Crispy on the outside, sweet and fluffy on the inside, these Polish Apple Pancakes are sure to become a favorite fall treat!
Polish Apple Pancakes: Racuchy z jabłkami
When we first stepped off the plane in Poland, we were hit with a major language shock.
I know French and Tim knows enough German to get us by. So, in any Latin or German-based languages, we’re at least comfortable enough with the sounds and can do a decent job making our way around.
Poland was another story.
The letters looked (mostly) familiar, but the way they were put together and the sounds that we heard turned our idea of pronunciations on its head.
By the end of our few weeks in Poland, we were just starting to wrap our minds around some of the sounds and letter combos.
So, let’s get this pronunciation thing out of the way first.
Racuchy = (RAH-tzoo-hee) = pancakes
Jabłkami = (jabw-KAH-mee) = apple
Racuchy z jabłkami = (RAH-tzook-eh ZEE jabw-KAH-mee) = pancakes with apples
I think jabłkami is quite a fun word to say. But for now, we’ll just call these little pillows of apple delight Polish Apple Pancakes.
Polish pancakes with yeast
It is quite unusual to see a pancake recipe that uses yeast.
And, you will find many variations of apple pancakes in Poland that don’t use yeast at all. Those versions quite closely resemble what we would think of in the States as “apple pancakes.”
However, we were intrigued that some versions called for yeast, and we wanted to give this unique (to us) take on pancakes a try.
The yeast in this recipe creates a super thick pancake, that is almost like a cross between a super fluffy pancake and a fritter.
The yeast also adds a wonderful depth of flavor that, when paired with the apples, makes these pancakes so flavorful you don’t really need a topping!
Apple pancakes for dinner
Since these yeast-raised pancakes do need a little bit of rising time, they don’t make the best early-morning breakfast food.
Plus, breakfast in Poland is more on the savory side: bread, cheese, cold cuts, etc.
So, we weren’t surprised when we found out that it is quite common for racuchy z jabłkami to be served for dinner or as a snack.
We’re all about pancakes for dinner or as an afternoon snack!
These pancakes do make the perfect snack.
They’re best eaten hot and crispy, nearly right out of the pan.
Not a lot of ceremony or meal-time pomp and circumstance, these guys shine all on their own. Give them a little dusting of powdered sugar, and that’s all the topping you need.
We’re pretty sure your family will be clamoring for Polish apple pancake dinners all the time!
(For another Polish apple dish that we absolutely love, check out our version of Polish Apple Pie!)
More pancake recipes from around the world
Nearly every culture loves pancakes in one form or another. Try these other pancakes from around the world!
Racuchy z Jablkami (Polish Apple Pancakes)
Crispy on the outside, sweet and fluffy on the inside, these Polish Apple Pancakes are sure to become a favorite fall treat!
The batter for these yeast-raised pancakes need to rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 - 1 1/2 hours before making your pancakes.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ c unbleached all purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 ½ c milk, warmed to 80-90⁰F
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 Tbsp salted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 large apples, (Gala or Fugi work well)
- ½ c canola oil, (for frying)
- Powdered sugar, (to serve)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, egg, and melted butter. Mix until the mixture is moistened; your batter will be thick. Cover the batter and place it in a warm, draft-free place to rise for 1 - 1 ½ hours.
- Near the end of the rising time, peel, core, and dice the apples. Once the dough has risen, mix in the diced apples.
- Add enough oil to barely coat the bottom of 12” sauté pan (roughly 1 ½ - 2 Tbsp. Heat the oil over medium high heat, until the oil sizzles when small bit of batter dropped in. Drop the batter by large spoonful into the hot oil, spreading it out as thin as possible with the thick chunks of apples until you have a roughly 3 inch pancake. Fry the pancakes for 2-3 minutes over medium to medium high heat, until the bottom is golden and the top is just starting to dry out. Then, flip the pancakes and cook on the second side for 2-3 minutes, until golden. Remove the pancakes from the pan to a paper towel lined plate.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough, adding more oil as necessary. (You can keep the finished pancakes on a plate in a 200⁰F oven to stay warm while you cook the rest. But, the pancakes are best crisp and fresh from the pan. So if you can serve them straight from the pan, do so.)
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
5Serving Size:
4 pancakesAmount Per Serving: Calories: 662
If you liked this recipe, here are some similar dishes you may enjoy!
Sarah is one of Curious Cuisiniere’s founding duo. Her love for cultural cuisines was instilled early by her French Canadian Grandmother. Her experience in the kitchen and in recipe development comes from years working in professional kitchens. She has traveled extensively and enjoys bringing the flavors of her travels back to create easy-to-make recipes.
Mandi
Thursday 11th of May 2023
5 stars! I love this recipe so much, I really enjoyed these pancakes once my mom made them. Thank you for this recipe!
Sarah - Curious Cuisiniere
Thursday 18th of May 2023
We're so glad you loved the pancakes Mandi!
Bud
Wednesday 7th of September 2022
If you want yeast pancakes for breakfast, make the batter before bedtime and place in the refrigerator.
Sarah
Saturday 10th of September 2022
Great tip! Thanks!
Lona
Thursday 4th of November 2021
I did not remember these until I saw your link. I grew up with Polish Immigrants as parents. In an Ethnic neighborhood. I miss so much about that. Its all gone now. I used to speak A little Polish and I can Polka. Thank you so much for this recipe!
Sarah Ozimek
Sunday 7th of November 2021
So glad you found us!
lyn
Tuesday 11th of May 2021
being Italian I must add, delicioso to the mix---just delicious, thanks for the recipe
Sarah Ozimek
Thursday 13th of May 2021
Grazie!
Marlena Means
Saturday 21st of November 2020
I am Polish and racuchy sound like ra-tzoo-hee but you were close with z jabłkami- zee jabw-kah-mee, no one says ya-bil-kah-mee in common Polish as letter ł is pronounced as English letter W not L. I am making that tomorrow for my half Polish half American kids! :)
Sarah Ozimek
Sunday 6th of December 2020
Thanks so much for your help with the pronunciation Marlena! Hope you enjoy!