Pancakes don’t have to be boring. These apple cider pancakes are so easy to make, and delicious. They make breakfast quick and easy, which is one of the best things during busy weekdays.

Fall means changing weather, the leaves becoming bright red and vibrant colors, and of course apples. My husband and I recently headed up to the north GA mountains and headed to an orchard.
While we were there, I picked up some apple cider – hence these delicious apple cider pancakes.
I love a quick and easy breakfast option that won’t take me too long in the kitchen to make. I usually make all of these on the weekend and then freeze them.
Then, during the week, I can quickly grab 2 out of the freezer and pop them in the toaster. And boom – easy breakfast that doesn’t cost me any extra money.
I like my pancakes a little moist and not so cakey, and these are a perfect compliment to that.
Ingredients used to make this recipe
Substitutions
You are welcome to use egg whites instead of 1 egg. I would use 1/2 cup of egg whites (or the egg white from 1 egg).
You can also use a sugar alternative instead of white sugar. Some of my favorites are maple syrup or agave nectar.
See the FAQs section below for more substitutions.
FAQs for this pancake recipe
You can use egg whites or liquid eggs. I would use 1/2 cup of liquid eggs for 1 regular egg. If you don’t have liquid eggs, I would use even more applesauce. You can use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for 1 egg.
Applesauce is a great alternative for many things when making pancakes.
Maple syrup is a great alternative to sugar. I would use a 1 to 1 match between sugar and maple syrup (for this recipe).
Another option would be coconut sugar or brown sugar.
I highly recommend using honey as a sugar alternative. It’s naturally sweet too, so that will add extra sweetness to these pancakes.
You can also use maple syrup, applesauce, or molasses as a sugar alternative.
If you are interested in additional breakfast recipes, this Western omelet recipe is easy and fabulous!
Serve with maple syrup (not included in the SmartPoints).

Apple Cider Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/4 cup apple sauce
- 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
Optional Apple Topping:
- 2 large apples peeled and chopped
- 1/2 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, baking soda, baking powder and sugar. Mix contents together.
- In a smaller bowl, mix together the vanilla, egg, apple cider, and apple sauce.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ones and mix to combine.
- Heat a non-stick griddle pan to medium-low heat.
- Add the batter to the griddle pan and cook until the pancakes bubble in the middle, about 3-4 minutes. Flip once and cook the other side until they are cooked through.
- Serve with maple syrup, if using
For the Optional Apple Topping:
- Add the chopped apples to a pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the brown sugar and cinnamon and stir.
- Leave the pot to soften and caramelize the apples, about 8-10 minutes.
Oh goodness, these little guys are SO good. I loved how easy they were to make, and they tasted exactly like I was hoping they would – all apple cider-y and delicious!
I know that it’s no longer fall, but these have my mouth watering. When I saw the picture on your Instagram feed also it had me drooling…haha. I must make these. Pinning!