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Caramelised Apple Pancakes with Vanilla Mascarpone | DonalSkehan.com
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Caramelised Apple Pancakes with Vanilla Mascarpone

December 18

Because we all need a little treat, particularly at this time of year- caramelised apple pancakes with vanilla mascarpone can be a treat dessert or something for a sweet weekend breakfast. Apples are at their best this time of year, and we’re lucky to have a steady supply from my auntie Ann’s tree. Sliced apples, cooked until golden and sticky, get piled on top of fluffy pancakes, and just to push it over the edge, there’s a generous dollop of vanilla mascarpone to finish it off. These are perfect for a lazy Saturday brunch or as a dessert that feels like it took way more effort than it actually did. Plus, the caramelised apples will make your kitchen smell amazing—a little bonus for the cook.

  • serves Serves 4
  • time 45 mins

Method

  1. 1. Start with the caramelised apples, combine apples, butter, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla in a small saucepan. Cook over a low heat until the butter is melted then continue to cook as the butter browns and the apple catch slightly.
  2. 2. Add the cream, stirring, and simmer on a low heat until the apples are soft. Add a pinch of flaky sea salt then set aside and allow to cool and thicken slightly whilst you make the pancakes.
  3. 3. To make the pancake batter, put the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon into a large mixing bowl. Measure the milk in a jug and add the eggs. Whisk lightly to combine, then add the liquid to the dry ingredients and mix until blended and you have a thick batter. You can set this aside in the fridge until needed.
  4. 4. For the vanilla mascarpone, mix together the mascarpone, icing sugar and vanilla and set this aside in the fridge until ready to cook.
  5. 5. To cook the pancakes, brush a warm frying pan with a little of the melted butter and pour in a small ladleful of the batter. The pancakes should each be about 10cm wide.
  6. 6. Allow them to cook until little bubbles start to appear and the edges become a little dry, then turn over to cook for about a minute until golden brown.
  7. 7. Serve immediately on warmed plates with the caramel apples and vanilla mascarpone.

Ingredients

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

Pinch of sea salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

3/4 cup + 2 tbsp milk

2 large eggs

2 tbsp  butter, melted

For the Caramel Apples:

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and cut into wedges

2 tbsp  butter

1/4 cup dark brown sugar

Pinch ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

1/4 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream

For the Vanilla Mascarpone:

1 cup mascarpone

2 tbsp powdered sugar (icing sugar)

Seeds scraped from 1 vanilla pod or 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

200g plain flour 

2 tsp baking powder 

Pinch of sea salt

½ tsp ground cinnamon 

½ tsp vanilla bean paste

220ml milk

2 large eggs

30g butter, melted

For the caramel apples:

2 large apples, peeled, cored and cut into wedges

25g butter

50g dark brown sugar

Pinch ground cinnamon 

½ tsp vanilla bean paste

50ml double cream

For the Vanilla Mascarpone:

250g mascarpone

30g icing sugar

Seeds scraped from 1 vanilla pod or 1 tsp vanilla bean paste