We absolutely love Bickford’s Big Apple Pancake for its irresistible blend of fluffy batter and tart apples that puff up into a showstopping breakfast treat. It’s a nod to classic American diner fare with a fresh twist making it ideal for cozy family brunches or weekend mornings.
This recipe captures the essence of what makes Bickford’s version so memorable offering warm spices and a golden crisp edge that we’ll show you how to recreate effortlessly in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To bring our signature Bickford’s Big Apple Pancake to life—with its fluffy batter, tart apples, and warm spices—let’s gather the key ingredients in the order we use them. This ensures a seamless preparation for that golden crisp edge and irresistible aroma.
Batter Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120g), sifted for a light, airy base
- Granulated sugar: 2 tablespoons, to add subtle sweetness
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon, for the perfect rise
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to balance flavors
Wet Ingredients
- Large eggs: 2, at room temperature, beaten for smooth incorporation
- Whole milk: 1 cup, for creamy texture
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for enhanced aroma and depth
Apple Topping Ingredients
- Apples: 2 medium Granny Smith varieties, cored and thinly sliced to highlight their tart crunch
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons, divided for sautéing and greasing the pan
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, to infuse warm, spicy notes
- Brown sugar: ¼ cup, packed, for a caramelized glaze that complements the apples’ tartness
These measurements yield a 10-inch pancake serving 4, ensuring Bickford’s Big Apple Pancake delights with every bite. Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Tools Needed
With our carefully selected ingredients in hand, let’s equip ourselves with the right tools to craft a perfectly golden and fluffy Bickford’s Big Apple Pancake. Using the proper equipment ensures even cooking, precise measurements, and safe handling, allowing us to achieve that signature crisp edge and aromatic apple topping.
To prepare this delightful dish, we’ll need the following essential tools. We’ve organized them below for easy reference:
- Oven-safe skillet (10-inch preferred): A cast iron or heavy-duty skillet is ideal for creating the pancake’s iconic puffed edges and even browning. It must withstand high oven temperatures for that authentic diner-style bake.
- Mixing bowl (medium-sized): We use this to combine the dry and wet ingredients smoothly, ensuring a light and airy batter without lumps.
- Whisk: Essential for blending the batter thoroughly; opt for a sturdy wire whisk to incorporate air and achieve the fluffy texture we love in Bickford’s recipe.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to our success—use a set of dry measuring cups for flour and sugar, and liquid measures for milk and extracts.
- Cutting board and sharp knife: For slicing the Granny Smith apples evenly, which helps them caramelize beautifully in the pan.
- Oven mitts: Safety first—these protect us from heat when handling the hot skillet straight from the oven.
- Spatula: A heat-resistant one for gently loosening and serving the pancake, preserving its tender interior.
If you’re tracking multiple recipes, here’s a quick comparison of common tools and their uses in our Bickford’s Big Apple Pancake versus a standard pancake recipe:
| Tool | Use in Big Apple Pancake | Use in Standard Pancake Recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Oven-safe skillet | Bakes the pancake for a crisp edge | Typically not needed; use griddle |
| Whisk | Blends batter for fluffiness | Blends batter similarly |
| Mixing bowl | Combines ingredients | Combines ingredients |
| Cutting board/knife | Preps apples for topping | Often skipped for plain versions |
Gathering these tools beforehand streamlines our process, making it simple to recreate this breakfast favorite in our own kitchen.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s guide you through preparing Bickford’s Big Apple Pancake step by step. We ensure each phase delivers a fluffy batter with tart, caramelized apples for that irresistible diner-style breakfast.
Prepare the Apples
First, we peel and core 2 medium Granny Smith apples, then slice them into thin, even 1/4-inch wedges to promote quick cooking and a tender texture. In our oven-safe skillet, we melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat until it bubbles and releases a rich, nutty aroma that hints at the pancake’s golden edge.
Next, we add the apple slices along with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, stirring gently to coat the apples evenly. We cook this mixture for 4-5 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and release their tart juices while the sugar caramelizes into a sweet, spicy glaze that will make your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn morning.
Make the Batter
In a medium mixing bowl, we combine the dry ingredients: 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt, whisking them together until fully blended for a light, airy base.
Then, in the same bowl, we add the wet ingredients—2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of whole milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract—whisking vigorously for about 1 minute until the batter is smooth and lump-free, with a creamy consistency that promises a fluffy rise in the oven.
Bake the Pancake
We preheat our oven to 425°F, ensuring even heat distribution for the perfect crisp. Pour the batter evenly over the prepared apples in the skillet, then immediately transfer it to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching as the pancake puffs up dramatically and develops a golden, crispy edge.
Once baked, we remove the skillet using oven mitts and let the pancake rest for 5 minutes to set, allowing the warm spices and tart apples to meld into a visually stunning, aromatic dish with a soft interior and irresistible crunch that will delight your family at brunch.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing Bickford’s Big Apple Pancake recipe with you
as it’s a simple way to bring warmth to your table.
This dish turns everyday ingredients into a memorable meal
that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
By trying it yourself
you’ll discover how easy it is to create that perfect balance
of fluffy texture and caramelized apples.
Let’s make every breakfast special with our favorite diner-inspired treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bickford’s Big Apple Pancake?
Bickford’s Big Apple Pancake is a classic American diner-style breakfast treat featuring fluffy batter combined with tart apples, warm spices, and a golden crisp edge. It’s perfect for family brunches or weekend mornings, offering a delightful mix of soft interior and caramelized apple topping that evokes nostalgic comfort food.
What ingredients are needed for Bickford’s Big Apple Pancake?
You’ll need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, Granny Smith apples, unsalted butter, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. These fresh, high-quality ingredients make a light, airy batter and a tasty apple topping, yielding a 10-inch pancake that serves four people.
What tools are required to make Bickford’s Big Apple Pancake?
Essential tools include an oven-safe skillet (like cast iron), a medium mixing bowl, a whisk, measuring cups and spoons, a cutting board with a sharp knife, oven mitts, and a heat-resistant spatula. These ensure even cooking and help achieve the pancake’s signature crisp edge and fluffy texture, unlike standard pancake recipes.
How do I prepare Bickford’s Big Apple Pancake?
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing apples, then cook them in butter with cinnamon and brown sugar until caramelized. Mix dry ingredients with wet ones to form a smooth batter, pour it into a preheated skillet with the apples, and bake in the oven until it puffs up and turns golden. Let it rest before serving for the best texture.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields a 10-inch pancake that serves four people, making it ideal for a family brunch. Use fresh ingredients and follow the steps carefully for optimal results, ensuring everyone enjoys its fluffy interior and crisp edges.
Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Granny Smith apples with other tart varieties like Honeycrisp, but they may alter the flavor slightly. Use alternatives like almond milk for whole milk if needed, though it might affect texture. Always opt for fresh ingredients to maintain the pancake’s light batter and caramelized topping for the best outcome.