Baked Apple Pancake (Pannekoeken)

Pannekoeken is a Dutch word that means “pancake”, but this is not your typical pancake. This is a baked version that resembles a casserole, with a light and fluffy texture and a delicious apple and pecan topping. It’s sweetened with maple syrup and spiced with cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon, making it a perfect fall or winter breakfast or brunch. You can watch the video below to see how easy it is to make!

Baked Pannekoeken with Apples and Pecans | 60-second video

To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or butter
• 4 apples, sliced (no need to peel)
• 1/2 cup of pecans (or walnuts)
• 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
• A pinch of salt

For the pannekoeken batter:

• 1 1/2 cups of whole milk (or sub 3/4 cup of half & half plus 3/4 cups of water)
• 6 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups of flour
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup (or brown sugar)
• 3/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons of butter for greasing the pan

Optional: fresh grated nutmeg

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F with the 13 x 9 inch baking dish inside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the coconut oil or butter and sauté the apples, stirring until tender, about 10 minutes. Add the pecans and toast them lightly. When the apples start to caramelize, stir in the maple syrup and a pinch of salt and turn off the heat.
3. In a blender, combine all the ingredients for the pannekoeken batter and blend until smooth.
4. Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven and add the butter, swirling to coat the bottom and sides. Spread the apple and pecan mixture evenly over the bottom of the dish. Pour the batter over the apple layer and sprinkle some fresh grated nutmeg if desired.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until puffed and golden.
6. Serve immediately with more maple syrup, whipped cream, and powdered sugar if you like.

Enjoy this cozy and satisfying baked pannekoeken with your family or friends! It’s adapted from The Heavy Table and inspired by our trip to Amsterdam a few years ago. It’s not traditional in any way, but it’s delicious!