Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add apples and sauté 5-8 minutes until apples are softened. Set aside.
Melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, ricotta, egg, and buttermilk until smooth. In a separate medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Fold flour mixture into liquid until batter is just combined. Fold in half of sautéed apples. (batter will be thick)
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly brush with melted butter. Working in batches, drop pancake batter by heaping 1/4 cupfuls onto hot skillet and allow to cook 2-3 minutes on each side until pancakes are golden brown. Repeat cooking method with remaining batter, adding more butter to skillet as needed.
Serve pancakes warm with remaining sautéed apples and maple syrup on top for serving. Enjoy!