Slots Recipe

Whisk dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and fine salt until evenly combined.

Combine wet ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then whisk in the whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Make batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined — small lumps are fine. Do not overmix. Let the batter rest 5–10 minutes while you prepare the filling strips.

Prepare apples

Toss the matchstick-cut apples with lemon juice immediately to prevent browning.

Cook filling

Heat 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the apples, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Sauté, stirring occasionally, 4–6 minutes until the apples are slightly softened but still hold shape and the sugar has melted into a syrup coating. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Heat griddle or skillet

Preheat a nonstick griddle or large skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Brush surface lightly with neutral oil to prevent sticking.

Form the slots

Using a 3–4 tablespoon measure, pour a shallow oval of batter onto the griddle for each pancake (you want a wide, slot-like shape). Immediately, place a 1–2 tablespoon-wide line of the cooked apple matchsticks across the center of each batter oval, leaving space at the ends of the oval so the batter will rise around the filling. If desired, add a second thin line of filling spaced slightly from the first to create multiple 'slots'.

Cook through

Cook until the batter edges set and bubbles begin to form and pop on the surface, about 2–3 minutes. Carefully flip the pancake with the filling and cook 1.5–2 minutes more until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack and keep warm while you cook the remaining pancakes, brushing the griddle with more oil as needed and brushing finished pancakes lightly with melted butter.

Serve

Stack pancakes or arrange them so the filled slots are visible. Dust lightly with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup or honey on the side for drizzling. Serve warm.