18 November 2024

Apple Ring Pancakes

Apples are my favorite fruit, and when they’re wrapped in a delicious batter, it’s pure heaven! These healthy beignets are perfect for a nutritious breakfast or even an afternoon snack, plus they’re so easy to make with just a few ingredients. I love the contrast between the apples, which stay slightly crispy, and the soft coating. Additionally, the scent of cinnamon fills my kitchen every time I prepare these Apple Ring Pancakes, creating a cozy atmosphere that warms me up.

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Apple fritters are delicious, but they’re usually deep-fried. As always, I like to try healthier alternatives for a more wholesome version. For this, I take the simplest pancake batter recipe and combine it with a fresh fruit filling. You don’t need refined sugars as I prefer incorporating the sweetness through mashed bananas, which also help substitute eggs for a vegan option.

The tradition of cooking fruit in batter can be traced to Germany, the Netherlands, and France, where it’s called “beignets”. Curiously, it was historically a way to preserve fruit during the off-season. Apple fritters later became popular in the U.S, where they are made with chunks of apple coated in a crispy batter. These delicious treats have become a staple in donut shops, often served with an icing glaze.

I enjoy eating these Apple Ring Pancakes with some powdered sugar on top or syrup, such as maple or agave. Moreover, I recommend tasting them while they’re still hot, as this helps make the apple rings softer. Typically when I prepare these beignets, I make extra so I can freeze some for when I crave them later.

Ingredients for apple beignets

Apples: for these Apple Ring Pancakes, I choose Honeycrisp, Fuji or Gala apples because they provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, while holding up well during cooking. I don’t cut the slices too thick, but not too thin either, as I want the rings to stay whole and not broke when I coat them with the wet mixture.

Oat flour: this type of flour provides a denser and more cohesive texture compared to wheat flour. Moreover, oat flour has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of apples. It’s a great gluten-free alternative and a healthy option, as it is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making the Apple Ring Pancakes more nutritious.

Milk: I use almond milk, but any type you prefer, whether plant-based or regular, works well. I like this dairy-free option because it has a nutty flavor that enhances the other ingredients while maintaining a good balance. Additionally, almond milk is lighter and lower in calories, yet still provides a great level of creaminess to the batter.

Bananas: mashed bananas add natural sweetness without the need for refined sugars, making these Apple Ring Pancakes healthier. Moreover, this fruit helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture to the batter, which is especially important in an egg-free recipe. Finally, bananas are rich in potassium, fiber and vitamins, providing an excellent source of energy.

Cinnamon: this spice adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the sweetness of apples and mashed bananas. Its warm scent creates a comforting and inviting atmosphere, which is especially pleasant while cooking, particularly during the fall season. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory properties that help regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion.

Coconut oil: this oil prevents the Apple Ring Pancakes from sticking to the pan and makes the cooking process smoother. Coconut oil has a subtle sweet flavor that complements the fruits and cinnamon. Moreover, it is rich in healthy fats that support heart health, as well as having anti-inflammatory properties. Finally, coconut oil is a plant-based option, healthier than butter, and suitable for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to prepare healthy vegan fritters

Add the oat flour, almond milk, bananas, baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract to a mixing bowl and whisk until smooth.

Cut the apples into rings and remove the core.

Dip the apple rings into the wet mixture and cook in a hot pan with coconut oil until golden.

Serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

My tips for golden-crispy apple ring pancakes

Adjust the amount of liquid in the batter based on the consistency you achieve, creating a batter that is thin enough to dip the apples into.

You can substitute almond milk with other plant-based beverages or regular cow’s milk if you don’t need the recipe to be vegan or lactose-free.

Other ways to serve the Apple Ring Pancakes include pouring some agave or maple syrup on top.

I cook the beignets with coconut oil, but you can easily replace it with olive oil or butter.

Did you try this recipe? Don’t forget to share it with me tagging @nutritiouslysofia on Instagram!