There’s a place in San Diego called Richard Walker’s that’s famous for their pancakes.
Scratch that. They’re not just famous for their pancakes, they’re famous for their apple pancake.
This thing is probably the best “pancake” I’ve ever had in my life. Only I hesitate to actually call it a pancake since it’s more like apple pie than pancake. It’s light and fluffy, yet rich and delicious and full of warm cinnamon gooey goodness.
My brother posted a photo of his girlfriend eating this famous pancake on Facebook about year ago and I immediately recognized it.
He joked how I was able to recognize a dish just from a vague photo and I did him one better by not only telling him where the pancakes were from, but sent him a link to the blog post where I had dined on the exact pancake.
What can I say? It was a memorable pancake.
Anyway, my parents made the trip out west to visit my brother last weekend and he took them to the famous pancake place during a day trip to San Diego. My dad fell in love with the pancake, and true to my dad’s desire to replicate every amazing dish he’s ever had, he insisted on recreating the pancake as soon as he got back home.
He wasn’t kidding, not only did he attempt recreating it a week later, but I’d say he just about it nailed it.
How awesome does that look? And that’s all him, he didn’t even look up the apple pancake recipe, he just came up with the process on his own. I love my dad.
So, how did he do it?
He started with a small frying pan of melted butter, brown sugar, and peeled apple slices
Then he added the waffle batter (his tried-and-true waffle recipe from the Better Homes and Garden cookbook with whipped egg whites <- the secret to fluffy waffles!)
And placed it in the oven at 375 for 5 minutes
Once the pancake was done, he flipped it over on a plate.
Apple pie pancake yumminess. 
This was good. REALLY good. If you’re looking to impress family with amazing pancakes, this is your ticket. Heck, I think this pancake would make some dessert too. A little vanilla ice cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and your golden.
The whole pancake was a little too rich for me, so I split my pancake with my sister-in-law and balanced the sweetness with some savory sausage gravy and half a biscuit.
Oh, man. That was a killer breakfast. Not healthy in the least, but it sure tasted good.
Can I have another plate right now? Please? 
Have you ever tried recreating your favorite restaurant dish at home? Were you successful?
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh wow. That would hit the spot. I have a cold or something, and have been craving comfort food all day.
lisa fine recently posted..going on here
I can’t have apples because of the fructose, but I’m going to recreate this using peaches at some point. Ohmygoodness — they look FABULOUS!! And I can’t believe he was able to replicate it just like that! He certainly has culinary talents FAR beyond my abilities!!
Chelsie @ Balance, Not Scale recently posted..SES #9 — I’m Scared
Looks delish! I think I would probably only eat half as well. My sweet tooth has definitely toned down in the past year or so.
Stephanie recently posted..How to Achieve Running Success – Mile Twenty Eight
mmm that is one goood lookin pancake!
kris recently posted..pumpkin swirled brownies
I am officially jealous. What an amazing-looking breakfast!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated recently posted..Pasta Bake Recipe
Oh, ouch! Don’t give Richard Walkers to San Diego — that’s a Chicagoland original! ( ok, ok …with a San Diego location)
I had no idea that San Diego had a Richard Walkers. It looks like you did a fantastic job making the pancake. It is one of the best things on the menu!!! I saw blueberry muffin bread french toast on TV and made it at home…it was amazing!
http://luvwhatyoudo.wordpress.com/2012/07/15/blueberry-muffin-bread-french-toast/
luv what you do recently posted..Lately, I’ve Been (II)…
That may be the best idea anyone has ever had!
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted..Food, Family, Fun!
Was actually started in Chicago before a brother moved to CA. In Chicago area they are called Walker Brothers & they serve the same delicious apple pancake!
That looks amazing! I keep trying to recreate butter cake. I’ve done a million recipes and none have compard to those that were truly delish from bakeries that have since shut down! Not fair!
Meghan recently posted..Atlantic City Half Marathon!
Yum! Might have to make this sometime – my husband would love it, too! I tried to recreate a flatbread from The House of Blues not long ago.. it tasted similar, but definitely exactly! I think at home it’s hard to not “healthify” dishes, so they never end up tasting like decadent restaurant meals.
wow those pancakes look delicious. usually when I order apple pancakes its like an apple syrupy thing on top not actually in the batter! yummy!
Danielle @ itsaharleyyylife recently posted..Sweaty Sunday 10.15.12-10.21.12
That’s so impressive! whenever I try to recreate a restaurant meal, I at least need to look up a similar meal otherwise i’ll never even come close.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted..Groceries and Meal Plans: 10/20–10/27.
okay that looks amazing. your dad is a culinary genius!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats recently posted..Make a Schedule!
We have a Richard Walkers in my town but sadly their apple pancake is pretty awful…I wonder if the recipe could vary for some reason?
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More recently posted..Dreams DO Come True
Wow that looks incredible! I rarely make pancakes but this recipe is making me think that needs to change
Yum! I thought my pumpkin french toast this morning was dreamy but this is def a new level of awesome. I love trying to recreate restaurant meals. We recreate Bonefish Grill’s bang bang shrimp all the time
Karen @ Runner Girl Eats recently posted..All Sundays should start with Pumpkin French Toast
Wow, that pancake looks amazing! I was just thinking today that I need to switch things up with my breakfast. A pancake like that may be just the ticket!
Carrie @ The Cook’s Palette recently posted..olive oil granola with cardamom + pistachios
I know this is just what it LOOKS like, but your dad’s pancake even LOOKS more delicious than the restaurant pancake!
Becky @ runfundone recently posted..Doctor, Doctor
I’m impressed with your dad’s cooking skills! That pancake looks just as good at the restaurant one—Y.U.M. yum.
Ellen @ Wannabe Health Nut recently posted..Baby Bottles + Bento Boxes
That is the most fantastic pancake I’ve seen in a long time. I’m gonna have to try it:)
Kylie @ immaeatthat recently posted..Avocado Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sorry if this was already answered, but what kind of apples do you recommend using? Thanks!
I’m a new reader – your blog is great!
We used fuji, but I don’t think it matters.