick, healthy breakfast on busy mornings. Kids love them!
Ingredients needed
As noted earlier, these apple pancakes use simple ingredients that you’ll likely have on hand. Here is everything that you will need.
- Rolled oats. You can use quick oats, too. We don’t recommend using other oats for this pancake recipe as they yield a tougher and chewier texture.
- Milk. Use any milk of your choice. I used almond milk, but any milk works.
- Applesauce. Unsweetened applesauce provides moisture to these pancakes, adds apple flavor, and also works as an egg replacement.
- Baking powder. To help the pancakes rise.
- Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking powder, creating bubbles and making the pancakes light and fluffy.
- Maple syrup. Adds a subtle sweetness without being too sweet. Honey or agave nectar will also work.
- Apple pie spice. A key ingredient that gives these pancakes their signature flavor.
- Topping. I like to amp up. the apple flavor by making a simple compote made up of microwaved chopped apples and some apple pie spice. My air fryer apples are also a fabulous alternative.
How to make applesauce pancakes
Making these pancakes takes mere minutes and in no time at all, you’ll have a thick stack of pancakes that taste like apple pie.
- Make the batter. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Rest the batter. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. If the batter turns out too thick, thin it out by adding a splash of milk.
- Cook the pancakes. Pour ¼ cup portions of the batter into a non-stick pan and cook the pancakes for 1-2 minutes per side, covered, until golden.
- Make the apple compote. While the pancakes are cooking, make the topping by chopping an apple and covering it in a bowl with water. Add the apple pie spice. Microwave or cook on the stove until the apples are soft and tender.
Tips to make the best recipe
Always use unsweetened applesauce– Even if you prefer sweeter pancakes, unsweetened applesauce will yield thicker and fluffier pancakes than the sweetened kind.
Only flip the pancakes once– This will ensure you don’t overcook one side and cook the pancakes evenly.
Make your own apple pie spice– If you can’t find apple pie spice where you live or don’t have it, make it yourself. To make apple pie spice, mix eight parts of cinnamon with four parts ground nutmeg and 1 part cardamom. A small amount of ground ginger can also be added to the mix.
Adjust the consistency– Depending on how thick or thin you like your pancakes, adjust the consistency of the batter by adding more or less milk.
Swap the oats– If you can’t consume oats, replace them with quinoa flakes. The pancakes will turn out slightly different in texture and flavor but will still be healthy and delicious. You can also use whole wheat flour instead.
Storage instructions
To store. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze. Freeze these pancakes for up to 3 months.
To reheat. Reheat the pancakes in a non-stick pan over medium heat or in the microwave for 20 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
When made with gluten-free oats, these pancakes are suitable for celiacs.
Yes, these pancakes have no eggs or dairy in them, so are perfect if you follow a vegan diet.
I’ve cooked pancakes in skillets, pans, and griddles and find that griddles yield the fluffiest and best-cooked pancakes. Don’t stress if you don’t have one though- any non-stick pan with a lid is great.
More pancake recipes to try
- Keto pancakes
- Red velvet pancakes
- Lemon ricotta pancakes
- Oat flour pancakes
- Low calorie pancakes
- Sweet potato pancakes
Applesauce Pancakes
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats can sub for quinoa or buckwheat flakes
- 1/4 cup milk I used unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice see notes above to make your own
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Apple Pie Compete
- 1/2 small apple chopped
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
Instructions
- Premix your spices into your applesauce. Combine all the ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Alternatively, use a large mixing bowl. Start with the dry ingredients, before adding in the wet ones. Mix until fully combined.
- Let the batter sit for at least 5 minutes, for the mixture to thicken.
- Preheat a nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, pour the batter in the pan, using a 1/4 measuring cup as a scoop. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until golden on the edges and a spatula can easily flip it. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until thick, fluffy and crispy.
- Repeat until all the batter is used up. If possible, cover the pan when cooking. Serve up or allow to cool and freeze individual portions.
- While the pancakes cook, make the apple compote. Stovetop or microwave, heat up the chopped apple in a layer of water and apple pie spice until soft and tender. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon and top your pancakes with them.
so good
The only ingredient I cannot find is apple pie spice. Where could I get it?
I have Histamine Intolerance, I am able to eat these, nice treat, all ingredients are histamine friendly. Question: Can you come up with a Buckwheat Pancake using the same ingredients?
Thank you🌹
Very good! I felt like the 1.5 tbsp coconut sugar I used wasn’t enough. Maybe it needed some honey in addition? So I put a tad of maple syrup on it and it fixed my lack of sweetness.
Thanks for the feedback!
When it says three servings, about how many “medium-sized” (4-5” maybe?) pancakes does that mean for the whole recipe, or per serving? Sorry, I’m just trying to figure out what I need to times the recipe by to get about 4 pancakes per serving for a certain number of days for meal prep. I’ve made huge batches of your Banana Smoothie Pancakes for meal prep many times and my husband and I love them, but I’d like to try and switch things up (annnd, I’m almost out of bananas).
Hi Tavia! This would be the same 🙂
Greetings to you! I plan to use grated apple instead of applesauce & I will report back. Take care…
Hope it works okay!
These were delicious. I made the batter a day ahead because I like to soak grains before eating them. (The batter thickened overnight and needed to be thinned a with a little water before frying.) The only change I’ll make next time is to add a pinch of a salt. Thanks for a great gluten-free pancake recipe!
😀 Cheers, Kelly!
So easy to make and they are delicious! Even my boyfriend liked these pancakes and he’s very picky. You have to try them =)
That means so much, thank you!
These were delicious! I read the comments before I started and added one teaspoon of baking powder (and apple cider vinegar) instead of one tablespoon which seems like way too much for only one cup of oats/flour. I also doubled the almond milk to make a more pourable batter.
That sounds fabulous!
Hi, I was wondering if the calories are per serving or per pancake?If possible please get back to me ASAP since I really want to make them in the morning! By the way they look amazing!
Lauren ?
Hi Lauren! Feel free to calculate it using myfinesspal for specific macros 🙂
Just ordered your cookbook !! I cannot wait !!
That means so much, Julia! 🙂
I doubled the recipe and only used 1.5 tablespoon of baking powder. It was too much.
Hi Shirley- It really depends on the brand of baking powder 🙂
WHAT is the ice cream looking stuff on top?!
Coconut milk ice cream 🙂
These look TO DIE FOR, and I fell in love with them the moment I saw the Facebook video! <3 Definitely will have to make a pumpkin spice version of these pancakes too, but I'm totally calling dibs on this apple pie stack first!
Really good pancakes!! Added some of the apple compote and some toasted walnuts to the mix after blending. YUM!!
Next time I’m going to double the almond milk (liquid) for a more pour able batter. I will also use less than half the amount of baking powder called for, I could taste the baking powder in the pancakes.
No worries! It really depends on how well you blend and what brand baking powder you use- As long as you got the fluffy results that taste good, I’m glad 🙂
The ultimate fall breakfast. YUM!
My batter was too thick so i added one egg.
It was simple, quick and tasted great! Definitely going to try it again, thank you.
I don’t know if there’s anything I love more than pancakes. These flourless apple pie pancakes look amazing!!
I have never tried monk fruit maple syrup, but I’m definitely going to now! Looks delish!
i cannot wait to give this a try – so much Fall goodness in here.