If you’ve ever wished for the perfect breakfast treat that’s fun, fluffy, and downright delicious, look no further than this Mini Oven‑Baked German Pancakes Recipe. These individual puffs of golden goodness bring all the delight of a traditional German pancake into perfectly portioned mini versions that puff beautifully in the oven and are super easy to make. They are crispy on the edges, tender inside, and just waiting for your favorite toppings to make each bite a mini celebration. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for a breakfast that’s both impressive and super simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients ready for this Mini Oven‑Baked German Pancakes Recipe is refreshing in its simplicity. Each one plays a key role in creating pancakes that rise just right, taste rich, and have that perfect balance of sweet and tender.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and lightness that make these pancakes puff up beautifully.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps create that tender crumb we love in German pancakes.
- 6 large eggs: The star ingredient that gives these mini pancakes their airy, custardy texture.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted: Gives richness and a slight crispness along the edges of each pancake.
- Optional toppings (powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries): Perfect finishes that add flavor, texture, and color to turn simple pancakes into a feast.
How to Make Mini Oven‑Baked German Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C), making sure it’s fully warmed up for a perfect puff. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly with butter or a light cooking spray to prevent any sticking and help those pancakes come out cleanly.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a blender or a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend or whisk everything together until the batter is silky smooth and free of lumps. This step is key because a smooth batter leads to the light puffiness and delightful custard texture inside.
Step 3: Incorporate the Melted Butter
Slowly add the melted butter to the batter while blending or whisking gently. This helps to evenly distribute the butter’s richness throughout, contributing to the gorgeous golden color and crisp edges after baking.
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Cups
Pour the batter carefully into each muffin cup, filling them about halfway so there’s room for the pancakes to rise and puff without overflowing. Each cup becomes its own little pocket of light, airy joy.
Step 5: Bake Until Puffy and Golden
Pop the tin into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Watch through the oven window as the pancakes dramatically puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown on top. This easy magic moment is what makes this Mini Oven‑Baked German Pancakes Recipe so much fun.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once done, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the pancakes cool just a bit. They will deflate slightly, which is perfectly normal and part of their charm. Now, they’re ready to be dressed up with your favorite toppings!
How to Serve Mini Oven‑Baked German Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
These mini pancakes are a beautiful canvas for a variety of garnishes. Feel free to sprinkle with powdered sugar for a delicate snowy finish, drizzle with warm maple syrup for sweetness, or add fresh berries to introduce a vibrant, juicy contrast that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve these delightful mini treats alongside crispy bacon or sausage links for a satisfying savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also complement their sweetness while adding freshness and texture to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, arrange these Mini Oven‑Baked German Pancakes Recipe bites on a large platter with a variety of colorful toppings within easy reach. Or make a stack drizzled with lemon curd and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant twist. These pancakes invite creativity and are sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mini German pancakes keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing to maintain that perfect texture and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
To enjoy these pancakes later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. This makes it super easy to enjoy a quick breakfast anytime.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated pancakes either in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the edges again. Avoid microwaving to keep their delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I make these pancakes without a blender?
Absolutely! You can whisk the ingredients in a mixing bowl by hand until smooth. Just make sure to whisk thoroughly to eliminate any lumps for the best puffiness and texture.
What makes these pancakes puff up in the oven?
The eggs and steam created during baking cause the batter to rise dramatically. Baking at a high temperature also helps set the structure quickly while giving the edges that perfect crispness.
Can I use alternative milk for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with plant-based options like almond or oat milk. The pancakes may be slightly different in texture but will still be delicious and puff up nicely.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure it contains a binder like xanthan gum for the best results.
How long can I leave the batter before baking?
For optimal rise, it’s best to bake the batter immediately after mixing. Letting it sit too long may cause the pancakes to be less puffy and tender.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Mini Oven‑Baked German Pancakes Recipe enough if you’re looking for a breakfast that’s both simple and extraordinary. Each bite brings a little bit of magic with its light texture and warm, buttery flavor. Whether for a cozy weekend morning or a brunch celebration, these mini pancakes are bound to delight anyone lucky enough to try them. Give them a whirl, and prepare to fall in love with your new breakfast favorite!
Print
Mini Oven‑Baked German Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mini Oven-Baked German Pancakes are a delightful twist on traditional pancakes, baked individually in a muffin tin for perfectly puffed, golden brown treats. Ready in under 30 minutes, they are light, fluffy, and easy to customize with your choice of toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries. Perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch with family and friends.
Ingredients
Basic Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 6 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix the batter: In a blender or mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend or whisk the mixture until the batter becomes smooth and free of lumps.
- Add melted butter: Gradually blend in the melted butter into the smooth batter until it is fully incorporated, ensuring a rich and tender pancake.
- Fill muffin cups: Pour the batter evenly into each muffin cup, filling them about halfway to allow room for the batter to puff up during baking.
- Bake the pancakes: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pancakes puff up and the tops turn golden brown.
- Cool the pancakes: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the pancakes cool slightly in the tin; they will deflate a bit, which is normal and expected.
- Serve: Carefully remove the mini pancakes from the tin and serve them warm with your choice of optional toppings such as powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries.
Notes
- Make sure to grease the muffin tin well to prevent sticking.
- Do not overfill the muffin cups to allow pancakes to puff up properly.
- Batter can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- These pancakes are best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
