Polish Apple Pancakes (with yeast)

Polish apple pancakes (with yeast) are the perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. These delightful pancakes stand out with their fluffy texture and irresistible flavor, thanks to the yeast that leavens the batter. They are packed with tender apples, crispy edges, and a soft center, making them a joy for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family brunch or enjoying a cozy evening at home, these pancakes will surely impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fluffy Texture: The yeast creates an airy batter that results in incredibly fluffy pancakes.
• Delicious Flavor: Yeast adds depth to the flavor, setting these pancakes apart from traditional recipes.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a sweet breakfast or a decadent dessert topped with powdered sugar.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the batter the night before for an easy morning cooking experience.
• Apple Goodness: Loaded with soft apples, these pancakes combine fruitiness with delightful sweetness.

Tools and Preparation

To make Polish apple pancakes (with yeast), you’ll need some essential tools to ensure your cooking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Non-stick frying pan
• Spatula
• Thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows for easy preparation of ingredients without mixing flavors prematurely.
• Electric mixer: A mixer ensures thorough blending of ingredients, achieving a smooth and well-combined batter quickly.
• Non-stick frying pan: This tool is crucial for cooking without sticking, ensuring perfectly golden pancakes with minimal oil.
• Thermometer: Ensures accurate milk temperature for optimal yeast activation, preventing baking mishaps.

Ingredients

To prepare your Polish apple pancakes (with yeast), gather the following ingredients:

• 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
• 5 small/medium apples (soft variety)
• frying oil
• powdered sugar (for dusting)

How to Make Polish Apple Pancakes (with yeast)

Step 1: Warm the Milk

Heat the milk until pleasantly warm to the touch. The ideal temperature is between 100°F and 110°F (38°C – 43°C). If it’s too cold or hot, the yeast won’t activate properly.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

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

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 4: Let it Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and set it in a warm place. Allow it to rise until doubled in volume; this will take about 45–70 minutes. You can use an oven with its light on for warmth.

Step 5: Prepare Ahead

If you prefer to make the batter ahead of time, you can refrigerate it now. It needs about nine hours in the fridge to rise adequately before cooking.

Step 6: Prepare Apples

Peel and core your apples before cutting them into very small cubes. Small pieces ensure they cook through properly during frying.

Step 7: Add Apples to Batter

Gently stir in the cubed apples into your risen dough until they are evenly distributed. If refrigerated overnight, let it sit out for about 20–30 minutes before continuing.

Step 8: Heat Oil

In a non-stick frying pan over medium heat, pour in about three tablespoons of oil. The oil should be hot enough that you hear sizzling when you add batter; otherwise, they may absorb too much fat.

Step 9: Cook Pancakes

Spoon about one heaped tablespoon of batter per pancake into the hot oil. Cook until both sides are golden brown and puffed up. Keep checking by slicing one pancake open to ensure there’s no raw batter inside.

Step 10: Dust & Serve

Transfer cooked pancakes to a cooling rack lined with paper towels. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Serve warm and enjoy these delightful Polish apple pancakes!

How to Serve Polish Apple Pancakes (with yeast)

Polish apple pancakes are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. These fluffy, yeast-leavened pancakes pair well with a range of toppings and accompaniments, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert.

With Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of flavor.
• Bananas: Sliced bananas add natural sweetness and creaminess to each bite.

With Sauces

• Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the pancakes for a classic touch.
• Caramel Sauce: A rich caramel sauce brings an indulgent twist to your serving.

With Dairy

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness.
• Greek Yogurt: Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option that’s still creamy.

With Powdered Sugar

• Generous Dusting: Simply dust with powdered sugar before serving to enhance visual appeal and add sweetness.

How to Perfect Polish Apple Pancakes (with yeast)

To achieve the best texture and flavor in your Polish apple pancakes, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure you get the fluffiest and most delicious pancakes every time.

• Use Fresh Yeast: For the best results, opt for fresh yeast as it activates quicker and enhances flavor.
• Warm Milk: Always warm your milk to the right temperature (100-110°F) so the yeast works effectively.
• Resting Time: Allow your batter enough time to rise; this is crucial for achieving fluffy pancakes.
• Small Apple Cubes: Cut your apples into small cubes so they cook through properly within the pancake without being too crunchy.
• Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding batter; this helps create those crispy edges that are so desirable.

Best Side Dishes for Polish Apple Pancakes (with yeast)

Polish apple pancakes can shine even brighter when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Crispy Bacon: The saltiness of crispy bacon balances the sweetness of the pancakes perfectly.
2. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach adds nutritional value and a pop of color to your plate.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad enhances the meal’s freshness and provides a variety of textures.
4. Oven-Baked Sausages: Juicy sausages make a hearty side that pairs well with sweet flavors.
5. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream makes an indulgent topping that complements the pancakes beautifully.
6. Chia Seed Pudding: For a healthy touch, serve chia seed pudding made with almond milk; it offers great texture contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Polish apple pancakes can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Incorrect Yeast Activation: Not ensuring that the yeast is activated properly can lead to flat pancakes. Always check for foam after mixing yeast with warm milk.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold ingredients can hinder the batter’s rise. Ensure all components, especially milk and eggs, are at room temperature.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too vigorously can develop gluten, resulting in tough pancakes. Mix just until combined for light and fluffy results.
• Not Preheating the Oil: Cooking in insufficiently heated oil results in greasy pancakes. Make sure the oil is hot and shimmering before adding batter.
• Skipping Apple Preparation: Failing to cut apples into small cubes may leave them crunchy. Dice the apples finely so they soften during cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Polish apple pancakes in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Polish Apple Pancakes (with yeast)

• Freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
• They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Polish Apple Pancakes (with yeast)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm pancakes on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warmed through, but this may soften them.
• Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick pan over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Polish apple pancakes, here are some common questions answered.

How To Make Polish Apple Pancakes (with yeast)?

To make Polish apple pancakes, combine warm milk with yeast, sugar, and other ingredients. Allow it to rise before adding diced apples and cooking them in hot oil.

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes! While soft varieties work best, you can experiment with different types of apples for varied flavors and textures.

How long do Polish Apple Pancakes (with yeast) stay fresh?

They remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days and can be frozen for two months.

What toppings go well with Polish Apple Pancakes?

Powdered sugar is traditional, but you might also enjoy them with whipped cream, maple syrup, or yogurt.

Final Thoughts

Polish apple pancakes are not only delicious but also versatile. Their fluffy texture and sweet apple flavor make them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Feel free to customize by adding spices or different fruits. Try this recipe today for a cozy treat that will impress everyone!