Other than my most recent pumpkin seeds recipe, it’s been a little while since my guy’s given any of my kitchen creations a grunt, let alone two. I know he tends to be a bit stingy with his grunts – they’re reserved for only what his dude-ly palate finds the best of the best. Still, I was starting to get a little pouty – give something a grunt already, man!

So when he gave Applesauce Pancakes with Apple Cider Syrup not just one, but two grunts up, I felt like I’d won a little prize.

Applesauce Pancakes with Apple Cider Syrup

Hey, it’s the little things.

These surprisingly fluffy little pancakes have a nice subtle apple flavor enhanced by cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. The syrup, on the other hand, packs a serious apple wallop with caramel-like overtones. Together: Apple breakfast nirvana, worth a coveted Two Grunts Up. Victory is mine, and I didn’t even have to put bacon in it!

Applesauce Pancakes with Apple Cider Syrup
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Applesauce Pancakes with Apple Cider Syrup

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Author: Kare
Yield: 15 4-inch pancakes
Applesauce Pancakes? Oh yeah. Apple Cider Syrup? Oooooooh yeah. Kid-friendly and gruntworthy, this Applesauce Pancake recipe is easy to whip up, and is absolutely delicious, especially topped with the also-easy Apple Cider Syrup.

Ingredients

Apple Cider Syrup:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks

Applesauce Pancakes:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour (substitute another cup of all-purpose flour if you like)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon or a hefty pinch ground nutmeg
  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 2/3 cup applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Instructions

Make the Apple Cider Syrup:

  • Over medium heat in a medium saucepan, combine the cider and brown sugar, then add the cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low and continue simmering, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until the mixture is reduced by about 2/3. Remove from heat and let cool (it will thicken as it cools).

Make the applesauce pancakes:

  • In a large bowl, mix together the flours, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the eggs, milk, applesauce, and vanilla. Stir in the melted butter.
  • Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, just until well-incorporated. Do not overmix.
  • Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a griddle heated to 350 degrees (or a pan on the stove on medium to medium-high heat). The batter will be somewhat thick - you may have to spread it around a bit with the measuring cup after you pour it. Don't fret if they're not perfect circles - rustic is always good! Cook until browned by both sides, and pancake is cooked through.
  • Serve with butter, if desired, and Apple Cider Syrup.
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