Apple Pie Pancake Pockets

These apple pie pancake pockets aren’t really a recipe but more of a method. All you need is prepared pancake batter, a can of apple pie filling, and some cinnamon and sugar. That’s it.

You could also make your pancake batter from scratch. However, for this recipe, I used my favorite store-bought pancake mix. I like to use Hungry Jack buttermilk pancake mix. All you have to do is add water to the mix, and you are good.

You need a tool to make these apple pie pancake pockets. This is what makes the pockets possible. I chose inexpensive silicone molds on Amazon. However, the person I got the idea from used a more expensive Cuisinart version, which you can also buy on Amazon. My molds didn’t specify the depth. After I bought them, they weren’t as deep as the Cuisinart version. In fact, they are half the depth. So I highly recommend going with the Cuisinart version. I think it will work much better.

Ingredients for Apple Pie Pancake Pockets

• SUGAR – Combine sugar with the cinnamon to create a sweet coating for the pancake pockets. It gives the outside an extra dessert-like finish.
• GROUND CINNAMON – Cinnamon adds warm spice and helps give the pancake pockets their classic apple pie flavor. Mix it with the sugar to coat the pancakes after cooking.
• HUNGRY JACK PANCAKE MIX – Prepared pancake mix makes the recipe quick and easy while providing the soft, fluffy batter that surrounds the apple filling. Prepare it according to the package directions before assembling the pancake pockets.
• APPLE PIE FILLING – Apple pie filling provides the sweet, spiced apple center. The tender apples and thickened sauce make these pancakes taste more like a handheld apple pie.

Instructions for Apple Pie Pancake Pockets

Prepare the pancake batter in a large bowl, following the package directions.

Place the silicone pancake mold on a griddle over medium heat. Spoon just enough batter into each section to cover the bottom of the mold.

Add a small spoonful of apple pie filling to the center of each pancake, keeping the filling away from the edges. Spoon a little more pancake batter over the apples so the filling is completely covered.

Let the pancakes cook for about 1 minute, or until the edges begin to set. Carefully remove the silicone mold, then continue cooking until the bottoms are golden. Flip the pancakes and cook the second side until golden and cooked through.

While the pancakes are still warm, coat both sides in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Serve the Apple Pie Pancake Pockets warm, as-is or with a little maple syrup. I like adding just a drizzle of syrup for a little extra sweetness.

You could make regular pancakes, coat them in cinnamon sugar, and simply spoon warmed apple pie filling over the top, but I think these stuffed pancake pockets are worth the extra effort. Cooking the apple pie filling right in the center gives every bite more apple flavor and makes them feel extra special.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use homemade pancake batter instead of Hungry Jack mix?
Yes. Any pancake batter that is thick enough to hold its shape will work well.

Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Absolutely. Homemade apple pie filling works great as long as the apples are soft and the filling is not too runny.

Do I need to chop the apple pie filling?
If the apple pieces are very large, chop them into smaller pieces so they fit more easily inside the pancake pockets.

Can I make these without a pancake mold?
Yes. Spoon a small amount of batter onto the griddle, add the filling, then cover it with more batter. The shape may be a little less uniform, but they will still taste great.

Why is the filling leaking out?
The pockets may be overfilled, or there may not be enough batter covering the apples. Use a small amount of filling and make sure it is fully enclosed.

How do I know when they are ready to flip?
Wait until the edges look set and the bottom is golden before flipping. Since these are thicker than regular pancakes, they may need a little extra time.

Can I use a different pie filling?
Yes. Cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling would all be fun variations.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes. Cook them ahead, let them cool, then refrigerate. Reheat in a skillet, toaster oven, or air fryer for the best texture.

Can I freeze Apple Pie Pancake Pockets?
Yes. Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

What should I serve with them?
They are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with maple syrup, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or extra cinnamon sugar.

Tips or Tricks

• Don’t overfill the pancake pockets. Use just enough apple pie filling to fill each pancake without making it hard to cover with batter. About 2 apple slices per pancake works well.
• Use enough batter to fully cover the filling. After adding the apple pie filling, spoon batter over the top so the apples are enclosed. This helps keep the filling inside when you remove the mold and flip the pancake.
• Let the pancakes cook briefly before removing the mold. Give them about a minute so the edges have time to set. Removing the mold too early can cause the pancake to lose its shape.
• Keep the griddle at a moderate temperature. You want the pancakes to cook through without the outside browning too quickly, especially since these are thicker than regular pancakes.
• Coat them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm. The cinnamon-sugar mixture sticks best right after cooking and gives the pancake pockets that extra apple-pie flavor. Serve them as-is or with a little maple syrup.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Cinnamon Bun Pancakes with Maple Butter Icing
• Pumpkin Spice Pancakes Poppers
• Buttermilk Pancakes
• Yummy Yogurt Pancakes with Peanut Butter Syrup

Recipe adapted from Cooking in the Midwest.