Lithuanian Grated Apple Pancakes (Easy, Fluffy, Delicious)

Stack of golden Lithuanian grated apple pancakes on a rustic plate, topped with sour cream and maple syrup, surrounded by autumn-inspired breakfast elements like jam, apples, and cinnamon sticks.

 

These traditional Lithuanian Grated Apple Pancakes are fluffy, warmly spiced, and perfect for cozy autumn mornings. Made with simple ingredients and shredded fresh apples, they’re an easy and comforting breakfast or brunch recipe the whole family will love. Serve with jam, sour cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Lithuanian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Grater
  • Whisk
  • Non-stick frying pan
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups (175g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 3 tbsp (45g) white sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • ¾ cup + 1 tbsp (175 ml) whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 small apples, coarsely grated (Braeburn or Granny Smith recommended)
  • Neutral oil, for frying (vegetable, sunflower, or canola)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
  • In a separate bowl or jug, whisk the egg and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Fold in the grated apples.
  • Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
  • Spoon batter into the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface.
  • Flip and cook the other side for 1–2 minutes, until golden brown.
  • Repeat with remaining batter. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Step-by-step process of making Lithuanian grated apple pancakes, showing mixing ingredients, preparing the batter, cooking, and serving.
As the crisp autumn breeze rolls in and the scent of apples fills the air, there’s no better way to start your day than with a comforting stack of Lithuanian Grated Apple Pancakes. These golden beauties are soft, fluffy, warmly spiced, and filled with tender shreds of tart apple — making them the perfect cozy breakfast for fall mornings. 🍂
Whether you're familiar with Eastern European cuisine or just exploring, this simple apple pancake recipe brings a delicious taste of Lithuania right to your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner!

🥞 A Bite Into Lithuanian Pancake Culture

In Lithuania, pancakes aren’t just for breakfast — they’re a beloved part of everyday life. From sweet to savory, Lithuanians enjoy blynai (pancakes) at any time of day. These apple pancakes are just one of many traditional variations — others include farmer’s cheese pancakes, yeast-raised pancakes, and kefir pancakes.
Craving more? Try Lietiniai Blynai — thin Lithuanian crepes, sometimes filled with sweetened farmer's cheese or fruit preserves. It’s all about comfort food that warms both the belly and the heart. ❤️

🍏 Ingredients (Simple & Pantry-Friendly)

  • 1½ cups (175g) all-purpose flour – You can substitute up to ⅓ with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
  • 2 tsp baking powder – Don’t confuse this with baking soda.
  • 3 tbsp (45g) sugar – Caster or granulated both work well.
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Adds cozy fall flavor.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
  • ¾ cup + 1 tbsp (175 ml) whole milk – Works great with oat or almond milk too!
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 small apples, coarsely grated – Braeburn or Granny Smith are ideal.
  • Neutral oil, for frying – Such as vegetable, sunflower, or canola oil.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Lithuanian Grated Apple Pancakes – Step-by-Step

  1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
  2. Whisk the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl or jug, beat the egg and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
  3. Combine: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and slowly pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix!
  4. Fold in the apples: Add the grated apples and gently stir them into the batter.
  5. Heat the pan: Add a little oil to a large non-stick skillet and heat over medium.
  6. Cook the pancakes: Spoon the batter into the hot pan in rounds. Cook for 2–3 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for another minute, until golden brown.
  7. Repeat until all the batter is used.
💡 Tip: For fluffier pancakes, let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before frying.

A sporty young woman in cozy loungewear sitting in bed, enjoying pancakes and watching a movie, creating a relaxed and comforting weekend vibe.

🔥 Tips for Perfect Pancakes

  • Don’t overmix the batter — this keeps your pancakes soft and airy.
  • Rest the batter to activate the baking powder for maximum fluff.
  • Keep them warm in a low oven while cooking in batches — a preheated tray at 90°C/200°F does the trick.

🍒 Serving Suggestions

These pancakes are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways:
  • 🥣 With sour cream and fruit jam – a traditional Lithuanian combo!
  • 🍯 Drizzled with maple syrup and a dusting of cinnamon.
  • 🍑 Served with Greek yogurt and stewed apples for extra coziness.
  • 🍬 Topped with crème fraîche and brown sugar for a sweet-savory twist.
Childhood favorite: Grated apple pancakes served warm with plum jam and a dollop of thick yogurt. Pure nostalgia. 💕

🧊 Storage & Leftovers

Have leftovers? No problem!
  • Let pancakes cool to room temperature.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–5 days.
  • Reheat gently in a toaster oven or on a skillet until warm and crisped up again.

📌 Why You'll Love This Recipe

✔️ Quick & easy to make
✔️ Minimal ingredients
✔️ Kid-friendly and great for brunch
✔️ Naturally sweetened with apples
✔️ Fluffy, soft, and full of fall flavor!
Keyword blynai, cozy breakfast, easy apple breakfast, fall pancakes, fluffy pancakes, grated apple pancakes, Lithuanian apple pancakes
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