Polish Apple Pancakes (No Yeast)

These traditional Polish apple pancakes are made without yeast and contain buttermilk. They are moist, fluffy, incredibly easy to make and delicious! Preparation takes minutes.

These traditional Polish apple pancakes are made with buttermilk ('maślanka' in Polish) and cooked in oil for a crispy finish. They are called 'placki (or 'placuszki') z jabłkami' (pron. 'PLATS-ky z yab-KHA-my'), which means 'pancakes with apples' (the word 'placki' is used for any sweet or savoury pancakes or patties, including potato pancakes). Polish apple placuszki are different from 'racuchy' pancakes, which typically contain yeast (and can also be made with or without apple).

Apple pancakes in Poland are probably just as popular as pierogi (Poles love their comfort foods!). They are cheap and easy to make so people make them often. But unlike in other countries where pancakes are served for breakfast in Poland they are more of a mid-afternoon treat or even supper (other 'sweet' meals include blueberry pierogi and Polish crepes). It is no surprise these pancakes are especially popular with children!

Polish no-yeast pancakes with apple contain a few simple ingredients and come together quickly. There is no need to rest or proof the batter - just combine the ingredients and cook the pancakes!

Polish apple pancakes: ingredients and substitutions

• Apple: use a sweet rather than sour variety (see my tips below).
• Buttermilk: you can use kefir, instead. Alternatively use natural yogurt (add a tablespoon of milk to loosen the consistency, if required).
• Egg.
• Flour: all-purpose/plain.
• Baking powder and bicarbonate of soda.
• Vanilla extract: or vanilla bean paste. Vanilla is a common ingredient in Polish cuisine, used in pancakes, crepe fillings as well as pierogi with 'sweet' cheese and traditional cake recipes (including apple cake and babka). In the past people tended to use 'vanilla powder', as real vanilla was hard to come by.
• Oil: use any mild tasting oil, including rice bran, corn, sunflower, vegetable oil, etc.
• *Optional - cinnamon: not traditionally used, but you can add ½ teaspoon if desired.

What apples to use

Polish apple pancakes are usually made with sweet, rather than sour tasting apples. Varieties such as Golden Delicious, Braeburn or Cox are all good options (use your favourite).

If you prefer to use sour apples (such as Granny Smiths) that's fine, too, although you may want to serve your pancakes with more powdered sugar.

Step-by-step recipe instructions

1. Prepare dry mixture: Using a whisk stir together the flour, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda. Set aside.

2. Prepare wet mixture: Combine the buttermilk, egg, sugar and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

3. Add apples: Peel then coarsely grate the apples and stir into the wet ingredients.

TIP: You can grate the apples straight into the batter.

4. Assemble batter: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients stirring only until the flour is no longer visible (use a whisk).

5. Cook pancakes: Heat a large, non-stick pan with 1 tablespoon of oil for a few minutes until hot (do this over a low-medium heat so the oil doesn't burn). Add spoonfuls of batter (approx. 1.5 tbsp per pancake) without spreading it too much, so the pancakes aren't too thin. Cook gently over a fairly low heat for about 3 minutes on one side until lightly browned (and bubbles appear on top) then flip over and cook for about 2 more minutes. Repeat for the rest of the pancakes using a tablespoon of oil per batch.

TIP: You can use less oil, though your pancakes won't be as crispy.

6. Serve: Place cooked pancakes on top of a paper towel to get rid of some of the oil (for 40 seconds or so) then serve.

Serving suggestions

Polish pancakes with apples are traditionally served with powdered sugar (and it's also how I like them best), but you can use other toppings, such as maple syrup, honey, cinnamon sugar or a dollop of flavoured yogurt. 

Do I have to grate the apples

No, you don't! Polish apple placuszki pancakes can also be made with cubed or thinly sliced apples. I prefer to grate the apples as this ensures the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the batter. Also, your pancakes will be smooth rather than knobbly. But the choice is yours so pick the method that works for you (you can even add a mixture of grated and chopped apple).

Can I prepare the batter ahead

I don't recommend it. The apples would start releasing moisture and your batter would likely end up being too runny. For best results cook the pancakes as soon as you've made the batter. 

Top tips for making Polish pancakes with apples

• Use sweet rather than sour tasting apples (Golden Delicious, Cox, Braeburn etc).
• Prepare the apples just before adding into the batter - they are prone to discoloration.
• Do not overstir the batter - stir just to combine. 
• Take time heating the pan with the oil (before adding the batter) so that every batch cooks evenly. Heat the pan over a low/medium heat.
• It is important to cook the pancakes over a fairly low heat so they cook on the inside and do not brown too quickly. Polish apple pancakes contain a lot of moisture so don't worry about overcooking them (they won't become dry).
• I recommend using a large non-stick pan for cooking the pancakes. They will expand so try not to overcrowd the pan (make 4 pancakes at a time).
• Best served immediately.

Storing and reheating

Polish buttermilk apple 'placuszki' can be refrigerated, covered for up to 3 days. For best results I recommend reheating them in a pan (they'll be crispy!) rather than in the microwave.

Simply place them in a large non-stick pan and reheat briefly over a medium heat on both sides without adding any oil. Because these pancakes had been cooked in oil when you reheat them they'll release the oil back into the pan and crisp up.

Freezing

Place the pancakes, once cooled completely, in an airtight container separating each with a piece of parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave (or serve cold as a snack). These pancakes will still be good though not quite as good as freshly made. Reheat in the pan, as above.

Related apple recipes to make next

• Polish Rice with Apples
• Gluten Free Buckwheat Apple Muffins
• Baked Apples with Maple Pecans
• Healthy Apple Crumble with Walnuts

See also these other traditional Polish recipes including most popular dishes, as well as more breakfast recipes.

Recipe

Keep in touch!

Have you made these yeast-free Polish apple pancake recipe? I'd love to know how it turned out for you. Let me know in the comments below, thanks!

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for regular recipe updates! Or you could subscribe to this blog and receive all my latest recipes right in your mailbox!