Prepare the pancake mix, mixing in the additional buttermilk, the pumpkin pie spice and the lemon zest.
Peel the apples, core them, and slice them into 1/8" slices. Use a toothpick to dip each slice into the pancake batter, then onto the griddle. Cook until golden brown, flipping once. Serve warm with syrup or with apple cider that has been reduced with cinnamon.