In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well mixed.
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix. The batter will be lumpy.
Fold in the grated apple gently into the batter.
Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat and grease with cooking spray or a little butter.
Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
Flip the pancakes and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until golden brown and cooked through.
Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the pan as needed, and serve warm with syrup or your favorite toppings.