Apple Pancake Cake Recipe That Will Wow Your Breakfast Guests

There’s something truly magical about the combination of warm spices, tender apples, and fluffy pancakes. Now, imagine layering those pancakes and apples into a stunning, multi-layered cake that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Welcome to the world of the Apple Pancake Cake! This recipe elevates your regular breakfast pancakes into a show-stopping dessert or brunch centerpiece.

Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply craving a comforting sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress. It’s packed with fresh apples, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, stacked high and drizzled with a luscious caramel or maple syrup glaze.

The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

The layers create a beautiful cross-section of soft pancakes and spiced apple goodness, making every bite a harmonious blend of texture and flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those seasonal apples or add a fresh twist to your brunch menu.

So, if you’re ready to wow your family and friends with something unique yet comfortingly familiar, let’s dive into this delicious apple pancake cake recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Pancake Cake is a fantastic twist on traditional pancakes and cakes, combining the best of both worlds. It’s perfect for apple lovers, packed with fresh fruit and warming spices that scream autumn vibes but are delightful any time of year.

The layers are moist and fluffy, sandwiched with a creamy cinnamon-spiced filling that adds richness without being overly sweet.

Beyond the incredible taste, the recipe is straightforward, requiring simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It’s versatile – you can make it vegan or gluten-free with minor substitutions.

Plus, it makes for a visually stunning centerpiece that’s sure to impress guests or turn a regular morning into a special celebration. For more creative and easy recipes, check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious and Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy.

Ingredients

• For the Pancakes:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk + 1 tbsp vinegar for vegan)
• 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
• 3 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil (plus extra for greasing)
• For the Apple Filling:
• 3 large apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp butter or coconut oil
• For the Creamy Cinnamon Filling:
• 1 cup cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• For the Topping:
• Maple syrup or caramel sauce for drizzling
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Non-stick skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan (optional for shaping)
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer or hand mixer for cream cheese filling
• Serving plate or cake stand

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a skillet, heat the butter or coconut oil over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and caramelize slightly, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Make the Pancake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; some lumps are okay.
3. Cook the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden. Repeat until all batter is used. Let pancakes cool completely.
4. Prepare the Creamy Cinnamon Filling: Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon together until smooth and fluffy. Adjust sweetness to taste.
5. Assemble the Cake: On your serving plate or cake stand, place one pancake as the base. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese filling over it, then add a layer of apple slices. Repeat layering pancakes, cream cheese filling, and apples until all pancakes are stacked, finishing with a pancake on top.
6. Decorate and Serve: Drizzle maple syrup or caramel sauce over the top of the cake. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans if desired. Chill for 30 minutes if you want the cake to set a bit before slicing.

Tips & Variations

“For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk and vegan butter, and choose vegan cream cheese.”

“Try adding a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the pancake batter for extra flavor.”

“If you prefer a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.”

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast with the sweet cream filling.
• For a crunch, sprinkle toasted nuts between layers or on top.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the batter for a warming spice twist.
• Try layering with caramelized pears or berries instead of apples for seasonal variations.
• For a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese filling with Greek yogurt sweetened with honey and cinnamon.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This apple pancake cake shines best when served slightly warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea to complement the warm spices beautifully.

To enhance the autumnal feel, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top just before serving. Leftovers can be reheated gently in the microwave or oven, making it a perfect make-ahead treat.

If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy our Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy or the comforting Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide for other fruit-inspired meals.

Conclusion

The Apple Pancake Cake is a delightful fusion of classic comfort food and elegant presentation. It’s a recipe that invites creativity while remaining accessible, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned bakers.

The combination of fluffy pancakes, tender spiced apples, and creamy cinnamon filling creates a layered experience that’s both delicious and visually captivating.

Whether you’re aiming to impress at brunch, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy a cozy treat on a chilly morning, this apple pancake cake recipe has you covered. Its flexibility allows for numerous adaptations to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability, ensuring it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again.

For more easy and delicious recipes to complement this cake, don’t miss our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or Can I Substitute Almonds for Cashews in Vegan Cheese? guide.

Happy baking and bon appétit!

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