Amazing Apple Pie German Pancakes

• 3 Tbsp Country Crock 8% Butter Spread
• 1 red apple, very thinly sliced
• 2 Tbsp Stevia
• ¾ tsp cinnamon (divided)
• 2 Tbsp sugar-free maple syrup (divided)
• 5 large eggs
• 1 C almond milk
• ¼ C vanilla protein powder (or more flour)
• ¾ C all-purpose flour (gluten-free if necessary)
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

1. Preheat oven to 400° F. In a small bowl, mix stevia with ¼ tsp cinnamon. Set aside.
2. Melt butter in a 12" cast iron skillet.* Add apple slices, 1½ tablespoons cinnamon sugar mix, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Caramelize the apples until soft, about 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, make the pancake batter by adding eggs, milk, remaining maple syrup, protein powder, flour, remaining cinnamon, and nutmeg in order to a high speed blender. Blend until smooth and bubbly.
4. Once the apples are done, spray the skillet with cooking spray. Pour the pancake batter directly into the skillet over the apples. DO NOT MIX.
5. Transfer skillet immediately to the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Do not open the oven while the pancakes are baking.
6. Serve immediately with desired toppings.

*If you don't have a cast iron skillet, prepare apples according to directions in a regular skillet and melt an additional 2 tablespoons butter in a 9x13 dish in the oven. Once the batter and apples are ready, remove the dish from the oven and add the apples in an even layer over the bottom. Finally, add the pancake batter. DO NOT MIX. Finish recipe according to directions. Serving size is the same.

Nutrition facts are a calculated estimate of 1/4 of the prepared pan, not including extra toppings.