Welcome to your new favorite breakfast! These Applesauce Pancakes are incredibly easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and deliver a deliciously fluffy, apple-infused start to your day. Simply blend all ingredients, pour the batter, and cook!
Author’s Note
Elevate Your Mornings with the Best Applesauce Pancakes!
A few weeks ago, I found myself with a batch of perfectly spiced homemade applesauce – truly the best I’d ever made. While I confess to enjoying numerous spoonfuls straight from the jar, I managed to reserve just enough to experiment with a new pancake recipe. The result? These incredible Applesauce Pancakes, and let me tell you, it was absolutely worth the sacrifice! This recipe has quickly become a staple in my home, offering a delightful twist on a classic breakfast that my entire family adores.
If you’ve never considered adding applesauce to your pancake batter, consider this your definitive sign to give it a try! Applesauce naturally sweetens the pancakes, reducing the need for excessive added sugar, while infusing them with an irresistible, subtle apple flavor that’s both comforting and refreshing. I’m completely hooked, and I believe you will be too.
These pancakes boast a desirable texture: delightfully thick, with beautifully crispy edges, yet wonderfully soft and chewy on the inside. They truly encompass everything you could ever wish for in a perfect pancake, making them an ideal choice for a special brunch or a wholesome everyday breakfast. Prepare to be amazed by how easily these come together and how utterly delicious they taste!
Why Applesauce is a Game-Changer in Pancakes
Incorporating applesauce into your pancake batter isn’t just a clever trick; it’s a culinary revelation that brings a host of benefits to your breakfast table. Beyond adding a fantastic, natural apple flavor, applesauce contributes essential moisture and sweetness, creating a more tender and flavorful pancake.
Any applesauce works beautifully in this recipe, but I would be remiss if I didn’t enthusiastically advocate for using Homemade Applesauce. The depth of flavor and freshness from homemade applesauce truly elevates these pancakes to an unparalleled level of deliciousness. If you have the time, I highly recommend trying our perfected applesauce recipe to experience the difference firsthand.
That said, don’t let the lack of homemade applesauce deter you! Store-bought applesauce is perfectly fine. Just be sure to use an unsweetened applesauce to maintain control over the sweetness level. If you opt for sweetened applesauce, you might want to omit or reduce the amount of honey specified in the recipe to prevent your pancakes from becoming overly sweet. Applesauce not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds a lovely texture and nutritional boost, making these pancakes a healthier and more satisfying choice for any meal.
Unlock the Secret to Perfectly Fluffy & Flavorful Pancakes
Achieving pancake perfection is simpler than you might think, especially with these Applesauce Pancakes. While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few key techniques can transform your breakfast from good to absolutely amazing. Here are the secrets to consistently making exceptional pancakes:
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Invest in a Powerful Blender: This Applesauce Pancakes recipe relies on a high-speed blender, such as a Blendtec® or Vitamix®. A robust blender is essential for thoroughly breaking down the oats and cashews into an ultra-smooth, creamy batter. This fine consistency is what contributes to the pancakes’ incredibly soft and uniform interior. If your blender isn’t particularly strong, you might consider using oat flour and cashew butter for a smoother result, though a good blender makes the whole process effortless.
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Master the Temperature: Heat management is crucial for evenly cooked pancakes with golden-brown exteriors. Start with your nonstick frying pan or griddle over medium-low heat. If you notice the pancakes browning too quickly, the heat is too high; turn it down a bit and allow the pan to cool for a minute before adding more batter. Conversely, if your pancakes are taking too long to cook or sticking, you might need to increase the heat slightly and add a bit more cooking spray. Stay near your stovetop and griddle, monitoring and making small adjustments as needed, to find that sweet spot for perfect pancakes every time.
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Proper Pan Greasing: Before your pancake batter ever touches the hot pan, ensure it’s properly greased. A light coating of cooking spray, olive oil, or a quick swipe with a cold stick of butter (my personal favorite for flavor!) provides an evenly distributed layer of fat. This not only prevents sticking but also promotes that beautiful, uniform golden-brown crust we all love on a pancake. A well-greased surface is key to easy flipping and consistent results.
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Cook Immediately: Unlike traditional pancake batters that sometimes benefit from resting, this applesauce pancake batter thickens as it stands due to the oats and cashews absorbing liquid. For the best texture and pourability, it’s recommended to cook these pancakes right after blending the batter. This ensures they spread nicely and achieve their ideal consistency. If the batter does thicken slightly, you can add a tiny splash of milk to adjust if needed.
Creative Toppings to Elevate Your Applesauce Pancakes
One of the greatest joys of making homemade pancakes is the freedom to customize them with your favorite toppings! While these Applesauce Pancakes are delicious on their own, a thoughtful topping can transform them into an even more decadent or personalized experience. Here are some delightful ideas to get you started:
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Nut Butters & Apple Butter: A generous drizzle of creamy peanut butter, wholesome almond butter, or even rich apple butter creates a fantastic layer of flavor and protein. The nutty notes complement the apple perfectly.
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Classic Sweeteners: Pure maple syrup is always a winner, or you can opt for your favorite pancake syrup. For an extra special treat, top with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.
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Warm Fruit Goodness: Skillet sautéed apples, perhaps with a touch of cinnamon, are an ideal pairing, intensifying the apple flavor. Warm berries or a berry compote would also be exquisite.
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Nutritional Boosters: For added texture and a health kick, sprinkle on some chia seeds, hemp seeds, toasted coconut flakes, or ground flaxseeds. These small additions provide fiber, healthy fats, and a satisfying crunch.
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Crunchy Nuts & Seeds: Coarsely chopped roasted and lightly salted pecans or crunchy pepitas (pumpkin seeds) offer a wonderful textural contrast and a savory-sweet balance that enhances the overall experience.
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Yogurt or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain or vanilla yogurt can add a refreshing, tangy creaminess, making your pancakes feel even more wholesome and satisfying.
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Chocolate Chips: For a more indulgent twist, stir in some mini chocolate chips directly into the batter or sprinkle them on top of freshly cooked pancakes.
Effortless Preparation: How To Make Applesauce Pancakes
Making these delightful pancakes couldn’t be simpler! The beauty of this recipe lies in its “blend-and-go” approach, perfect for busy mornings or whenever you crave a quick, yet satisfying breakfast.
Quick overview: The process begins by combining all your pancake batter ingredients into a powerful blender. This single step ensures everything is perfectly mixed and smooth, eliminating the need for separate bowls and extensive whisking. Once the batter is blended to your desired consistency, you can pour it directly from the blender jar onto a preheated pan. It truly doesn’t get much easier than that, making it an ideal recipe for beginners and seasoned cooks alike!
Storage & Freezing
These Applesauce Pancakes are not just for immediate enjoyment; they are also fantastic for meal prepping! We love multiplying this recipe to ensure we have delicious leftovers, or to prepare in advance for unexpected guests. These frozen pancakes make an excellent last-minute dinner, a quick weekday breakfast, or a convenient snack.
Freezing Applesauce Pancakes
Frozen pancakes can be stored in the freezer for up to three months, maintaining their flavor and texture remarkably well.
- To freeze: First, allow the freshly cooked pancakes to cool completely at room temperature on a wire cooling rack. This prevents condensation and sogginess. Once fully cooled, arrange the pancakes in a single layer on a parchment-paper-lined baking tray. Freeze until solid, which typically takes about 1-2 hours. After they are solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, layering parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
- To thaw and reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat your frozen pancakes using a microwave, toaster, or oven. We particularly love popping them into our toaster for a quick reheat that gives them a wonderfully crispy exterior, almost like they were freshly made!
More Delightful Recipes Featuring Applesauce:
Applesauce is a versatile ingredient that can add moisture, natural sweetness, and a lovely apple flavor to a variety of dishes, not just pancakes! If you’ve fallen in love with its charm in this recipe, explore these other fantastic creations:
Desserts
Applesauce Brownies (No Beans!)
Indulge in these guilt-free brownies! They’re super fudgy, double-chocolatey, and surprisingly made without oil, butter, or flour—and definitely no weird veggies or beans. A perfect healthy treat!
Desserts
Applesauce Cake Recipe
Discover a truly healthy and utterly delicious flourless applesauce spice cake. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful blend of spices and natural sweetness.
Desserts
Healthy Apple Cake
Enjoy a moist and flavorful apple cake that’s surprisingly good for you. This healthy version is packed with natural apple goodness, making it a delightful dessert or a wholesome snack.
Desserts
Applesauce Muffins
These healthy applesauce muffins are a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or a delightful afternoon treat. Moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, they’re a family favorite.
Applesauce Pancakes
Chelsea Lords
15
15
30
11 small pancakes
Video
Watch our quick video tutorial for a visual guide on making these delicious Applesauce Pancakes!
Equipment
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Blender like Blendtec® or Vitamix®
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Frying pan or griddle
Ingredients
(Yields approximately 11 small pancakes)
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats (see Note 1)
- 1/2 cup cashews (see Note 2)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (see Note 3)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup milk (see Note 4)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice or ground nutmeg
- Cooking spray olive oil or coconut oil
- Serving suggestions (see Note 5)
Instructions
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Prepare your cooling station: Place a wire cooling rack on a tray or baking sheet near your cooking pan. This setup is crucial for keeping your cooked pancakes warm and preventing them from getting soggy while you finish the batch (refer to Note 6 for detailed warming instructions).
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Blend the batter: Add all ingredients for the pancake batter (except the cooking spray) into a powerful blender in the order listed. This ensures optimal blending. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth, typically for about 90–120 seconds. It’s important to scrape down the sides of the blender jar as needed to ensure no chunks of oats or cashews remain. Blend longer if necessary. Cook the pancakes immediately after blending, as the batter will thicken as it stands.
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Cook the pancakes: Heat a nonstick frying pan or griddle over medium-low heat. Once warm, lightly spray the surface with cooking spray. For each pancake, scoop about 2 heaping tablespoons of batter onto the hot surface. Cook for approximately 2 minutes, or until small bubbles begin to form on the surface and the edges appear set and matte. Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for another 90 seconds to 2 minutes on the second side, until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through.
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Serve and enjoy: Transfer the cooked pancakes to your prepared wire rack to crisp up slightly. Serve them immediately while warm, or keep them warm in the oven as instructed in Note 6. Enjoy with your favorite toppings such as pure maple syrup, creamy almond butter, or warm sautéed apples. These pancakes are so flavorful, they’re even delicious enjoyed plain!
Recipe Notes
Note 2: I love using roasted and lightly salted cashews for their rich flavor and convenience in this recipe. Here are the exact cashews I use. If using raw cashews, a quick soak in hot water for 15-20 minutes, then draining, can help them blend even smoother.
Note 3: Measure the coconut oil after it has been melted. You can also successfully substitute melted butter, ghee, vegetable oil, or canola oil for similar results.
Note 4: Any type of milk will work perfectly in these pancakes; however, I personally find that unsweetened vanilla almond milk yields the best flavor profile. Feel free to use your preferred dairy or non-dairy milk.
Note 5: For serving suggestions, get creative! Try them with pure maple syrup, warm sautéed apples, a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of almond or peanut butter, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Note 6: To efficiently keep your cooked pancakes warm and crispy while you finish the batch, preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Place a wire cooling rack on a large sheet pan. As soon as each pancake is removed from the heat, place it in a single layer on the cooling rack. Keep the sheet pan in the oven until you are ready to serve all the pancakes. This method prevents them from becoming soggy and ensures they’re warm when it’s time to eat.
Storage: As mentioned, these pancakes freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. To freeze: Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, then arrange on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 1–2 hours until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. To thaw and reheat: Use the microwave, toaster, or oven. The toaster is my favorite for a quick, crispy reheat!
Nutrition Information
Calories: 119kcal |
Carbohydrates: 9.5g |
Protein: 3g |
Fat: 7.5g |
Cholesterol: 31.1mg |
Sodium: 64.4mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 3.1g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Love this recipe? Share your thoughts below!
Applesauce Pancakes: Your Questions Answered
Fruit purées, including applesauce, are indeed well-known as excellent substitutes for eggs and oil in many baking recipes, thanks to their binding and moistening properties. However, for this particular Applesauce Pancakes recipe, we utilize both applesauce and eggs! The eggs contribute to the structure and fluffiness of the pancakes, while the applesauce adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that distinct apple flavor. For a successful egg-free alternative in other recipes, you might need to adjust other liquid ingredients to maintain the right batter consistency.
The secret to restaurant-quality fluffy pancakes often lies in a combination of fresh leavening agents (like baking powder and baking soda), eggs, and careful mixing. Leavening agents create air bubbles, which expand when heated, giving the pancakes their signature rise. Eggs provide structure and richness. With this recipe, you’ll be impressed by how wonderfully thick and fluffy these Applesauce Pancakes turn out! A quick tip: always ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal leavening power. You can test their freshness with this simple trick!
Both butter and oil have their merits when cooking pancakes! Butter undeniably offers a superior flavor and a beautiful golden-brown color, but it can brown (and burn) quickly due to its lower smoke point. For a lighter approach and to prevent quick browning, I often use a cooking spray made from olive oil or coconut oil. This provides just enough fat to prevent sticking and promote even cooking without overwhelming the natural flavors of the pancake. If using butter, consider clarifying it (ghee) or using a blend to raise its smoke point and prevent burning.
To ensure your delicious pancakes remain warm and crispy, preventing them from becoming soggy, follow these steps:
1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to a low temperature, around 200°F (95°C).
2. Prepare a warming station: Place a wire cooling rack on a large baking sheet. This setup allows air to circulate around the pancakes, preventing steam from accumulating and making them soggy.
3. Transfer immediately: As soon as you remove each cooked pancake from the griddle, place it in a single layer on the wire rack in the preheated oven.
4. Keep warm: Leave the baking sheet in the oven until you are ready to serve the entire batch.
If you’re eating the pancakes right away and only cooking a few, simply setting them on a wire cooling rack off the heat (not stacked) will allow the exteriors to crisp up nicely without steaming.
Yes, these Applesauce Pancakes are considered a healthier alternative to many traditional pancake recipes! They are packed with wholesome ingredients like old-fashioned oats and cashews, which provide fiber and healthy fats. Applesauce adds natural sweetness, reducing the need for excessive added sugars, and contributes to the overall nutritional value. They are designed to be a satisfying and energizing start to your day.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free because it uses oats and cashews instead of wheat flour. For a truly gluten-free option, ensure your old-fashioned oats are certified gluten-free, as some oats can be cross-contaminated during processing. To make them dairy-free, simply use a non-dairy milk alternative (like almond, soy, or oat milk) as suggested in Note 4, and ensure any melted oil/butter substitute is also dairy-free (coconut oil works great!).
While any applesauce will work, for the best results, we recommend using unsweetened applesauce. This gives you full control over the sweetness level of your pancakes, allowing the natural flavors to shine. If you have homemade applesauce, that’s an excellent choice for a richer, more nuanced apple flavor. If using sweetened store-bought applesauce, you may want to reduce or omit the honey in the recipe to avoid overly sweet pancakes.