30-Minute Apple Butter Pancakes

By Amanda Paa – Updated September 26, 2023

5 from 3 votes

These golden, fluffy pancakes are cozy and flavorful, the perfect way to use up apple butter! Paired with cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg, they are a taste of fall and so easy to make with a bowl and whisk. The apple butter incorporates seamlessly into the batter and no special equipment is needed. They're not too sweet, not-too-spiced, and quick to make. Drizzled with pure maple syrup and topped with toasted pecans, I can't think of a better breakfast!

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apple butter pancakes on a plate with maple syrup drizzle and butter, pecans

apple butter pancakes stacked on a white plate with maple syrup drizzling over the top

I fell in love with these fluffy, buttery edged, warmly spiced, apple infused pancakes last winter when I was looking for a way to use up a jar of apple butter. And I think you will too! Especially when paired with cozy sweater and mug of steaming coffee.

Apples are humble and ordinary, however I find that any baked good they touch carries on a particular warmth and comfort.

This recipe uses pantry ingredients along with ground cinnamon and a special touch – a pinch of nutmeg, that brings out the best in the apple butter. They’re not too sweet, not-too-spiced pancakes, and easy enough to make in less than 30 minutes.

You’ll find their texture to be perfectly soft with a generous lift, but not too thick. I prefer them cooked in butter, which gives excellent flavor to the lacy edges. Doused in dark maple syrup and topped with toasted pecans, I can’t think of a better weekend breakfast.

What is Apple Butter?

One of my favorite ways to preserve an abundance of apples is by making a batch of extra smooth, caramelized apple butter! This delicious fruit spread is made by cooking down fresh apples on the stovetop into a thick, spreadable preserve. Each spoonful has a rich apple flavor, silky smooth texture, and just the right amount of warm spices. There are many recipes that use apple butter, from sweet to savory.

For this deliciously fall-centric pancake recipe I use my homemade apple butter, but you can use store-bought too!

Ingredients for Apple Butter Pancakes:

All-purpose flour
Milk
Apple Butter
Cinnamon and Nutmeg
Vanilla
Egg
Butter
Sugar

How to Make Apple Butter Pancakes:

In a medium bowl, mix together milk and lemon juice and let stand for 5 minutes. Then add egg and whisk until combined. Then add apple butter, vanilla extract, sugar, and butter. Whisk until smooth.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. Make a well in the center and pour in liquid ingredients. Use a spatula to stir until just combined, some lumps are good.
Preheat your griddle to medium heat, about 325 degrees F. Grease with oil or butter, then drop 1/3 cup scoopfuls onto it. Use the back of a spoon to spread out a bit and create nice even circles.
Cook about 3 to 4 minutes, until bubbles start coming through the top and when you lift a spatula to pick underneath, they are golden brown. Then flip and cook about 3 minutes more.

holding a plate of apple butter pancakes

Tips for Flipping Pancakes:

A fish spatula is my absolute best trick for flipping pancakes like a pro. It has a thin, sturdy edge, which makes it great for sliding under delicate pancakes, yet enough heft and surface area to hold them before the flip.

Ensure the pan is preheated as well; this will help it form its structure to avoid the pancakes breaking when trying to flip.

And most importantly, be sure you see bubbles floating to the surface and the edges of the pancakes fully set before trying to flip. If you do this too soon, the pancakes will bend and tear quite easily.

apple butter pancakes with maple syrup and pecans on a white plate

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