Polish Apple Pancakes (with yeast)

Polish apple pancakes (with yeast) are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. These pancakes are not only fluffy and delicious but also have a unique flavor thanks to the yeast fermentation process. Perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself, these pancakes feature soft centers packed with apples and golden, crunchy edges. The best part? You can prepare the batter the night before for a quick morning treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor: The use of yeast gives these pancakes a distinct taste that sets them apart from regular apple pancakes.
• Fluffy Texture: Yeast makes the batter rise beautifully, resulting in light and airy pancakes.
• Apple-Packed Goodness: Each bite is filled with tender chunks of apples, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the batter the night before for an effortless breakfast.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as breakfast or dessert; they’re delicious any time of day.

Tools and Preparation

To make Polish apple pancakes (with yeast), having the right tools on hand will ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Non-stick frying pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowl: A good-sized bowl is essential for combining your ingredients without making a mess.
• Electric Mixer: This tool saves time and ensures that your batter is well-combined without overmixing.
• Non-Stick Frying Pan: It helps achieve crispy edges while preventing sticking, crucial for perfect pancake flipping.

Ingredients

For the Batter

• 20 g fresh yeast or 1 packet/7g active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 1 cup (240g) milk
• 2 cups (250g) flour (spooned and leveled, not scooped)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar (divided)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or 1 Tbsp vanilla sugar)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

For the Apples

• 5 small/medium apples (soft variety)

For Cooking

• Frying oil
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

How to Make Polish Apple Pancakes (with yeast)

Step 1: Warm the Milk

Heat the milk until it feels pleasantly warm to the touch, ideally between 100-110°F (38-43°C). This temperature is crucial for activating the yeast properly.

Step 2: Bloom the Yeast

In a medium bowl, combine the warm milk with the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. If no foam appears, you may need to start over.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk-yeast mixture with flour, eggs, vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons of sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use an electric mixer to blend everything together for about one minute until well combined.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Set it in a warm place until it doubles in size—this should take about 45 to 70 minutes.

Step 5: Optional Overnight Rest

If you prefer making your batter ahead of time, transfer it to the fridge at this point. Let it rest overnight; it will still rise nicely.

Step 6: Prepare Apples

Peel and core your apples before cutting them into very small cubes. This ensures they cook through properly while frying.

Step 7: Combine Apples with Batter

Add your diced apples into the batter and stir gently until evenly mixed. Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes if you did not refrigerate overnight; otherwise set aside for 20–30 minutes if chilled.

Step 8: Heat Oil in Pan

In a non-stick frying pan over medium heat, add about three tablespoons of oil. Ensure that it’s hot enough; you should hear sizzling when you add the batter.

Step 9: Cook Pancakes

Spoon about 1–2 heaped tablespoons of batter per pancake into the pan. Cook on both sides until puffed up and golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

Dust your Polish apple pancakes generously with powdered sugar and serve warm! Enjoy every fluffy bite!

How to Serve Polish Apple Pancakes (with yeast)

Polish apple pancakes are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them for breakfast or dessert, there are numerous serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Classic Serving

• Serve the pancakes warm, dusted with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch.

With Sour Cream

• Top each pancake with a dollop of sour cream. The tangy flavor complements the sweetness of the apples beautifully.

Fruit Compote

• Add a spoonful of homemade or store-bought fruit compote. Berry compotes or apple sauce are excellent choices to elevate the dish.

Maple Syrup Drizzle

• Drizzle warm maple syrup over the pancakes for a rich and sweet addition that pairs well with the fluffy texture.

Nutty Topping

• Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Whipped Cream

• Serve with a generous swirl of whipped cream for an indulgent touch that makes these pancakes perfect for dessert.

How to Perfect Polish Apple Pancakes (with yeast)

To ensure your Polish apple pancakes turn out fluffy and delicious, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh yeast: Fresh yeast provides a better rise and flavor compared to dry yeast.
• Warm milk: Always heat the milk to the right temperature (100-110°F) before adding yeast for optimal activation.
• Resting time: Allow the batter to rest until it doubles in size; this is crucial for light and airy pancakes.
• Small apple pieces: Cut apples into small cubes so they cook quickly and integrate well into the batter.
• Hot oil: Make sure your frying oil is hot enough before adding batter, ensuring crispy edges.
• Avoid overcrowding: Cook pancakes in batches without overcrowding the pan to achieve even cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Polish Apple Pancakes (with yeast)

Pairing side dishes with your Polish apple pancakes can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a savory element that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of pancakes.
2. Yogurt: A side of plain or flavored yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess, perfect for balancing flavors.
3. Fresh Fruits: Slices of fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas provide freshness and color on your plate.
4. Cottage Cheese: Creamy cottage cheese is another protein-packed option that pairs well with sweet dishes.
5. Granola: A sprinkle of granola adds crunch and additional flavors; consider using nutty varieties.
6. Salad: A light green salad can balance out the richness of pancakes, providing freshness with every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Polish apple pancakes can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can hinder your success.

• Using cold milk: If the milk is too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly. Always warm the milk to 100-110°F (38-43°C) before adding yeast.
• Not blooming the yeast: Skipping the blooming step can lead to flat pancakes. Always let your yeast mixture sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
• Overmixing the batter: While you want to combine ingredients well, overmixing can lead to tough pancakes. Mix just enough until everything is combined.
• Not using enough oil: Insufficient oil can result in soggy edges rather than crispy ones. Use enough oil to ensure those delicious golden edges.
• Cutting apples too large: If you cut the apples into large chunks, they may not cook through in time. Aim for small cubes for soft results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of pancakes to prevent sticking.

Freezing Polish Apple Pancakes (with yeast)

• Freeze individual pancakes separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months.
• Use airtight freezer bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Polish Apple Pancakes (with yeast)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds per pancake, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Polish apple pancakes with yeast.

How do I know if my yeast is active?

If your yeast mixture becomes foamy after sitting for 10 minutes, it’s active. If not, you may need new yeast.

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes! Soft varieties like Fuji or Gala work best for these pancakes as they become tender and sweet when cooked.

Can I make Polish apple pancakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking.

How do I customize my Polish apple pancakes?

Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or swap out some flour for whole wheat flour for added nutrition!

Final Thoughts

Polish apple pancakes with yeast are not only fluffy and delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with your favorite spices or fruits. Enjoy these delightful pancakes as breakfast or dessert, and share them with friends and family!