Every autumn, as apples overflow at the market and crisp mornings invite flannel and fuzzy socks, I find myself craving these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes. It started as a way to use up some leftover oats and a lonely apple in the crisper—and turned into a comforting breakfast staple. Warm spices, tender apple bites, and hearty oats make these pancakes taste like a hug on a plate.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Pancakes
These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes are the perfect balance of cozy and wholesome. The oats give them a soft, hearty texture, while diced apples and cinnamon bring that signature fall flavor. They’re easy to whip up, freeze well, and feel like an indulgent treat—even though they’re full of nourishing ingredients.
Whether you’re feeding sleepy kids, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to a slower morning, these pancakes are here to make fall mornings extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch:
- Rolled oats – Blended into oat flour or left whole for texture.
- All-purpose flour – Helps the pancakes hold their shape.
- Baking powder – For fluffiness.
- Cinnamon + nutmeg – The ultimate fall spice duo.
- Salt – A pinch to balance the sweetness.
- Egg – Binds everything together.
- Milk – Dairy or unsweetened almond/oat milk both work.
- Maple syrup or brown sugar – Just enough to sweeten.
- Apples – Peeled and finely diced.
- Vanilla extract – Optional, but adds a cozy aroma.
- Butter or oil – For greasing your pan.
Ingredient Swaps & Dietary Tips
- Gluten-free? Use certified GF oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free? Oat milk and vegan butter work beautifully.
- No eggs? Try a flax egg or ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce.
- Refined sugar-free? Use maple syrup or mashed ripe banana to sweeten.
How To Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes
Step 1: Prep the dry mix
In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 2: Combine wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the egg, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir in the diced apples.
Step 3: Mix wet into dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Let the batter sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken.
Step 4: Cook the pancakes
Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil. Pour about ¼ cup batter per pancake and cook until bubbles form and the edges are set, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Step 5: Serve warm
Stack them high, add your favorite toppings, and dig in!
Topping Ideas for Extra Fall Flavor
These pancakes are amazing on their own—but even better with:
- Warm maple syrup
- A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream
- Caramelized apples or sautéed pears
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
- A pat of cinnamon-honey butter
Mix and match your favorites for the perfect bite every time!
Apple Cinnamon Pancake FAQs
Can I use applesauce instead of diced apples?
You can! Use ¼ to ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce in place of diced apples. The texture will be smoother and more uniform.
How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or pan. They also freeze well—just stack with parchment between each and freeze in a zip-top bag.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, though the texture will be softer. You can also pulse rolled oats in a blender for oat flour.
Can I make a large batch for meal prep?
Absolutely. These reheat beautifully, and you can double or triple the recipe to have breakfast ready all week.
More Fall Breakfast Favorites
- Pumpkin French Toast – Custardy, crisp-edged, and full of pumpkin spice
- Spiced Pear Muffins – Tender, fragrant, and perfect with coffee
- Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal – Meal prep friendly and ultra cozy
- Maple Walnut Granola – Crunchy, golden, and perfect with yogurt or milk
Start your next chilly morning with these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes and a hot mug of coffee or cider—and you’ll be feeling all the fall vibes.
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Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes – Your New Fall Morning Ritual
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 pancakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, fluffy, and packed with fall flavor, these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes are perfect for cozy mornings. Hearty oats, sweet apples, and comforting spices come together in one nourishing stack.
Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1 large egg
3/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 small apple, peeled and finely diced
1 tbsp butter or oil (for cooking)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine egg, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir in diced apples.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and grease with butter or oil.
5. Scoop 1/4 cup of batter per pancake into the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve warm with maple syrup and toppings of choice.
Notes
Use oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Swap brown sugar with mashed banana for a refined sugar-free option.
Make a double batch and freeze leftovers for quick weekday breakfasts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: apple cinnamon pancakes, oatmeal pancakes, fall breakfast, cozy breakfast
