Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Apple Carrot Pancakes are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making them a delightful way to start your day. The grated carrots add moisture and texture, while the apples provide a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and vanilla. This recipe is also versatile—whether you prefer them for breakfast, brunch, or even a mid-day snack, these pancakes are sure to satisfy. They’re easy to make, nutritious, and full of flavor, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome breakfast.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup grated carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
1/2 cup grated apple (about 1 medium apple)
1 large egg
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Butter or oil for cooking

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter (or oil), vanilla extract, and honey or maple syrup (if using).
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pancakes tough.
Add the Grated Apple and Carrot: Gently fold in the grated apple and carrot into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed.
Cook the Pancakes: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of the pancake batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles begin to form on the surface. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Serve: Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, yogurt, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 pancakes (depending on the size)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 20-22 minutes

Variations

Add Nuts: For some added crunch, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before cooking.
Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these pancakes gluten-free.
Vegan Version: To make these pancakes vegan, use a flax egg in place of the egg, plant-based milk, and a dairy-free butter substitute.
Spices: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like ginger or cloves to enhance the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month by layering them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the pancakes in a toaster or microwave. For a crispy exterior, you can reheat them in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits or vegetables in this pancake recipe?

Yes, you can swap the apples and carrots for other fruits and vegetables like zucchini, mashed banana, or pumpkin. Just be sure to adjust the moisture level if using wetter ingredients.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pancake batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before cooking, as the ingredients may settle.

Are these pancakes gluten-free?

You can make these pancakes gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

Can I freeze these pancakes?

Yes, you can freeze Apple Carrot Pancakes. Once cooked and cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the toaster or microwave when ready to eat.

How can I make these pancakes sweeter?

If you want a sweeter pancake, you can increase the amount of honey or maple syrup in the batter, or add a little extra sugar. You can also top the pancakes with fresh fruit or syrup for extra sweetness.

Can I make these pancakes without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken) or another egg substitute.

What’s the best way to cook these pancakes?

Cook the pancakes on medium heat to allow them to cook through without burning. Make sure your skillet or griddle is preheated before adding the batter to ensure an even cook.

Can I make these pancakes without milk?

Yes, you can use any non-dairy milk (almond milk, oat milk, soy milk) if you want a dairy-free version. You can also use water in a pinch, but the milk gives the pancakes a richer texture.

Can I add spices like ginger or cloves to the batter?

Absolutely! You can experiment with spices such as ginger, cloves, or even allspice to customize the flavor of your pancakes.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary when cooking multiple pancakes at once.

Conclusion

Apple Carrot Pancakes offer a delightful twist on the classic pancake, combining the sweetness of apples and the health benefits of carrots. With their deliciously spiced flavor, these pancakes are a wholesome breakfast or brunch option that both kids and adults will enjoy. Easy to make, versatile, and full of nutrients, they’re sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. Whether you’re serving them with syrup, yogurt, or fresh fruit, Apple Carrot Pancakes are a tasty, healthy way to start your day!