Even though the calendar still says August, I’ve already drifted into Autumn — maybe because I’ve been designing fall products for North Country Rustics, or maybe because the mornings feel a little softer lately. But today, Autumn arrived in the most unexpected way: Breakfast!

I maybe the only one who remembers a fall‑only Cracker Barrel breakfast that I adored years ago. Apple streusel pancakes — They were warm, cinnamon‑rich, topped with apples and crumble and cream‑cheese drizzle… and then they disappeared from the menu forever. 

So, I brought them back.

I started by grabbing my favorite  Member's Mark Buttermilk Pancake Mix - it makes the best Thick & Hearty Pancakes!  Add water or milk, and stir.  It's just that easy!  As they were browning, I'd Slice & Dice an apple. Flip the flapjack. Slice & Dice. It became an easy rhythm and a stress free way of not overcooking the pancakes.  (Something I am known for!)

After each pancake was golden brown, I used to put them on a plate and cover with foil to keep warm... But never again!  I pre-warmed my Crock-Pot and lined it with a towel and parchment paper!  The pancakes stayed HOT and soft in the towel‑lined crockpot — a trick I’ll be using forever now.  

Next, my diced apples went into my cast‑iron pan to simmer with butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. While they bubbled away, I baked a tray of homemade streusel until it turned golden and crisp. And because I can never resist a little Rustic charm, I poured a cream‑cheese drizzle into a gravy boat.

When everything was ready, I carried the whole spread to the table and watched everyone’s reactions. The smiles, the surprise, the “oh wow”… it was worth every step.  And as we ate, I realized this breakfast wasn’t just a delicious way to fill our stomachs — it was the perfect way to fill my heart.

❤️ Celicia
~ Chasing Misadventures in Arts, Crafts, & a Rustic Life

I wouldn't try this on a Work Day / School Day.  But if you have a moment to indulge... Highly Recommend!  (Warning:  Lots of Dirty Dishes.  Still Worth it!)

🧇 Bake the Streusel

This is the longest passive step, and needs time to cool.

Streusel Crumble

• 1/2 cup softened butter

• 1 cup flour

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 tsp cinnamon

• 2 Pinches of salt

Workflow  

Mix with a fork until crumbly. Spread onto a baking sheet.  Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.  Let it cool so it firms up. Crumble.

🥞  Make the Pancakes

This ensures everything is hot and ready to assemble.

Pancakes

• Buttermilk pancake batter

• Butter for the griddle

• Optional: a pinch of cinnamon in the batter

Cook pancakes on a buttered griddle.  Transfer to Pre-Warmed, Towel lined Crock-Pot.  I placed Parchment paper on the towel for even easier clean up!

🍏  Cook the Apple Topping

Apple Streusel Topping

• 4 apples, diced

• 4 tbsp butter

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• 2 tsp lemon juice

• 2 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water

Workflow  Sauté apples with butter, sugar, spices, lemon.  Simmer 5–7 minutes.  Add cornstarch slurry to thicken.  Turn heat to low to keep warm until ready to serve.

🍥   Make the Cream Cheese Drizzle

You want this ready to go so it can melt beautifully over hot pancakes.

Cream Cheese Drizzle

• 8 oz cream cheese

• 8 tbsp butter

• 2 cup powdered sugar

• ½ cup milk

• 2 tsp vanilla

Beat until smooth and pourable.  Set aside at room temp (not in the fridge — you want it soft).  I managed to get to pourable... but not smooth.  Ah, my gravy is always lumpy too.

🍽️ Assembly (the magic moment)

1. Stack pancakes.

2. Spoon warm apple topping over them.

3. Sprinkle streusel crumble generously.

4. Drizzle cream cheese icing.

5. Add extra cinnamon if you want that “autumn candle” aroma.

🔥 Flavor Notes (to match the original)

• The apples should be soft but not mushy.

• The streusel should will add a slight crunch to the apples.

• The cream cheese drizzle should be warm enough to flow.  And hopefully, a little less lumpy than mine ~ LOL

• The cinnamon should be noticeable — lean into it for Autumn.