This easy apple topping for pancakes is such a quick and delicious recipe, requiring just a handful of basic ingredients and a few minutes of your time. It's the perfect way to turn a stack of homemade pancakes into something special! Great way to use up those fall apples during apple season.
Why I Love This Recipe
I am a bit of an apple fiend this time of year. Apples make me happy, as does anything that screams fall season! Needless to say, this recipe makes me happy and here's my list of reasons why.
- The best part is that at any given moment, I most likely have all of the ingredients in my kitchen.
- If you have an apple peeler and corer, it literally takes a couple minutes to get the job done. (I adore my peeler/corer and use it all the time.)
- One of the best things about it is that it takes literally a few minutes to make from start to finish.
- If you are serving healthy cakes to people in your family and want to dress them up, this recipe is perfect for you!
- I'm obsessed with apple orchards and I never want a morsel of my pickings to go to waste!
- This apple compote is super easy to store and freeze for later use.
- A little bit goes a long way! Just a few tablespoons spread over your cakes will make the perfect fall breakfast.
- This delicious nectar isn't just for pancakes! Use it as a filling for any apple dessert or spoon it over a bowl of vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Ingredients
Butter - I love the salty flavor when using salted butter in recipes. Unsalted butter works, too!
Apples - peel, core and chop two medium-sized apples for this recipe.
Any type of apple will work, but here the best apples to choose from: Honeycrisp, gala, granny smith apples, fuji, red delicious, pink lady or braeburn.
Brown sugar - Light brown sugar or dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably.
Cinnamon - Consider adding other warm spices such as nutmeg or ground allspice in addition to the cinnamon. Apple pie spice is a great addition, too!
Vanilla extract - Replace with any flavored extract. Using caramel extract will transform the mixture into a delicious caramel apple topping that no one will be able to resist.
Cornstarch slurry - Combine 2 teaspoons of water and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch separately before adding to the apple mixture. This will create a slurry that acts as a thickening agent.
How to Make Apple Topping for Pancakes
Step 1
Melt butter in a saucepan or large skillet over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla extract to the melted butter.
Step 2
Mix the cornstarch and water and stir until free of lumps, creating a slurry.
Step 3
Cook until apples are soft, stirring often, for approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat and spoon over top of the pancake stack!
Prep Apple Topping for Pancakes Ahead of Time
- Prepare the recipe as directed and let cool.
- Transfer to a mason jar or airtight container and place in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Remove from fridge and reheat as needed throughout the week!
Recipe Notes
- The longer you cook the mixture on the stove top, the more of a caramelized apple topping you'll get. Be sure to stir constantly and watch for scorching if you cook past the recommended 10 minutes.
- If you are peeling, coring and chopping the apples by hand you may want to add them to a bowl of cool water with lemon juice to keep them from turning brown.
Can You Freeze Cooked Apples
You can freeze cooked apples super easily! Allow them to cool completely to room temperature, then transfer the mixture to a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container.
Freeze for up to 4 months for best results. When ready to use, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as needed for pancakes or add them to your favorite baked dish!
Fuji vs Gala Apples
The most notable differences between Gala and Fuji apples are taste and size. Fujis are a bit sweeter and on the larger side, while Galas bring a more tart flavor and are smaller in size.
Toppings For Pancakes
- Chocolate sauce
- A little butter and a drizzle of real maple syrup
- Caramel sauce
- Butter and powdered sugar
- Mulberry sauce or any berry sauce or compote
- Peanut butter or almond butter
- Whipped cream and sprinkles
- Fresh berries
- Chocolate chips
Best Apple Recipes
- Apple crisp with streusel topping
- Applesauce banana muffins
- Homemade caramel apples
- Sliced cinnamon apples
Best Pancake Recipes
- 3 ingredient oatmeal pancakes
- Fluffy pancakes made with evaporated milk
- Pancake in a mug recipe
- Banana applesauce pancakes
Easy Apple Topping for Pancakes
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 apples peeled, cored and chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water to create a slurry
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla extract to the melted butter.
- Mix the cornstarch and water and stir until free of lumps, creating a slurry.
- Cook until apples are soft, stirring often, for approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and drizzle over your favorite pancakes!
Notes
- The longer you cook the mixture on the stove top, the more of a caramelized apple topping you'll get. Be sure to stir constantly and watch for scorching if you cook past the recommended 10 minutes.
- If you are peeling, coring and chopping the apples by hand you may want to add them to a bowl of cool water with lemon juice to keep them from turning brown.
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