If you’ve never tried a Baked German Pancake Recipe, get ready to fall in love with a breakfast classic that’s as stunning as it is simple. This dish bursts with light, fluffy texture and a golden, puffed-up exterior that will instantly brighten your morning. Made from just a handful of everyday ingredients, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet and buttery goodness that’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether topped with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup, this delightful baked treat turns an ordinary morning into something extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The genius of the Baked German Pancake Recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on a few essential ingredients that each bring their special magic. Every component combines to create the perfect texture, flavor, and inviting golden color that defines this dish.
- 3 large eggs: These provide structure and lift, making the pancake puff up beautifully in the oven.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Gives the pancake body and a tender crumb that isn’t too dense.
- ½ cup whole milk: Adds richness and moisture for a luscious, light batter.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Balances the savory notes with just a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a fragrant, warm aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Elevates the other flavors, preventing the pancake from tasting flat.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Ensures a golden, crispy edge and wonderfully buttery taste.
- Optional toppings: Consider powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup, or lemon wedges to add personalized flavor and flair.
How to Make Baked German Pancake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to a hot 425°F (220°C). Place your 9-inch cast iron skillet or any oven-safe baking dish inside the oven while it preheats. This step is important because the hot skillet helps the batter begin cooking immediately upon contact, contributing to the pancake’s famous puff.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Batter
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the eggs, flour, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. The batter should have a slightly thin, pourable consistency that will puff up perfectly once baked.
Step 3: Butter the Hot Skillet
Carefully remove your now piping-hot skillet from the oven. Add the butter into the skillet and swirl it around quickly so the bottom and sides are evenly coated. The sizzling butter creates a crisp, flavorful crust that complements the soft center.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Pour the prepared batter immediately into the hot, buttered skillet. Then slide the skillet straight back into the oven to bake. Avoid opening the oven door while baking to prevent the pancake from deflating. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the pancake is puffed high and golden brown around the edges.
How to Serve Baked German Pancake Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches on your Baked German Pancake Recipe make all the difference. A dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant sweetness, fresh berries introduce vibrant color and tartness, while a generous drizzle of maple syrup brings that classic breakfast warmth. For a bright, citrusy twist, try squeezing fresh lemon wedges over the hot pancake to balance the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your pancake with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages for a delightful contrast. Fresh fruit salad or yogurt can complement the lightness of the pancake, making the meal well-rounded and satisfying without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pancake straight from the skillet at the table for a rustic, cozy feel that’s sure to impress guests. Alternatively, slice it into wedges and stack them with layers of fruit and cream for a stunning brunch centerpiece. You can also fold or roll slices with your favorite fillings like Nutella or jam for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked German Pancake Recipe keeps best in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Although it won’t maintain its original puffiness, the pancake remains flavorful and makes a quick second breakfast or snack.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, slice the pancake into portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring leftover pancake back to life, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaving, which can make it rubbery instead of delightfully crispy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of milk for the Baked German Pancake Recipe?
Yes, you can use alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk to suit dietary preferences. Keep in mind, whole milk adds richness and helps with the flavor and texture, but substitutes work fine with slight variations.
Why does the pancake deflate after baking?
The pancake puffs up because of the hot oven and eggs, but as it cools down, it naturally deflates. This is normal and doesn’t affect taste, so serve it immediately for the best presentation.
Can I add cinnamon or other spices to the batter?
Absolutely! Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter can provide a warm, aromatic boost that pairs beautifully with maple syrup and berries.
Is the Baked German Pancake Recipe gluten-free?
The classic version uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a suitable gluten-free flour blend but expect slight differences in texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe relies on eggs and dairy for its structure and richness, so direct vegan substitutions would need adjustments. Using vegan egg replacers and plant-based milk can work, but the texture and puffiness may change.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Baked German Pancake Recipe that makes breakfast feel special with surprisingly little effort. With its impressive puff, golden color, and versatile flavor, it’s a wonderful dish to add to your regular rotation. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Baked German Pancake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked German Pancake, also known as a Dutch Baby, is a fluffy, puffed pancake that’s baked to golden perfection in the oven. Made with simple ingredients like eggs, flour, and milk, it’s perfect for a delightful breakfast or brunch. The pancake puff ups beautifully in a hot cast iron skillet, creating crisp edges and a custardy center, and can be served with powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup, or lemon wedges for added flavor.
Ingredients
Pancake Batter
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Maple syrup
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 9-inch cast iron skillet or any oven-safe baking dish inside the oven to heat up as it preheats.
- Mix Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup whole milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Prepare Skillet: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven, then add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Swirl the skillet gently to melt and coat the bottom and sides evenly with the butter.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the prepared batter into the hot, buttered skillet immediately. Return the skillet to the oven without delay to allow the pancake to puff up properly.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until the pancake has puffed up nicely and turned golden brown around the edges.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Top with your choice of powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup, or a squeeze of lemon to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- Do not open the oven door while the pancake is baking as this may cause it to deflate.
- For added flavor, you can mix a pinch of cinnamon into the batter before baking.
