German Apfelpfannekuchen
A Childhood Memory in Wintrich
I remember these Pfannekuchen from my childhood. Every summer, my family would spend three months with my grandparents in Wintrich, a small but beautiful village on the Mosel, famous for its vineyards and wine. The irony is that although my grandfather was a winemaker, my mother embraced Islam and never touched wine again or ever made it. — a quiet but powerful shift in our family’s story. Decades later, my grandmother would follow her into the sacred arms of Islam in her 80's. May Allah have mercy on her soul.
What I remember most is my grandmother in her kitchen, overlooking the Mosel, The aroma of many of her homemade treats is a memory that was woven deep in my soul. Her creativity extended far beyond pancakes — from jams, fruit cakes, cheesecakes, to hand-knitted slippers — everything she touched felt infused with care, warmth, and tradition.
In Germany, it’s traditional to serve these pancakes with Quark-Sahne (a whipped cream and quark mix), or with a spoon of tart jam or natural sour fruit syrup to balance the sweetness. But of course, you can enjoy them however you like — dusted with cinnamon sugar, drizzled with honey, or simply as they are. To me, they are always delish and full of memories.
Ingredients
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2 eggs, separated
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100 g flour
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250 ml milk
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Pinch of salt
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1–2 medium apples, peeled and grated
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Butter for frying
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Sugar and cinnamon to taste
Instructions
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Whisk the egg yolks with milk, flour, and salt until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
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Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
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Stir in the grated apples carefully.
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Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Pour in enough batter for one pancake.
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Cook until golden on the bottom, then flip carefully to cook the other side.
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Serve warm with sugar, cinnamon, cream, or a little syrup.
Serving Ideas
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Traditionally, serve with Quark-Sahne or tart jam.
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Drizzle with honey or top with fresh fruit for a lighter version.
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Dust with sugar and cinnamon for a classic German treat.
Reflections
Apfelpfannekuchen shows how food can carry memories, culture, and love. Just like my fire cider blog post explored herbal elixirs, these simple apple pancakes remind me of family, summer warmth, and the small joys that connect us across time and traditions.
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