½cupunbleached all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled63g
1tbspgranulated sugar
½tspbaking powder
⅛tspsalt
½tspground nutmeg
4large eggs
1cupmilk240g
1tspvanilla extract
2tbspsalted butter, melted28g
For the Apple Layer:
2tbspsalted butter28g
2large tart apple, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith, Braeburn, Honey Crisp or Cosmic Crisp)332g
2bsplight or dark brown sugar, packed25g
½tspground cinnamon
½tspground nutmeg
confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. Create a well in the center and add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until mostly smooth—some small lumps are okay. Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while whisking to prevent clumping. Cover the bowl and let the batter rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Cook the Apple Layer: While the batter rests, preheat a 10-inch cast iron skillet (or oven-safe skillet) over medium heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes, until the apples are slightly softened and coated in a caramel-like sauce.
Bake the Pancake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Once the apples are ready, spread them evenly across the skillet. Gently pour the rested batter over the apples, making sure to scrape all the batter from the bowl. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pancake is puffed and golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Serve: Remove the pancake from the oven and let it cool for 2–3 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, and slice into wedges. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Notes
Don’t skip the rest: The 30-minute rest is key for a light, airy pancake. If you’re in a rush, 20 minutes will work, but longer is better.
Use a cast iron skillet: It conducts heat evenly, giving you that perfect puff and golden edges. If you don’t have one, a 10-inch oven-safe skillet or baking dish works too.
Apple shortcut: If using canned apple pie filling, reduce the brown sugar to 1 tablespoon to avoid an overly sweet pancake.
Make it ahead: Prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature while you prep the apples in the morning.