Indulge in a delightful and nutritious breakfast with these Spiced Apple Pancakes, where the sweetness of apple and the warmth of cinnamon come together in a comforting dish. This recipe uses a combination of almond milk and apple cider vinegar, creating a light and fluffy pancake base with a delightful tang. The addition of vanilla vegan protein powder boosts the protein content, making these pancakes not only delicious but also perfect for fuelling your morning.

Rather than deep frying or using a heavy batter, this recipe is all about gently cooking the apples in a little coconut oiland topping them with a homemade pancake mix that is poured over the apples. The result is a stack of perfectly golden pancakes, each with a sweet, caramelized apple ring in the centre.

This is the kind of breakfast that will make you feel satisfied, energised, and ready to take on the day – whether you’re getting back into the groove of your morning routine or enjoying a relaxing weekend brunch. It’s a low-sugar delight thanks to the sugar-free salted caramel syrup drizzle, and it’s suitable for those following a vegan diet.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Fluffy & Light Pancakes – The combination of almond milk and apple cider vinegar creates soft, pillowy pancakes.
• Protein-Packed – With a scoop of vanilla vegan protein powder, these pancakes help keep you full and satisfied.
• Naturally Sweetened – Thanks to the apples and sugar-free salted caramel syrup, these pancakes are sweet but not overly sugary.
• Quick & Easy – From mixing to flipping, these pancakes come together in no time.
• Customisable – You can add more toppings like pumpkin seeds, chopped nuts, or fresh berries for extra flavour and crunch.
• Vegan-Friendly – Perfect for plant-based eaters, making them a versatile breakfast option for everyone.

Ingredients (serves 2) 

• 1 cup almond milk – or your preferred plant-based milk for a creamy texture
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar – activates the baking soda and gives a slight tang to the pancakes
• 1 cup self-raising flour – creates a fluffy pancake texture without needing additional leavening agents
• 1 scoop vanilla vegan protein powder – adds protein, flavour, and helps make these pancakes more filling
• 1 tsp coconut oil – adds a light coconut flavour and helps the pancakes cook to golden perfection
• Cinnamon – a warm spice that complements the apples and adds a comforting aroma
• Sugar-free salted caramel syrup – for a low-sugar drizzle that adds a sweet, salty finish
• 2 apples – cut into rings for a fun, fruity twist 

Method

1. Prepare the Apple Mixture

• In a small bowl, combine almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Set aside for a few minutes to allow the mixture to thicken slightly.

2. Make the Pancake Batter

• In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, protein powder, and cinnamon.
• Add the milk mixture and melted coconut oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until fully combined, creating a smooth batter.

3. Cook the Apple Rings

• Cut the apple into rings and remove the seeds.
• Heat a medium-sized frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of coconut oil.
• Drizzle in some sugar-free salted caramel syrup and sprinkle cinnamon over the apple rings.
• Gently cook the apples for about 2-3 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

4. Pour the Pancake Mix Over the Apples

• Once the apples are golden and slightly softened, scoop the pancake batter and pour it over each apple ring, covering them completely.
• Let the pancake cook for another 2-3 minutes, then flip to cook the other side until golden brown and cooked through.

5. Serve & Enjoy

• Stack the pancakes on a plate, drizzle with extra sugar-free caramel syrup, and sprinkle with pumpkin seedsfor crunch.
• Serve warm and enjoy your deliciously spiced apple pancakes!

Nutrition 

• Calories: ~445 kcal
• Protein: ~19g
• Fat: ~15g
• Carbs: ~56g

(Note: These values may vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions.)

Tips for Making This Recipe

• Control the sweetness – Adjust the amount of syrup to suit your sweetness preferences, or omit it entirely for a more natural-tasting pancake.
• Ensure even cooking – Flip the apples carefully, and don’t overcrowd the pan, as this could prevent the pancakes from cooking evenly.
• Try other fruit – For a twist, you can substitute pears, bananas, or stone fruits like nectarines or plums for the apples.
• Adjust texture – If the batter is too thick, add a splash of extra almond milk to loosen it up.
• Make them bigger or smaller – You can adjust the size of your pancakes based on your preferences or the size of your pan. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How to Best Serve This Recipe

• Toppings galore – Top your pancakes with fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a dollop of Greek yoghurt for added protein.
• For extra richness – Try a sprinkle of chocolate chips or a drizzle of almond butter for a more decadent treat.
• Serve as a dessert – If you’re in the mood for something sweet, these pancakes make an excellent post-dinner treat when paired with whipped coconut cream or a scoop of vanilla vegan ice cream.
• Pair with a drink – Enjoy these pancakes with a warm latte, herbal tea, or a smoothie for a well-rounded breakfast.

Customise This Recipe

• Add a pinch of nutmeg – Enhance the autumn flavour by adding a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
• Try different milk – Use oat milk or coconut milk for a richer texture and flavour.
• Mix in protein-rich seeds – Add some chia seeds or flaxseeds to the pancake batter for a fibre boost.
• Swap the apple rings – If you prefer, chop the apples and cook them into the batter for a different presentation.
• Make it spicier – For a spicier kick, add a dash of ground ginger or cloves to the batter or sprinkle on top before serving.

How to Store This Recipe

• Fridge – Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freezer – You can freeze these pancakes for up to 1 month. Simply place parchment paper between pancakes before freezing and thaw before serving.

Conclusion

These Spiced Apple Pancakes are a perfect blend of sweetness, warmth, and fluffiness. They are not only vegan-friendly but also packed with protein and low in sugar, making them a great choice for anyone looking for a healthier take on traditional pancakes. With the addition of apple cider vinegar, almond milk, and vegan protein powder, they offer a satisfying texture that is soft and delicious without the need for dairy or eggs.

Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these pancakes will quickly become a family favourite. With the caramelized apple rings and the cinnamon-spiced flavours, every bite is a comforting indulgence. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to easily adjust it to suit your tastes. Top them with your favourite toppings, and you have yourself a meal that feels like a treat but is filled with wholesome ingredients. Enjoy them as a nourishing breakfast or an energising snack that will keep you full and satisfied!