Combine the liquid ingredients in a medium bowl, and mix well.
2 cups buttermilk, room temperature, 2 eggs (room temperature), beaten, 1/4 cup butter, melted, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and pour in the wet ingredients. Mix until almost combined, and then add the apples. Whisk just a few more times. There may be a few lumps here and there. That's ok.
Once mixed, set aside for 10 minutes and heat up your frying pan or griddle.
Pour batter on the pan or griddle, and wait until the edges look dry and there are bubbles popping in the middle. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
Notes
If you’re not up for the extra step of steaming the apples, simply add grated/shredded apples to the batter in step 4.
No whole wheat flour? Feel free to use all-purpose and leave out the vital wheat gluten as well.
No buttermilk? Add 2 tsp of white vinegar to 2 cups milk, stir, and let sit for 10 minutes.