Name: Spiced Apple Cider Pancakes with Warm Cider Maple Syrup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup All Purpose Flour (Kamut preferred); 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon melted butter; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon allspice; A pinch of nutmeg; ½ – ¾ cup apple cider; 1 medium honey crisp apple, grated (about 1 cup); ½ cup apple cider; 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 42 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy brunch treat that captures the essence of autumn, you’ve got to try this Spiced Apple Cider Pancakes with Warm Cider Maple Syrup Recipe. Imagine fluffy pancakes infused with the tart sweetness of apple cider and fresh grated apples, lightly kissed by cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Drizzled with a warm, cinnamon-spiked cider maple syrup, these pancakes are a delightful way to celebrate fall mornings or any time you crave that perfect balance of spice and sweetness. This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single pancake is cooking in the center of a black iron pan, showing a light golden-brown surface with small bubbles and a slightly darker round edge that nearly touches the skillet's center. The pancake's texture looks soft with subtle uneven spots, and a bit of light butter or oil is seen sizzling around it. The black pan has a matte finish and slight shine from the cooking surface. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one plays a crucial role in giving your pancakes that soft texture, warm spice, and apple-forward flavor that make this dish so special.

1 cup All Purpose Flour: I prefer Kamut all purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and tender crumb.
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder: This helps the pancakes rise to a light, fluffy texture.
1 egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the batter.
1 tablespoon melted butter: Adds a lovely buttery flavor and helps keep the pancakes moist.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors just perfectly.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that classic warm spice note.
¼ teaspoon allspice: Adds depth and complexity to the spice mix.
A pinch of nutmeg: A subtle warmth that rounds out the spices beautifully.
½ – ¾ cup apple cider: The star ingredient that infuses the pancakes with true apple flavor and moisture.
1 medium honey crisp apple, grated (about 1 cup): Fresh apple pieces add texture and burst of natural sweetness.
For Cider Maple Syrup:
½ cup apple cider: Reduces into a rich glaze for the syrup.
3 tablespoons maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and balances the tartness.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives the syrup its comforting spice note.

How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Pancakes with Warm Cider Maple Syrup Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining your flour, baking powder, salt, and the fragrant spices—cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg—in a large mixing bowl. This ensures that the leavening and spices are evenly distributed, setting the foundation for pancakes that rise beautifully and have balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk the egg until smooth and well combined. Add the apple cider and melted butter, stirring gently to blend. Toss in the freshly grated honey crisp apple; this will infuse each pancake with sweet, crisp bursts of flavor. Start with ½ cup of apple cider and keep the extra on hand to adjust the batter consistency if needed.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a flat whisk or rubber spatula. The key here is to mix just until combined to avoid tough pancakes; some lumps are perfectly fine. The batter will be a little thick but should be scoopable and pour nicely onto your griddle.

Step 4: Let the Batter Rest

Cover the bowl with a plate or plastic wrap and allow the batter to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting step gives the baking powder time to activate and lets the flour absorb the liquids fully, resulting in extra fluffy pancakes that are soft and tender.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

Preheat your skillet or griddle to medium or medium-high heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Use a rounded ladle or ice cream scoop to pour about 3 tablespoons of batter per pancake. Watch for small bubbles forming on the top and the edges firming up—this means it’s time to flip. Cook the second side for another minute or two without pressing down to keep them light and airy.

Step 6: Keep Pancakes Warm

If cooking in batches, preheat your oven to 200F and place finished pancakes on a baking sheet. Keeping them warm this way guarantees every pancake is served fresh and cozy without getting soggy or cold.

Step 7: Make the Warm Cider Maple Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer until it reduces by half, thickening into a luscious syrup that complements the pancakes perfectly with its sweet and spicy notes.

How to Serve Spiced Apple Cider Pancakes with Warm Cider Maple Syrup Recipe

A tall stack of seven golden-brown pancakes sits in the center of a white plate with light blue speckles, each pancake showing a slightly uneven, light crispy edge. On top of the stack, a fan of six thin apple slices with red skin and pale flesh lay neatly. The entire stack is surrounded by a pool of amber syrup that glistens under light. A woman's hand is shown holding a fork, lifting a slice from the side, revealing the soft and fluffy texture inside the pancakes. In the background, on a white marbled surface, there is a small white jug with dark syrup inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an inviting presentation, adorn your stack of pancakes with a few thin apple slices or apple chips for crunch. A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon is always a nice touch. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt can add a lovely creamy contrast to the warm spices.

Side Dishes

Served alongside crispy bacon or sausage links, these pancakes take on a savory dimension that balances the sweet and spicy flavors. Fresh fruit salad or roasted autumn vegetables can round out the meal beautifully if you’re aiming for a brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering these spiced apple cider pancakes like a cake, layering each one with a spoonful of ricotta cheese or mascarpone, then drizzle with the warm cider maple syrup. Or stack and cut into wedges for a visually fun and shareable dish at your next breakfast gathering. The fragrant aroma will surely draw everyone to the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover pancakes completely before stacking them with parchment paper between each to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The spices and apple flavors hold up wonderfully, so reheated pancakes are just as delicious.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. Frozen pancakes can be stored for up to 2 months and make for a quick grab-and-go breakfast option.

Reheating

Reheat pancakes gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a toaster oven to maintain their texture. If using a microwave, cover them with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Warm the cider maple syrup separately and drizzle right before serving for that fresh homemade taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for these pancakes?

Absolutely! While honey crisp apples are ideal for their balance of sweetness and tartness, feel free to use any crisp apple like Fuji or Gala. Just make sure to grate them fresh for the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have apple cider on hand?

If you don’t have apple cider, you can substitute with unsweetened apple juice or even a combination of water and a little apple jelly. Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the depth of flavor, but the pancakes will still be delicious.

Can I make these pancakes gluten free?

Yes, you can substitute the all purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking. Since gluten-free flours vary, you might need to adjust the liquid slightly to get your batter to the right consistency.

Is it okay to prepare the batter the night before?

It’s best to prepare the batter fresh because the baking powder starts working as soon as it’s mixed. However, you can grate the apple and mix the dry ingredients in advance to speed up your morning prep.

Can I make the cider maple syrup without cinnamon?

You can, but cinnamon really ties the syrup’s flavor to the pancakes beautifully. If you don’t have cinnamon, a small piece of fresh ginger or a pinch of cloves could add a nice twist instead.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Spiced Apple Cider Pancakes with Warm Cider Maple Syrup Recipe a try because it’s a lovely way to bring warmth and joy to your breakfast table. Whether it’s a chilly morning or a special weekend brunch, these pancakes wrap you in cozy flavors and make every bite feel like a celebration of fall. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a cherished favorite you’ll return to again and again.