Kefir Pancakes With Apple​

There’s something magical about a quiet Sunday morning in the kitchen, sunlight spilling across the counter, as I prepare a plate of fluffy kefir pancakes with apple. The sweet aroma of sizzling pancakes and caramelizing apples fills the air, and a warm stack waiting on the breakfast table creates a cozy, comforting weekend breakfast feeling. Each bite feels like a healthy, delicious hug, setting the tone for a slow, happy morning.

These Russian pancakes, also called Oladi, oladushki, or oladki, are a beloved staple in Ukraine and Russia. Unlike typical American pancakes, they are thick, with a pillowy soft interior and lightly crispy edges. Many families grew up enjoying them on leisurely weekends, a comforting tradition that brings people together and pleases even the pickiest eaters.

As I stir the batter, it slowly transforms into a smooth, creamy blend, each motion filling me with simple joy. Tasting a little, the sweet, cozy flavor brings a smile, inviting anyone to join in. Making these wholesome, kefir-based pancakes is more than cooking, it’s a heartwarming experience that nourishes both body and soul.

Why Use Kefir in Pancakes?

Kefir is a dairy-based beverage made by fermenting milk. It works similarly to buttermilk pancakes, but gives better flavor and softness.

How kefir replaces milk or buttermilk

Kefir acts as both liquid and leavening support. Many traditional Russian Pancakes Oladi recipes rely on kefir instead of yeast-based batter.

Acid reaction with baking soda

Kefir contains natural acids. When mixed with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), an alkaline leavening agent, it activates instantly. This reaction creates air bubbles that help batter rise.

Why pancakes become fluffy

The chemical reaction produces a fluffy texture, making pancakes light, tender, and golden.

Flavor difference

Compared to regular

pancakes, kefir adds a gentle tang and deeper flavor — similar to traditional blini but quicker.

Apple Kefir Pancakes​

Enjoy a cozy Sunday morning with these fluffy kefir pancakes with apple. Thick, pillowy soft pancakes with slightly crispy edges, made with simple ingredients and tangy kefir. Sweet, wholesome, and perfect for family breakfasts or weekend brunches.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

10 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 13 Pancakes

Calories: 115

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• Amount Unit Name Notes
• 1 1/4 cups einkorn flour or all-purpose flour, smooth, lumps-free
• 1/4 tsp baking soda leavening, reacts with kefir for fluffy texture
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt balances sweetness
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar or cane sugar, subtle sweetness
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon optional, warming spice

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup kefir kefir whole milk, slightly warmed
• 1 large egg slightly beaten, provides protein and binding
• 1 tsp vanilla extract enhances flavor
• 1 tbsp ghee or coconut oil for cooking pancakes, mild flavor

Optional Ingredients

• 2 small apples peeled and grated or diced, Gala or sweet-tart varieties
• — — toppings maple syrup, apple butter, whipped cream, fresh berries

Equipment

• Nonstick skillet or frying pan Oven-safe dish

Method

 

1 Prepare the Apples – Peel (optional) and dice or grate 2 small apples. Control moisture to prevent dense pancakes. Sweet apples like Gala or Fuji work best; small ¼-inch pieces cook evenly.

2 Mix Dry Ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups einkorn or all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, 2 tbsp coconut sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional). Make sure the mixture is smooth and lumps-free.

3 Combine Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, mix 3/4 cup slightly warmed kefir, 1 large slightly beaten egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Warm kefir slightly (30 sec in microwave) to help activate baking soda.

4 Make the Batter – Gradually fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients using a hand whisk. Mix until smooth, creamy, and slightly thick (thicker than sour cream). Avoid overmixing to keep pancakes fluffy.

5 Fold in Apples – Gently incorporate prepared apples into the batter using a spatula. Ensure even distribution without breaking batter texture.

6 Rest the Batter – Let the batter sit for 10 minutes. Resting allows air bubbles to form, giving a pillowy soft interior.

7 Cook the Pancakes – Heat 1 tbsp ghee or coconut oil in a medium-low skillet. Spoon ¼ cup batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form on top, then flip. Cook golden brown on both sides.

Medium-low heat prevents burning outside while keeping interior soft; flip when edges look set.

8 Serve – Stack pancakes on a plate, add optional toppings like maple syrup, apple butter, whipped cream, or fresh berries.

Best enjoyed immediately for crispy edges and fluffy interior.

9 Storage & Reheat – Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days; freeze for 1 month. Reheat in a skillet or oven at 200°F until warm. Keeps pancakes soft inside and slightly crispy outside.

Notes

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	115 kcal
Protein	3 g
Fat	4 g
Saturated Fat	1.5 g
Carbohydrates	17 g
Sugar	6 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sodium	130 mg
Calcium	60 mg
Vitamin A	80 IU
Vitamin C	2 mg
Probiotics	Present (from kefir)

Batter Consistency Guide

Too Thick

Add kefir or water slowly.

Too Thin

Add flour in ½-cup increments gradually.

Ideal Texture

Thicker than sour cream but spoonable.

Pro Tips for Extra Fluffy Kefir Pancakes

• Do not overmix batter.
• Maintain medium heat.
• Fresh kefir gives lighter flavor.
• Balance apple moisture carefully.
• Cook slowly for thick pancakes.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Dense pancakes: batter too wet or overmixed.
Burning outside: heat too high.
Batter spreading too much: add flour.
Too sour: kefir overly fermented.

Best Apples for Kefir Pancakes

• Gala → sweet and soft
• Fuji → juicy sweetness
• Granny Smith → tart contrast

Different apples create different textures after cooking.

Flavor Variations

Apple Cinnamon Version

Add warming spices and maple syrup topping.

Honey Apple Pancakes

Replace sugar with honey for luscious sweetness.

Whole-Grain or Einkorn Option

Use ancient einkorn wheat flour for digestion-friendly pancakes like Einkorn Kefir Apple Pancakes.

High-Protein Version

Add farmer cheese such as Lifeway Farmer Cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve freshly made pancakes stacked high on a plate.

Popular toppings:

• maple syrup
• jam
• whipped cream
• powdered sugar
• fresh berries
• sour cream or yogurt

These homemade apple pancakes pair perfectly with slow eating weekends.

How to Store and Reheat Pancakes

Refrigerator Storage

Store up to 3 days airtight.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze 5 minutes first, then store frozen.

Best Reheating Method

Warm in skillet or oven at 200°F.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• Batter can rest overnight.
• Pancakes may be pre-cooked and reheated.
• Ideal for meal prep during busy weekdays.

Nutrition Highlights

Kefir contains probiotics that support microbiome balance and digestion improvement. Even after cooking, nutrients like calcium help bone health and nutrient absorption (Vitamins A, D, E, K).

These pancakes support healthy food choices and gut-brain-microbiota balance.

FAQs

Can I replace buttermilk with kefir?
Yes, kefir works even better.

Can I use over-fermented kefir?
Yes, but flavor becomes stronger.

Why are my kefir pancakes flat?
Baking soda may be inactive.

Can I make batter overnight?
Yes, refrigerate covered.

Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, though frying gives crispy edges.

Natalia Smith

Hi, I’m Natalia Smith, a kefir enthusiast and content writer dedicated to making fermented dairy approachable and enjoyable. My journey with kefir began in my own kitchen, experimenting with recipes and sharing the health benefits I discovered. Through hands-on experience and continuous learning, I aim to provide clear, trustworthy information that helps others embrace the goodness of kefir in their daily lives.