These Polish apple pancakes are made with grated apple and no added sugar. They are moist, fluffy, incredibly easy to make and delicious! They do not contain yeast so preparation takes minutes.
You might also like Polish pancakes with yeast (racuchy) and Polish cheese crepes (nalesniki).
There are two types of Polish apple pancakes: with yeast ('racuchy z jablkami' in Polish), and without yeast, called 'placki z jablkami', pronounced 'platsky s yablkhamy'. They involve different preparation methods, with the latter being much quicker and less complicated.
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. It is no surprise these pancakes are especially popular with children - after all who can resist a 'sweet' meal!
Polish apple pancakes ingredients and substitutions
- Apple: use a sweet rather than sour variety.
- Yogurt: makes these pancakes light and fluffy (also used in raspberry pancakes). Use either natural or Greek yogurt.
- Milk: use any.
- Egg.
- Vegetable oil.
- Flour: all-purpose/plain or a mixture of plain and whole wheat/wholemeal.
- Baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt.
- Vanilla extract: or vanilla bean paste.
- *Optional - cinnamon: not traditionally used, but you can add ½ teaspoon if desired.
What apples to use
I have used sweet, rather than sour tasting apples in this apple pancake recipe. Varieties such as Gala, Cox, McIntosh or Golden Delicious are all good options. If you prefer to use sour apples (such as Granny Smiths) that's fine too though I recommend also adding a tablespoon of sugar into the batter.
- TIP: Prepare the apples after you've made the batter and stir in as soon as you've grated them (apples are prone to discoloration).
Are these apple pancakes healthy
Yes, they are! They contain no added sugar and can be made using whole wheat/wholemeal flour for an added healthy twist. They are also low in fat, contain a fair amount of protein as well as fibre (thanks to the apples).
Step-by-step recipe instructions
1.Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt.
2. In another bowl whisk together the egg, yogurt, milk, oil and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Gradually whisk in the dry mixture until thoroughly incorporated and smooth (but do not overmix). Set aside while you prepare the apples.
4. Core and peel then coarsely grate the apples and stir into the pancake batter.
5. In a large non-stick pan heat up approx. 2 teaspoons of oil then lower the heat and make the pancakes (use 1.5 tbsp of batter per pancake). Fry the pancakes over a fairly low heat for about 3 minutes on one side until lightly browned (and bubbles appear on top) then turn them over and fry for about 2 more minutes.
6. Serve your Polish pancakes with apple immediately.
Serving
Polish apple pancakes tend to be served with icing sugar (powdered sugar), but they are also delicious with maple syrup, homemade fruit compote or a dollop of flavoured yogurt.
Optional extras
These Polish-style apple pancakes are quite adaptable and you can experiment and make them a little differently each time. For instance you can add half a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice/mixed spice, a handful of almond flakes for crunch or a little ground flaxseed for extra fibre.
Can I cube the apples instead of grating
Yes, you can! 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.
Can I prepare the batter ahead
Yes, provided you make the batter without the apple (the apple would start releasing moisture and your batter might end up being too runny). Refrigerate the batter, covered, overnight and stir in the grated apple just before making the pancakes. You may also need to add a drop of milk if the batter thickens.
Top tips
- Use sweet rather than sour tasting apples (Gala, McIntosh, Cox, Golden Delicious etc).
- It is important to grate the apples just before adding into the batter - they are prone to discoloration.
- Do NOT overstir your apple pancake batter - stir just to combine.
- It is important to fry the pancakes over a fairly low heat so they cook on the inside and do not brown too quickly. Polish pancakes with apple are quite moist even after cooking.
- I recommend using a large non-stick pan for frying the pancakes. Do not overcrowd the pan (make 3-4 pancakes at a time).
- Best served immediately.
- Refrigerate leftover apple pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Pop in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
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).
Note
These pancakes will still be good though not quite as good as freshly made.
Related recipes
- Gluten Free Cinnamon Apple Muffins
- Healthy Fluffy Blueberry Pancakes with Buttermilk
- Healthy Banana Pancakes Recipe (Whole Wheat)
- Quinoa Pancakes with Buttermilk
- Polish Crepes with Mushrooms (Krokiety)
See also these other delicious breakfast recipes.
Recipe
Polish Apple Pancakes (No Yeast)
Equipment
- Large non-stick frying pan
Ingredients
- 1½ medium/large sweet apples
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons natural yogurt
- ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil plus more for frying (2 tsp per batch)
- 1 cup+1tbsp (140 g) all-purpose/plain flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- ⅙ teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt and set aside.
- In another bowl whisk together the egg, yogurt, milk, oil and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the dry mixture until thoroughly incorporated and smooth (but do not overmix). Set aside while you prepare the apples.
- Core and peel then coarsely grate the apples and stir into the pancake batter.
- In a large non-stick pan heat up approx. 2 teaspoons of oil then lower the heat and make the pancakes (use 1.5 tbsp of batter per pancake). Fry the pancakes over a fairly low heat for about 3 minutes on one side until lightly browned (and bubbles appear on top) then turn them over and fry for about 2 more minutes.
- Serve immediately. (Keep the pancakes covered so they stay warm while you wait for the next batch to cook).
Notes
- Use sweet rather than sour tasting apples (Gala, McIntosh, Cox, Golden Delicious etc).
- It is important to grate the apples just before adding into the batter - they are prone to discoloration.
- Do NOT overstir the batter - stir just to combine.
- You can prepare the batter ahead but without adding the apples. Refrigerate the batter, covered, overnight and stir in the grated apple just before making the pancakes. You may also need to add a drop of milk if the batter thickens.
- It is important to fry the pancakes over a fairly low heat so they cook on the inside and do not brown too quickly. These apple pancakes are quite moist even after cooking.
- I recommend using a large non-stick pan for frying the pancakes. Do not overcrowd the pan (make 3-4 pancakes at a time).
- Best served immediately.
- Polish apple pancakes tend to be served with icing sugar (powdered sugar), but they are also delicious with maple syrup, homemade fruit compote or a dollop of flavoured yogurt.
- For a healthy twist try using a combination of whole wheat/wholemeal and plain/all-purpose flours.
- Use either natural yogurt, Greek yogurt or Skyr.
- Vanilla extract can be swapped for vanilla bean paste.
- Refrigerate leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Pop in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is automatically generated and should be considered as an estimate.
**A note about baking: If using a fan-assisted oven refer to your appliance's instructions and adjust the temperature accordingly.
Keep in touch!
Have you made these yeast-free Polish apple pancakes? I'd love to know how they turned out for you. Let me know in the comments below, thanks!
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Maria says
I made them this morning for breakfast. They're really good and simple to make. I followed your recipe and I will keep it to make them again. Thank you for sharing!
Monika says
I am glad you enjoyed it, thank you for letting me know:)
Barbara Renaud says
delicious! Who knew grating the apples would be so much better than chopping. Also I have never added yogurt to my pancakes. They taste wonderful! I will always use this recipe now.
Monika says
Thanks for letting me know! I use grated apples a lot and even add them to muffins, as in this recipe: https://www.everydayhealthyrecipes.com/gluten-free-coconut-apple-muffins/
L. Garrington says
I made a triple recipe of these pancakes during the Christmas holidays using sour milk in place of the regular milk and yoghurt. I made the batter the night before, adding finely chopped apples in the morning just before making them for breakfast . Our grandchildren enjoyed them with "Christmas Snow" (powdered sugar) sprinkled over them. I'll definitely make them again, next time maybe with partial wholewheat flour.
Monika says
I like these with 'Christmas snow' too! Adding wholewheat flour into the batter is definitely a good idea.
hijackedbytwins says
Oooh yum these sound amazing! I am all pancakes out this year but will definitely try them soon. Thank you for sharing with #CookBlogShare x
Monika says
Thanks! I've stopped making pancakes too, at least for a while, though I'm sure I'll make another batch soon, they are so easy.
Jhuls says
These pancakes sound great. My mouth is watering now! 😀 Thanks for sharing! Happy Fiesta Friday, Monika. 🙂
Monika says
Thank you! Always happy to share with Fiesta Friday:)
Margherita Romagnoli says
I have been craving pancakes for quite a lot, I was planning to make some tmw with banana.... but yours with apples sounds very interesting! Thanks a lot for bringing this recipe at FF!
Monika says
Thank you! Glad you like the recipe:)
ICSbyAnugya says
Hey Monika! I loved the idea of adding no sugar in the pancake. If we all start to relish the natural flavours of fruits, then we surely wouldn't miss the added sweetener. I am sure with the cinnamon powder these must be smelling amazing too 🙂
Monika says
Thank you for sharing my recipe and your kind words Anugya!
ICSbyAnugya says
Complete pleasure, Monika! 🙂
Jenny@dragonflyhomerecipes says
We are always looking for new pancake recipes--I will definitely keep this one in mind! I have all the ingredients on hand. Thanks for sharing!
Monika says
Thanks! Glad to hear you like the recipe:)
Sarah James @ Tales From The Kitchen Shed says
Yes please! I love apples your idea to use the natural sweetness of apples instead of sugar, delicious x
Monika says
Thanks Sarah! My motto is always 'less sugar' rather than 'sugarless' and I think these pancakes are sweet enough:)
carolinescookingblog says
I love putting apple or other fruit in pancakes - these look yummy!
Monika says
Thank you! I love it too, though I typically put fruit in muffins, not as often in pancakes.
CakePants says
Mmm...I wish I had a stack of these sitting in front of me right now! They look wonderfully wholesome and I'm sure they'll go perfectly with my favorite pancake topping - applesauce!
Monika says
Thank you! Glad to know you are a fan of apple too:)
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
I love cooking apples and these pancakes sound so delicious. I think if we all reduced our sugar that we'd be surprised that it wasn't missed all that much.
Monika says
Thank you Julie! I absolutely agree, I think cutting down on sugar in general, rather than worrying about what to replace it with is probably the easiest way to have a healthier diet.
All That I'm Eating says
These sound great, lovely idea to use apples for flavour and sweetness.
Monika says
Thank you! I wanted to make pancakes that didn't really need any syrup, that could also be enjoyed as a snack. That's why I used the apples. Thanks for stopping by:)
Eb Gargano / easypeasyfoodie.com says
YUM!!! I LOVE all the flavours in here and I especially like the fact that they are healthy too!! Eb x
Monika says
Thanks Eb! I think keeping things simple makes them more likely to be healthy.
Angela / Only Crumbs Remain says
What a great idea to include apple and cinnamon in you pancakes, they sound absolutely delicious.
Angela x
Monika says
Thanks! I tried to make them a little more exciting so they could also be a snack without having to add syrup.