Oatmeal Pancakes with Cinnamon Apples

Pancakes are an easy and comforting way to start your day, whether it's a slow Sunday or a busier Tuesday morning. This oatmeal pancake with cinnamon apples takes the nutrition up a notch by using fiber-filled oats, and its cinnamon apples help bring out its fall flavor notes. Perfect tasty, healthy, and filling breakfast you need in the morning.

Ingredients:

• 1 1⁄2 cups buttermilk
• 3⁄4 cup instant rolled oats
• 3⁄4 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 Tbsp milk
• 1 Tbsp melted butter
• 1 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
• 1⁄2 tsp baking soda
• Pinch of cinnamon (plus 1⁄8 tsp for the apples)
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1⁄2 cup apple juice
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• Butter or cooking spray
• Confectioners' sugar

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, oats, flour, milk, butter, baking powder, baking soda, a pinch of cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to gently combine, then set aside to rest for a few minutes.
2. Combine the apple, apple juice, brown sugar, and remaining 1⁄8 teaspoon cinnamon in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook until the apple has softened and the liquid has thickened.
3. Preheat the oven to 200°F. Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Adding a bit of butter or cooking spray before each round, scoop 1⁄4-cup portions of batter into the skillet and use a spatula to spread into thin, even circles. Cook until small bubbles form in the top of the batter, 2 to 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Keep pancakes warm in the oven while you finish cooking. Serve topped with warm apples and a bit of confectioner' sugar, if you like.