Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

So, I was on Pinterest the other day, just scrolling along and came across a recipe for Apple Cinnamon Pancakes and I just couldn't resist pinning it. Well, today I finally tried it and I swear it is the most amazing thing ever! It could completely pass as a dessert. My husband, a die-hard fan of just maple syrup was a bit skeptical. As we were eating, I asked him what he thought and he said "It's appley." He did later say that it was different but good.

Recipe found here: https://homemadehooplah.com/apple-cinnamon-pancakes/

Topping Ingredients:

2 apples of any type (I used Gala)
2 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup maple syrup

Old Fashioned Pancakes:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Comments on original post suggest apple pie spice alternatively)
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter--melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

For the topping:

• Prepare apples by pealing, removing the core, and cutting into small pieces.
• In a medium saucepan, add butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, syrup, and chopped up apples. Set heat to medium and cook for 3-6 minutes or until apples are soft, stirring occasionally.
• You can either set the heat to low or remove saucepan from heat and cover while preparing the pancakes.

For the Pancakes:

• In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla. Slowly pour in the cooled melted butter, vigorously whisking (so the heat of the butter does not cook the raw egg).
• Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, forming a smooth, fluffy batter.
• Spray a large pan with cooking spray and warm over medium heat.
• Scoop 1/4 cup of pancake batter into the pan, then use a spatula to gently spread the batter into a flat circle (about 4-5 inches wide). Cook pancake for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear along the sides. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
• As pancakes are ready, garnish with apple topping and serve hot.