Introduction
Apple cider pancakes taste like weekend brunch and winter markets in one bite. Swapping in apple cider for part of the liquid gives each stack a gentle tang, cozy spice, and natural sweetness. Whether you love skillet-size pancakes, sheet-pan versions for a crowd, or mini silver dollars for kids, these apple-cider pancake recipes bring cinnamon warmth and fruity flavor to chilly mornings.
Base Tip for All Pancakes
Unless noted, cook pancakes on a lightly greased griddle or skillet at medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C) for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping when bubbles form and edges look set. Keep finished pancakes warm in a 200°F / 95°C oven.
1. Classic Fluffy Apple-Cider Pancakes
Start here: soft, fluffy pancakes with a clear apple-cider and cinnamon aroma.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Granulated sugar: 2 tbsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1½ tsp
- Apple cider (fresh, not hard): 1¼ cups
- Whole milk: ½ cup
- Large eggs: 2
- Unsalted butter, melted: 3 tbsp
- Vanilla extract: 1½ tsp
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk apple cider, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently just until combined; a few small lumps are fine.
- Let batter rest 5–10 minutes while you preheat and lightly grease the griddle (about 350°F / 175°C).
- Pour ¼-cup portions and cook 2–3 minutes per side, flipping when bubbles appear.
- Keep cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F / 95°C oven until serving.
How to Serve It
Serve with warm maple syrup, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, and thin apple slices on the side.
2. Caramel Apple-Cider Pancakes
Caramelized apples and a drizzle of caramel sauce turn these into dessert-style brunch pancakes.
Ingredients
Pancakes
- Use all ingredients from Recipe 1.
Caramel Apples
- Apple, thinly sliced: 2 medium
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Brown sugar: 3 tbsp
- Ground cinnamon: ½ tsp
- Pinch of salt
Caramel Drizzle (optional shortcut)
- Store-bought caramel sauce: ½ cup, warmed
Instructions
- Prepare pancake batter as in Recipe 1 and let rest while you cook the apples.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter; add apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring, until apples are soft and syrupy; keep warm.
- Cook pancakes on a greased griddle at 350°F / 175°C, 2–3 minutes per side.
- Stack pancakes, layering caramel apples between some of the layers.
How to Serve It
Top with extra apples and warm caramel drizzle. Serve with whipped cream for a special winter brunch.
3. Apple-Cider Pancakes with Maple-Cinnamon Glaze
A quick maple glaze replaces regular syrup and coats each bite with holiday flavor.
Ingredients
Pancakes
- Use batter from Recipe 1.
Maple-Cinnamon Glaze
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup
- Pure maple syrup: 3 tbsp
- Apple cider: 2–3 tbsp (as needed)
- Ground cinnamon: ½ tsp
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare and cook pancakes as in Recipe 1.
- For glaze, whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and 2 tbsp cider until smooth; add a little more cider if too thick.
- Keep glaze slightly warm so it pours easily.
How to Serve It
Stack pancakes and spoon glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or grated nutmeg.
4. Whole-Wheat Apple-Cider Pancakes
Whole-wheat flour adds hearty flavor while apple cider keeps the texture soft.
Ingredients
- Whole-wheat flour: 1½ cups
- All-purpose flour: ½ cup
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Brown sugar: 2 tbsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1½ tsp
- Apple cider: 1¼ cups
- Plain yogurt or buttermilk: ½ cup
- Eggs: 2
- Melted butter or neutral oil: 3 tbsp
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
Instructions
- Whisk flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk cider, yogurt, eggs, butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry gently until just mixed.
- Let batter rest 10 minutes; whole wheat hydrates as it sits.
- Cook on a greased griddle at medium heat, 2–3 minutes per side.
How to Serve It
Serve with Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a handful of chopped nuts.
5. Apple-Cider Pancakes with Brown Butter
Browned butter in the batter and syrup adds a nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with cider.
Ingredients
Brown Butter
- Unsalted butter: 6 tbsp (3 for batter, 3 for syrup)
Pancakes
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Sugar: 2 tbsp
- Cinnamon: 1½ tsp
- Apple cider: 1¼ cups
- Milk: ½ cup
- Eggs: 2
- Vanilla: 1½ tsp
Brown-Butter Maple Syrup
- Browned butter: 3 tbsp (from above)
- Maple syrup: ½ cup
Instructions
- In a small pan, cook all 6 tbsp butter over medium heat until golden and nutty, 4–6 minutes. Cool slightly.
- Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk cider, milk, eggs, vanilla, and 3 tbsp of the browned butter.
- Stir wet into dry gently.
- Cook pancakes at 350°F / 175°C, 2–3 minutes per side.
- For syrup, stir remaining brown butter into maple syrup and warm gently.
How to Serve It
Serve pancakes with warm brown-butter maple syrup and a sprinkle of flaky salt if you enjoy sweet-salty balance.
6. Apple-Cider Oat Pancakes
Rolled oats bring a cozy, chewy texture and extra staying power.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: 1 cup
- Apple cider: 1¼ cups
- All-purpose flour: 1¼ cups
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Brown sugar: 2 tbsp
- Cinnamon: 1½ tsp
- Egg: 1
- Melted butter or oil: 3 tbsp
- Vanilla: 1 tsp
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine oats and apple cider; let soak 10–15 minutes.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon in another bowl.
- Add egg, melted butter, and vanilla to the oat mixture; stir.
- Pour wet mixture into dry and stir gently.
- Cook on a greased griddle at medium heat, 2–3 minutes per side.
How to Serve It
Serve with chopped walnuts or pecans, extra cinnamon, and warm maple syrup.
7. Apple-Cider Pancakes with Spiced Apple Compote
A simple apple compote sits on top of cider pancakes for extra fruit and spice.
Ingredients
Pancakes
- Use batter from Recipe 1.
Apple Compote
- Apples, chopped: 3 medium
- Apple cider: ½ cup
- Brown sugar: 3 tbsp
- Cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Nutmeg: ¼ tsp
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare and cook pancakes as in Recipe 1.
- For compote, add apples, cider, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt to a saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat 10–15 minutes until apples are soft and sauce is syrupy.
- Keep warm until ready to serve.
How to Serve It
Generously spoon compote over each stack and add a little maple syrup if you like extra sweetness.
8. Apple-Cider Silver Dollar Pancakes
Mini pancakes are perfect for kids’ plates or a brunch grazing board.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1½ cups
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Sugar: 2 tbsp
- Cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Apple cider: 1 cup
- Milk: ½ cup
- Egg: 1
- Melted butter: 3 tbsp
- Vanilla: 1 tsp
Instructions
- Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Whisk cider, milk, egg, butter, and vanilla in another bowl.
- Combine gently and rest 5–10 minutes.
- Drop tablespoonfuls onto a greased medium-heat griddle; cook 1½–2 minutes per side.
How to Serve It
Serve as “pancake dippers” with small cups of warm maple syrup and apple-cider caramel.
9. Apple-Cider Pancakes with Candied Pecans
Crunchy candied pecans on top add texture and a caramel flavor.
Ingredients
Pancakes
- Use batter from Recipe 1.
Candied Pecans
- Pecan halves: 1 cup
- Brown sugar: ¼ cup
- Apple cider: 2 tbsp
- Cinnamon: ¼ tsp
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cook pancakes as in Recipe 1.
- For candied pecans, add pecans, brown sugar, cider, cinnamon, and salt to a small skillet.
- Cook over medium heat 5–7 minutes, stirring until syrup thickens and coats the nuts.
- Spread pecans on parchment to cool slightly.
How to Serve It
Top warm pancakes with candied pecans and drizzle with maple syrup or extra cider reduction.
10. Apple-Cider Buckwheat Pancakes
Buckwheat flour brings a nutty, slightly earthy flavor that pairs well with cider.
Ingredients
- Buckwheat flour: 1 cup
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Sugar: 2 tbsp
- Cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Apple cider: 1¼ cups
- Milk or buttermilk: ½ cup
- Eggs: 2
- Melted butter or oil: 3 tbsp
- Vanilla: 1 tsp
Instructions
- Whisk flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Whisk cider, milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla in another bowl.
- Combine gently and rest 5–10 minutes.
- Cook on a greased medium-heat griddle, 2–3 minutes per side.
How to Serve It
Serve with Greek yogurt, apple slices, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
11. Apple-Cider Protein Pancakes
A scoop of protein powder makes these a post-workout winter breakfast.
Ingredients
- Oat flour (or finely ground oats): 1 cup
- All-purpose flour: ½ cup
- Vanilla protein powder: ½ cup
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Apple cider: 1¼ cups
- Egg whites: 3 (or 2 whole eggs)
- Greek yogurt: ¼ cup
- Vanilla: 1 tsp
Instructions
- Whisk oat flour, flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk cider, egg whites, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry just until mixed; batter will be slightly thick.
- Cook at medium heat 2–3 minutes per side, thinning batter with a splash of cider if needed.
How to Serve It
Serve with Greek yogurt, sliced apples, and a light drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
12. Apple-Cider Pancake Skillet (Dutch Baby Style)
This Dutch baby-style pancake puffs in the oven and is sliced like a pie.
Ingredients
- Eggs: 3
- All-purpose flour: ¾ cup
- Apple cider: ¾ cup
- Milk: ¼ cup
- Sugar: 2 tbsp
- Salt: ¼ tsp
- Cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Vanilla: 1 tsp
- Butter: 3 tbsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 10-inch oven-safe skillet inside to heat.
- In a blender or bowl, blend eggs, flour, cider, milk, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
- Carefully remove hot skillet, add butter, and swirl to coat.
- Pour batter into the pan and immediately return to the oven.
- Bake 15–18 minutes until puffed and deeply golden around edges.
How to Serve It
Top with sautéed cinnamon apples, powdered sugar, and warm maple syrup. Serve right away—the puff will settle.
13. Apple-Cider Sheet-Pan Pancakes
Bake pancakes in a sheet pan for easy, hands-off cooking and quick serving.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2½ cups
- Baking powder: 2½ tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Sugar: 3 tbsp
- Cinnamon: 1½ tsp
- Apple cider: 1½ cups
- Milk: 1 cup
- Eggs: 3
- Melted butter: 4 tbsp
- Vanilla: 2 tsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease or line a rimmed half-sheet pan (about 13×18 inches).
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Whisk cider, milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla in another bowl.
- Combine wet and dry just until mixed; spread batter evenly in the pan.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until golden and set in the center.
How to Serve It
Cut into squares and serve with syrup, sautéed apples, or whipped cream—great for big family mornings.
14. Apple-Cider Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Apple and chocolate are cozy together, especially with warm syrup on top.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Sugar: 2 tbsp
- Cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Apple cider: 1¼ cups
- Milk: ½ cup
- Eggs: 2
- Melted butter: 3 tbsp
- Vanilla: 1 tsp
- Mini chocolate chips: ¾ cup
Instructions
- Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Whisk cider, milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla in another bowl.
- Mix wet into dry gently; fold in chocolate chips.
- Cook at medium heat 2–3 minutes per side, wiping the pan if chips scorch.
How to Serve It
Serve with maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt.
15. Apple-Cider Gingerbread Pancakes
Molasses and ginger give these pancakes a gingerbread character with apple-cider twist.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Brown sugar: 2 tbsp
- Ground ginger: 1½ tsp
- Cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Nutmeg: ¼ tsp
- Apple cider: 1¼ cups
- Milk: ½ cup
- Eggs: 2
- Molasses: 3 tbsp
- Melted butter: 3 tbsp
- Vanilla: 1 tsp
Instructions
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and spices.
- In another bowl, whisk cider, milk, eggs, molasses, butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry gently.
- Cook on a greased griddle at medium heat 2–3 minutes per side.
How to Serve It
Serve with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and maybe a crumbled ginger cookie on top.
16. Apple-Cider Gluten-Free Pancakes
Use a gluten-free flour blend so everyone at the table can enjoy.
Ingredients
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Sugar: 2 tbsp
- Cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Apple cider: 1¼ cups
- Milk or non-dairy milk: ½ cup
- Eggs: 2
- Melted butter or oil: 3 tbsp
- Vanilla: 1 tsp
Instructions
- Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Whisk cider, milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla in another bowl.
- Combine gently; gluten-free batter often thickens, so add a splash more cider if needed.
- Cook at medium heat 2–3 minutes per side, flipping carefully.
How to Serve It
Serve with maple syrup, warm apples, and chopped nuts. Check all ingredients to keep the recipe fully gluten-free.
17. Apple-Cider Pancakes with Cream Cheese Swirl
A simple cream-cheese mixture swirled into the batter adds tangy richness.
Ingredients
Pancakes
- Use batter from Recipe 1, slightly thicker (reduce milk by 2–3 tbsp if needed).
Cream Cheese Swirl
- Cream cheese, softened: 4 oz
- Powdered sugar: 3 tbsp
- Apple cider: 1–2 tbsp
- Vanilla: ½ tsp
Instructions
- Prepare pancake batter; aim for a slightly thick consistency.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, cider, and vanilla until smooth.
- Heat griddle to medium. Pour batter circles, then spoon thin lines or small dollops of cream cheese mixture on each pancake.
- Use a toothpick to gently swirl; cook 2–3 minutes per side.
How to Serve It
Serve with maple syrup or extra cream cheese mixture thinned to a drizzle.
18. Apple-Cider Pancakes with Cranberries & Orange
Cranberries and orange zest bring bright color and flavor to cozy cider pancakes.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Sugar: 2 tbsp
- Cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Orange zest: 1 tbsp
- Apple cider: 1¼ cups
- Milk: ½ cup
- Eggs: 2
- Melted butter: 3 tbsp
- Vanilla: 1 tsp
- Fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped: ¾ cup
Instructions
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest.
- Whisk cider, milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry gently; fold in cranberries.
- Cook at medium heat 2–3 minutes per side, lowering heat if cranberries cause quicker browning.
How to Serve It
Serve with maple syrup and extra orange zest sprinkled on top.
19. Apple-Cider Pancake Roll-Ups
Make thinner pancakes and roll them around spiced apples for a fun twist.
Ingredients
Pancakes
- All-purpose flour: 1½ cups
- Baking powder: 1½ tsp
- Baking soda: ¼ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Sugar: 2 tbsp
- Apple cider: 1¼ cups
- Milk: ¼ cup
- Eggs: 2
- Melted butter: 2 tbsp
- Vanilla: 1 tsp
Filling
- Apples, finely chopped: 2
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Brown sugar: 3 tbsp
- Cinnamon: ½ tsp
Instructions
- Whisk dry ingredients, then whisk wet and combine into a slightly thinner batter.
- Cook thin pancakes (use less batter per pancake) at medium heat, flipping once.
- For filling, sauté apples with butter, sugar, and cinnamon 6–8 minutes until soft.
- Spread a spoonful of apple filling over each pancake and roll up tightly.
How to Serve It
Slice into spirals, arrange on a plate, and drizzle with warm maple syrup.
20. Apple-Cider Pancakes with Toasted Coconut
Toasted coconut adds a hint of tropical flavor that still works in a winter brunch.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Sugar: 2 tbsp
- Cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Apple cider: 1¼ cups
- Coconut milk (canned, well shaken): ½ cup
- Eggs: 2
- Melted coconut oil or butter: 3 tbsp
- Vanilla: 1 tsp
- Unsweetened shredded coconut: ¾ cup (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Toast coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat 3–5 minutes until golden; set aside.
- Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Whisk cider, coconut milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla in another bowl.
- Combine wet and dry; fold in ¾ cup toasted coconut.
- Cook at medium heat 2–3 minutes per side.
How to Serve It
Top with extra toasted coconut and maple syrup. Add a few thin apple slices for crunch.
21. Apple-Cider Pancakes with Cardamom & Pistachios
Cardamom and pistachios give these pancakes a gently spiced, slightly floral twist.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Sugar: 2 tbsp
- Ground cardamom: ¾ tsp
- Cinnamon: ½ tsp
- Apple cider: 1¼ cups
- Milk: ½ cup
- Eggs: 2
- Melted butter: 3 tbsp
- Vanilla: 1 tsp
- Chopped pistachios: ½ cup
Instructions
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, cardamom, and cinnamon.
- Whisk cider, milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry gently; fold in half the pistachios.
- Cook at medium heat 2–3 minutes per side.
How to Serve It
Top with remaining pistachios, maple syrup, and a little extra cardamom if you like stronger spice.
22. Apple-Cider Pancakes with Sausage & Cheddar
Savory sausage and cheddar bring a diner-style twist to sweet cider pancakes.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ¾ tsp
- Sugar: 1 tbsp
- Cinnamon: ½ tsp
- Apple cider: 1¼ cups
- Milk: ½ cup
- Eggs: 2
- Melted butter: 3 tbsp
- Cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled: 1 cup (drained)
- Shredded sharp cheddar: 1 cup
Instructions
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Whisk cider, milk, eggs, and butter.
- Combine wet and dry; fold in sausage and cheddar.
- Cook at medium heat 2–3 minutes per side, making sure sausage is fully heated through.
How to Serve It
Serve with warm maple syrup on the side. The sweet-salty combo works especially well for weekend brunch.
23. Apple-Cider Pancakes with Walnuts & Raisins
Walnuts and raisins give texture and a nod to classic apple-cake flavors.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Brown sugar: 2 tbsp
- Cinnamon: 1½ tsp
- Apple cider: 1¼ cups
- Milk: ½ cup
- Eggs: 2
- Melted butter: 3 tbsp
- Vanilla: 1 tsp
- Raisins: ½ cup
- Chopped walnuts: ½ cup
Instructions
- Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Whisk cider, milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla.
- Combine gently; fold in raisins and walnuts.
- Cook at medium heat 2–3 minutes per side.
How to Serve It
Serve with maple syrup and an extra sprinkle of chopped walnuts on top.
24. Apple-Cider Pancakes with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream
Finish your apple-cider pancake tour with a vanilla-flecked whipped cream topping.
Ingredients
Pancakes
- Use batter from Recipe 1.
Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Powdered sugar: 2–3 tbsp
- Vanilla bean (seeds only) or vanilla paste: ½ tsp
Instructions
- Prepare and cook pancakes as in Recipe 1.
- For whipped cream, beat cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla seeds or paste until soft peaks form.
- Keep chilled until serving.
How to Serve It
Stack pancakes, add a generous scoop of whipped cream on top, and drizzle with warm maple syrup or a little apple-cider reduction.
Conclusion
Apple-cider pancakes bring orchard flavor and cozy spice to winter mornings, whether you prefer simple stacks, sheet-pan squares for a crowd, or skillet bakes. Bookmark a few to rotate through the season, mix and match toppings, and share your favorites with friends and family. A warm plate of apple-cider pancakes is a sweet way to start any cold day.
