Steps
In a bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix in the brown sugar, breaking it into pea-sized pieces.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and stir in the milk, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk mixture; stir until just combined. If the batter is too thick, add more milk as needed.
Grease a skillet or griddle with vegetable oil and heat over medium-high.
Scoop 2 tablespoons of batter onto the hot skillet and cook until browned on the bottom and bubbles appear on the top, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Flip the pancake and cook until browned on the other side, 2 to 3 more minutes.
Repeat with the remaining batter.