Baked Boursin & Apple Pancakes: A Decadent Brunch Delight

Are you ready to elevate your pancake game to a whole new level? Forget the same old routine; we’re diving headfirst into a world of creamy, savory, and sweet indulgence with these Baked Boursin & Apple Pancakes. Imagine fluffy, golden pancakes studded with tart, juicy apples, and pockets of melted, herb-infused Boursin cheese. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will transform your brunch into an unforgettable experience. This recipe takes the classic pancake and adds a sophisticated twist, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a luxurious weekend breakfast.

This recipe features a unique baking method, so you don’t have to stand over a hot griddle flipping pancakes for what feels like forever. Baking delivers evenly cooked, puffy pancakes with a delightful golden crust. The Boursin cheese melts beautifully into the batter, creating savory pools that contrast perfectly with the sweet apples. The result is a truly extraordinary pancake that’s both satisfying and sophisticated.

## Why You’ll Love These Baked Boursin & Apple Pancakes

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of savory Boursin, sweet apples, and fluffy pancake batter is an absolute delight for your taste buds.
* **Effortless Baking:** Ditch the griddle! Baking these pancakes makes the process incredibly easy and hands-off.
* **Impressive Presentation:** These pancakes are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them perfect for special occasions.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by using different types of apples or adding other toppings.
* **Unique Brunch Option:** Move away from the usual and get creative in your breakfast! These are a delightful conversation starter.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this culinary adventure.

**For the Pancake Batter:**

* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 1 ½ cups buttermilk (or 1 ½ cups milk + 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice or white vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**For the Apple & Boursin Filling:**

* 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
* 4 ounces Boursin cheese, softened and crumbled
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, for drizzling over apples)
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

**Optional Toppings:**

* Maple syrup
* Powdered sugar
* Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
* Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
* Whipped cream

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Boursin & Apple Pancakes

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed steps to create your own batch of delicious Baked Boursin & Apple Pancakes.

**Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling**

1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced apples.
2. Cook the apples for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly caramelized. If you want a sweeter flavor, drizzle maple syrup over the apples, toss to coat them, and continue cooking for a minute or two. This will give the apples an extra layer of deliciousness.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples and stir to combine. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the apples aside to cool slightly while you prepare the pancake batter.

**Step 2: Prepare the Pancake Batter**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Make sure that the pan you are using is oven safe.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, resulting in a light and fluffy pancake.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure the melted butter has cooled slightly before adding it to the wet ingredients to prevent the eggs from cooking.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes.

**Step 3: Assemble the Pancakes**

1. Pour half of the pancake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
2. Sprinkle half of the cooked apple mixture evenly over the batter.
3. Crumble half of the softened Boursin cheese over the apples. Distribute the cheese evenly so that you get pockets of creamy Boursin in every bite.
4. Pour the remaining pancake batter over the apples and Boursin cheese, spreading it gently to cover the filling.
5. Sprinkle the remaining apple mixture over the top of the batter.
6. Crumble the remaining Boursin cheese over the apples on top of the pancakes.

**Step 4: Bake the Pancakes**

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pancakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the pancakes and adjust the time accordingly.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**

1. Remove the baked pancakes from the oven and let them cool slightly before cutting into squares or wedges.
2. Serve the Baked Boursin & Apple Pancakes warm, topped with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, chopped nuts, fresh berries, or whipped cream. Enjoy this delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors!

## Tips for the Perfect Baked Boursin & Apple Pancakes

* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough pancakes. Mix until just combined, leaving a few lumps.
* **Use Cold Buttermilk:** Cold buttermilk helps to create a light and fluffy pancake. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk.
* **Soften the Boursin Cheese:** Softened Boursin cheese will crumble more easily and melt more evenly into the batter.
* **Choose the Right Apples:** Use apples that hold their shape well when cooked, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the pancakes and adjust the time accordingly.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Feel free to experiment with different toppings to customize your pancakes to your liking.

## Variations and Additions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit your personal preferences. Here are a few ideas for variations and additions:

* **Different Cheeses:** Instead of Boursin, try using other soft cheeses such as goat cheese, cream cheese, or brie. Each cheese will bring a unique flavor profile to the pancakes.
* **Other Fruits:** Swap out the apples for other fruits such as pears, peaches, or berries. The possibilities are endless!
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice to add a unique twist to the apple filling.
* **Savory Herbs:** Add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage to the pancake batter for a more savory flavor.
* **Brown Butter:** Use brown butter instead of regular melted butter in the batter. The nutty flavor of brown butter will elevate the pancakes to a whole new level.

## Serving Suggestions

These Baked Boursin & Apple Pancakes are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make them even more special:

* **Brunch Spread:** Serve the pancakes as part of a larger brunch spread, along with other breakfast favorites such as eggs, bacon, sausage, and fruit salad.
* **Weekend Treat:** Enjoy the pancakes as a special weekend treat for yourself or your family.
* **Holiday Brunch:** These pancakes are a perfect addition to your holiday brunch menu. They are sure to impress your guests!
* **Dessert:** Serve the pancakes as a dessert, topped with ice cream or whipped cream.
* **Side Dish:** Serve the pancakes as a side dish with a savory main course, such as roasted chicken or pork.

## Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftover Baked Boursin & Apple Pancakes, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for a minute or two, or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze the pancakes for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat frozen pancakes, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as described above.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 8-10g
* Fat: 18-22g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

These Baked Boursin & Apple Pancakes are a delightful and unique twist on the classic pancake. The combination of savory Boursin cheese, sweet apples, and fluffy pancake batter is a flavor sensation that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a brunch for friends or simply treating yourself to a special weekend breakfast, these pancakes are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Baked Boursin & Apple Pancakes! Enjoy!

## Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

**Ingredients**

* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 1 ½ cups buttermilk
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
* 4 ounces Boursin cheese, softened and crumbled
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

**Instructions**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add apples and cook until softened, 5-7 minutes. Stir in maple syrup (if using), cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the apple mixture and half of the Boursin cheese.
7. Pour remaining batter over the apples and cheese. Top with remaining apple mixture and Boursin cheese.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm with maple syrup and desired toppings.

Enjoy your Baked Boursin & Apple Pancakes!