Saturday, March 26, 2011

Cake Batter Pancakes with Cinnamon Apples


Ever since being a little girl, I have had a distinct fascination with cake batter. Every time my Mom would make a cake, I was right there by her side to lick the bowl. It did not matter if it was white, chocolate or yellow cake mix – they were all delicious.


























Every once in a while when we were little, my Mom would have what she called – “Dessert Dinner”. These were very rare occasions but ever so special. I believe we had these perhaps 3 to 4 times during childhood. She would make banana splits, brownies and even give us a small bowl of cake mix prior to cooking the cake. My Mom tried to make things fun, which as an adult I completely appreciate.

























Some of these dessert dinners were outings to Fenton’s Creamery in North Oakland. As a family we would wait in line until a table opened up. Today, Fenton’s is still a tradition with many families and they enjoy the handcrafted ice cream. Fenton’s goes beyond ice cream, with a full restaurant menu. The classic grilled crab sandwich was a favorite among our family. We often enjoyed dinner and dessert. We always left with very full bellies but very happy.


















Cake batter is still a favorite. When I saw Baking Serendipity’s post for Cake Batter Pancakes, this was something I had to make. If you have not visited Sarah’s blog, take a peek, you will enjoy. The thought of adding cake mix to pancakes was such a brilliant idea. I added a bit more vanilla and milk to the recipe and opted out of the sprinkles. Instead, I added cinnamon apples to the finished product. Next time, I am going classic old school with simple maple syrup.























Cake Batter Pancakes

1 1/2 cups flour
2/3 cup yellow cake mix
1 tbsp sugar
3/4 tsp baking powder
pinch salt
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup milk + 2 T.

Combine flour, cake mix, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs, vanilla and milk, and stir until combined. Your batter should be the consistency of regular pancake batter, so if you need to add a little more milk, go for it. Spoon onto greased griddle or large skillet and flip when the edges begin to dry, cooking evenly on both sides.

Cinnamon Apples

3 Large Apples, Granny Smith
4 T. Butter
1/3 C. Sugar
¾ t. Cinnamon
Pinch Ground Cloves
2 t. Pure Vanilla Extract
1 t. Lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Core the apples, then slice and put those slices in half. In large skillet, melt the butter, add the apples, sugar, spices and lemon juice. Cook on medium for about 3 to 5 minutes until the apples are soft yet still firm.

19 comments:

  1. Lisa, I normally enjoy making pancakes more than eating them but I would have to make an exception to these. I love the idea of adding cake batter and especially the cinnamon-apple topping. Is there anything better?

    I hope you're enjoying this wet (again!) weekend. Having some company for a couple of days. I think they might enjoy these!

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  2. Oh yummy....the apples just call to me.

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  3. Cake batter pancakes? That has to be just about the best idea ever! I want to try this.

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  4. Genius, absolutely genius. Is it breakfast time yet?

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  5. Those pancakes look so fluffy and soft!

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  6. This looks so yummy! And you take beautiful pictures (by the way, I like your website colors and styles!). Now that you mentioned Fenton's... I want to go there for desserts...

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  7. I love cake batter too and just LOVE the idea of cake batter pancakes. I'm drooling over your photos of the pancakes, they look amazing. Apples are my absolute favorite fruit and I adore the cinnamon apples on top of the pancakes. I wish I had this right now! :)

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  8. What a sweet memory; dessert for dinner :) I love the cinnamon apples that you topped your pancakes with! I was watching FN last night and saw pancakes with cinnamon apples and brie!

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  9. Those look wonderful. We used to do "desert dinners", too! Looks like I'll have to do it again soon...

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  10. These pancakes look awesome! I have never thought about cake miz for panckes, but it makes so much sense! An dthose apples look great!

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  11. These are some lovely pancakes. Love the addition of cinnamon apples.

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  12. Cake batter pancakes: what a brilliant idea! Must make these soon, although I'll sub out the milk for buttermilk (and add some baking soda), as I love the tang buttermilk imparts.

    My husband grew up in Oakland; like you, he has *many* happy memories of Fenton's!

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  13. Yes, I saw those and now I want them even more. Love how puffy they are. Hope you have a wonderful week. Now you have me craving ice cream too.
    -Gina-

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  14. I've had breakfast for dinner but never dessert for dinner. I like that idea! The cinnamon apples look great with the pancakes.

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  15. These are perfection. I can't wait to try these!

    Great blog; happy I found you!

    Mary xo
    Delightful Bitefuls

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  16. Oh this looks sooooooo good :) I must try it :)

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  17. how interesting! what a great find, and the cinnamon apples are an outstanding way to spruce 'em up. :)

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  18. These pancakes look so tasty! Thanks for sharing!

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