I must have pancakes on the brain. Last week, I posted this single-serving pancake recipe, and thanks to the response I got, I have spent the last week working on another. If I ever get the banana version to quit sticking to the pan, I’ll put it on here.

Until then, let’s talk about this Caramel Apple Puff Pancake. Oh, y’all. It is good. Goooood. Like apple pie meets caramel meets the best weekend breakfast there is. You’re going to want to make it for every weekend and holiday brunch you have for the rest of the season because it. is. ridiculous.

It all starts with a classic Puff Pancake {Dutch Baby} batter. Puff Pancakes are a family favorite. They’re super easy to make and very impressive. The batter comes together in a food processor (or blender) before being poured into a screaming hot pan. Then, it’s baked for about twenty minutes until it puffs up. When it comes out of the oven, it quickly deflates, leaving behind a beautifully browned pancake with a soft custard-like center and chewy edges. It’s a thing to behold and is perfect with some confectioner’s sugar and maple syrup (or lemon juice). It really doesn’t need to be messed with. But we all know that’s not really my style.

Here, the traditional batter is poured into the pan and then sprinkled with sliced apples that have been tossed with sugar and pie spices–basically pie filling without a thickener. As the pancake bakes, it envelops the sliced apples. When it comes out of the oven, it’s basically the most autumnal thing ever. A drizzle of caramel sauce is all it needs to bring it over the top.

Now, of course you may use store-bought caramel sauce (I hear Trader Joe’s has a good one), but I am here to convince you to make your own. It’s quick, easy, involves minimal ingredients, and is SO much better than anything you could get near the ice cream toppings. I swear. All you do is melt some sugar over medium-high heat, stirring until it becomes a dark copper color (but doesn’t burn). Then, whisk in a bunch of butter. Take the pan off the heat and whisk in some cream. It’ll bubble up violently, but just keep whisking and it’ll calm down and become a smooth, luxurious sauce. Whisk in some vanilla and salt, and then pour it on everything.

The best pieces of advice I can give you for making homemade caramel?

• Use a silver or white saucepan so you can see the sugar changing color.
• Wear an oven mit. Molten caramel burns a lot more than boiling water.
• Don’t step away from the caramel, even for a second. It can burn in the blink of an eye.

If I haven’t scared you away, please try this caramel sauce. It comes together in a matter of minutes and really is worth the (minimal) effort…especially when it’s drizzled over this perfectly spiced apple puff pancake.

Caramel Apple Puff Pancake {Dutch Baby}
makes 4-6 servings*

Apples:
2 large baking apples,* peeled, 1/4-inch slices
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
pinch of Kosher or sea salt

Puff Pancake Batter:
4 large eggs
1 cup milk (not skim or fat free)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
3-4 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon Kosher or sea salt
3 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted)

Caramel Sauce:
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon Kosher or sea salt

Place a large ovenproof cast iron or stainless steel pan in a cold oven. Preheat oven to 400F.

Prepare the apples. In a medium mixing bowl, use your hands to toss apple slices and vinegar together. Sprinkle sugar, spices, and salt over the top and toss to combine. Set aside.

Prepare the pancake batter. In the bowl of a food processor or high-powered blender*, combine eggs, milk, vanilla, flour, sugar, and salt. Process 30 seconds, or until no lumps remain. Let batter rest five minutes.

Once oven has reached 400F, remove the hot pan and add butter. Place pan back in the oven for 60-90 seconds, until butter has melted. Remove pan from the oven, and swirl the butter so it coats the pan. Pour in batter. Scatter apples over the top, leaving any excess liquid in the bowl. Bake 19-20 minutes, until puffed and golden. Do NOT open the oven door during baking.

While the pancake is baking, make the caramel sauce. Place sugar in a 2-3 quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk sugar until the sugar melts and turns a deep copper color. Whisk in butter until completely incorporated. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in heavy cream. Caramel will bubble violently, but will quickly relax into a smooth sauce. Whisk in vanilla and salt. Transfer sauce to a jar.

Let pancake cool 2-5 minutes before slicing. Drizzle individual portions with caramel sauce and serve immediately.

Caramel sauce will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes:

1. If you’d like to make a 3-4 serving puff, use 3 large eggs, 3/4 cup milk, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons butter. Use the same amount of apples. Follow all instructions as written, changing the baking time to 18-19 minutes.
2. I used one tart apple (Granny Smith) and one sweet apple (McIntosh).
3. If you do not have a food processor or blender, you may whisk all of the ingredients together and then push them through a wire mesh sieve to remove any lumps of flour. Let batter rest five minutes before proceeding as written.