Gather your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a mixing bowl, a whisk, a spatula, and a skillet or griddle.

Peel, core, and dice your medium apple into small pieces. Set the apple mixture aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients: buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.

Fold in the diced apples gently into the batter.

Heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to coat the surface. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Serve the pancakes stacked high on a plate, drizzled with warm maple syrup and additional toppings as desired.