Apple Walnut Pancakes

Apple Walnut Pancakes Recipe - Gluten-free and Vegetarian

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Apple Walnut Pancakes are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast dish, incorporating the sweet and tart flavors of apples with the rich, earthy tones of walnuts. This recipe offers a perfect balance of texture and taste, making it an ideal choice for a cozy morning meal or a brunch gathering. The combination of spices, fruit, and nuts not only enhances the flavor but also adds nutritional value to your breakfast plate.

History

The concept of pancakes dates back thousands of years, with variations found in nearly every culture around the world. The addition of fruits, nuts, and spices to pancakes has evolved over time, with apple walnut pancakes being a relatively modern creation. This recipe draws inspiration from traditional American and European pancake recipes, incorporating the beloved flavors of autumn - apples and walnuts - into a comforting and hearty meal.

Ingredients

3 tbsp of butter
1 large apple, cored and cut into 0.25 inch dice
0.5 cup of coarsely chopped walnuts
2 cups of all purpose gluten-free flour (such as Bob's Red Mill, Arrowhead Mills or Sylvan Border Farm)
2 tbsp (packed) of golden brown sugar
4 tsp of baking powder
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp of nutmeg
0.5 tsp of salt
1.5 cups of low-fat milk
2 large eggs

How to prepare

In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté apples until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add walnuts and cook for another 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
Whisk in milk and eggs until smooth.
Stir in the apple walnut mixture.
Heat a large nonstick griddle or skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute.
Lightly brush the griddle with butter.
For each pancake, drop 0.25 cup of batter onto the griddle, spacing the pancakes apart.
Cook until golden on the bottom and bubbles start to form on the surface, about 3 minutes.
Turn the pancakes over.
Cook until golden on the bottom, about 2 minutes longer.
Repeat with the remaining batter, brushing the griddle with butter before each batch of pancakes.

Variations

1. Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
2. Vegan: Use almond milk instead of low-fat milk and a flaxseed egg substitute.
3. Apple Cinnamon: Increase the amount of cinnamon and skip the walnuts for a simpler version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Ensure the skillet or griddle is properly heated before adding the batter to achieve an even golden-brown color.

2. Dice the apples into small, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly and integrate well into each pancake.

3. Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter can enhance their flavor.

4. For fluffier pancakes, avoid overmixing the batter; a few lumps are okay.

5. Use a measuring cup or ladle to pour the batter onto the griddle for consistent pancake sizes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pancakes warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Fresh fruit or a side of bacon or sausage complements the flavors well.

Cooking Techniques

Using a non-stick skillet or griddle can reduce the need for extra butter, making the pancakes less greasy. Gentle flipping ensures that the pancakes stay intact and cook evenly on both sides.

Ingredient Substitutions

1. Almond flour can replace all-purpose flour for a lower-carb option.

2. Coconut sugar or maple syrup can substitute for brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

3. Pecans can be used instead of walnuts for a variation in nutty taste.

Make Ahead Tips

The apple walnut mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator overnight. The dry ingredients can also be mixed in advance to save time in the morning.

Presentation Ideas

Stack the pancakes and top with extra diced apples and walnuts for a visually appealing presentation. A light dusting of cinnamon adds a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Apple Walnut Pancakes pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. For a more indulgent meal, serve with apple cider or a mimosa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month. Reheat in a toaster or oven for best results.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Apple Walnut Pancakes contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a substantial breakfast option that can provide the energy needed for the morning.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Apple Walnut Pancakes contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources of carbohydrates in this recipe are all-purpose flour and apples, providing energy to start your day.

Fats

This recipe contains about 15 grams of fat per serving, with the main sources being walnuts and butter. Walnuts are rich in healthy, unsaturated fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

Proteins

Apple Walnut Pancakes offer around 8 grams of protein per serving. The protein comes from the eggs and milk in the recipe, contributing to a feeling of fullness and aiding in muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

These pancakes are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E from the walnuts, vitamin C from the apples, and calcium and vitamin D from the milk. Additionally, eggs provide vitamin B12 and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens: nuts (walnuts), dairy (butter and milk), and eggs. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution.

Summary

Apple Walnut Pancakes are a nutritious and satisfying breakfast option, offering a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. However, those with specific dietary restrictions or allergies should be mindful of the ingredients.

Summary

Apple Walnut Pancakes are a delightful and nutritious way to start your day, combining the classic flavors of apples and walnuts in a fluffy pancake. With options for customization and make-ahead tips, this recipe is versatile and convenient for any morning.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Apple Walnut Pancakes. It was a chilly autumn morning, the air crisp and refreshing as I strolled through the farmer's market in search of fresh ingredients for my next culinary adventure. As I meandered past the various stalls, the sweet aroma of ripe apples caught my attention, drawing me towards a stand piled high with the most beautiful red and green apples I had ever seen.

The elderly woman behind the stand greeted me warmly, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint as she handed me a crisp apple to sample. The moment I took a bite, I knew I had to buy a few to take home with me. As I chatted with the woman, she shared with me a recipe for Apple Walnut Pancakes that had been passed down through generations in her family.

Intrigued by the sound of this unique recipe, I eagerly asked her to share it with me. With a smile, she began to recount the ingredients and steps needed to create these delectable pancakes. Apples, walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla were the key players in this dish, along with a fluffy pancake batter to bring it all together.

I scribbled down the recipe on a scrap of paper, thanking the woman profusely for her generosity. As I made my way home, I couldn't wait to try my hand at making these Apple Walnut Pancakes for myself.

Upon arriving home, I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients and getting to work in the kitchen. The scent of cinnamon and apples filled the air as I grated the fresh apples and chopped the walnuts, mixing them into the pancake batter along with the warm spices.

As the pancakes sizzled on the griddle, I watched in anticipation as they bubbled and browned, the sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen. Once they were cooked to perfection, I plated them up and drizzled them with a generous helping of maple syrup, eager to taste the fruits of my labor.

With the first bite, I was transported to a place of warmth and comfort, the flavors of the apples and walnuts dancing on my taste buds in perfect harmony. The pancakes were light and fluffy, with a slight crunch from the walnuts adding a delightful texture to each bite.

I knew in that moment that this recipe would become a staple in my own collection, a cherished memory of a chance encounter at the farmer's market that had led me to discover a new favorite dish. I shared the pancakes with my family, who couldn't get enough of them, each one eagerly asking for seconds and thirds.

Over the years, I have continued to make these Apple Walnut Pancakes, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my own tastes. They have become a beloved tradition in our household, a dish that brings us together around the breakfast table in laughter and joy.

As I look back on that fateful day at the farmer's market, I am filled with gratitude for the kind woman who shared her family recipe with me. It is a reminder that sometimes the most precious gifts in life come from unexpected places, waiting to be discovered by those who are open to new experiences and flavors.

And so, I will continue to make these Apple Walnut Pancakes for years to come, passing down the recipe to future generations in the hopes that they too will find joy in the simple pleasures of a homemade meal shared with loved ones.