Baked German Pancake

Golden, fluffy, and dramatically puffed, the Baked German Pancake—also known as a Dutch baby—is a show-stopping breakfast or brunch dish that’s as easy as it is impressive. Made with simple pantry staples and baked in a hot skillet, it rises beautifully in the oven before collapsing into a tender, custardy center with crispy, buttery edges. Serve it with powdered sugar, lemon juice, fresh fruit, or syrup for a stunning start to the day.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Whip it up in 5 minutes and let the oven do the work.
Puffy & Dramatic – It rises impressively in the oven for that “wow” factor.
Versatile Toppings – Sweet or savory, dress it up your way.
Few Ingredients – Made with pantry basics—flour, eggs, and milk.
Perfect for Brunch – A crowd-pleaser that feels fancy without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pancake:
3 large eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup whole milk
1 tbsp granulated sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for the skillet)

For Serving:
Powdered sugar
Fresh berries or sliced fruit
Lemon juice
Maple syrup or honey

Tools You’ll Need
10- or 12-inch oven-safe skillet (cast iron preferred)
Blender or mixing bowl and whisk
Oven mitts
Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Skillet

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place a 10- to 12-inch skillet in the oven while it heats. This ensures the butter melts instantly and the pancake rises well.

Step 2: Blend the Batter

1. In a blender, combine eggs, flour, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
2. Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.
3. If using a bowl, whisk vigorously to ensure no lumps.
4. Let the batter rest while the oven finishes preheating (about 5–10 minutes).

Step 3: Add Butter to the Hot Skillet

1. Carefully remove the hot skillet using oven mitts.
2. Add butter and swirl until completely melted and the skillet is coated.

Step 4: Bake the Pancake

1. Pour the batter into the hot, buttered skillet.
2. Immediately return it to the oven.
3. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the pancake is puffed, golden, and slightly browned at the edges.
4. Don’t open the oven door early—it may collapse.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

1. Remove from oven; the pancake will begin to deflate slightly—this is normal.
2. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with lemon juice or syrup.
3. Add fruit, whipped cream, or other toppings of choice.
4. Slice and serve warm.

Tips for the Best German Pancake
Preheat the Pan – This helps the pancake puff dramatically.
Use Room Temp Ingredients – Helps the batter blend smoothly and rise evenly.
Don’t Open the Oven – Keep the door closed for full rise and crispy edges.
Blend or Whisk Well – A lump-free batter is key to the right texture.
Serve Immediately – It deflates as it cools but still tastes amazing.

Topping Ideas
Classic – Powdered sugar and lemon juice
Berry Bliss – Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and maple syrup
Nutty Banana – Sliced bananas, chopped pecans, and honey
Apple Cinnamon – Sautéed apples with cinnamon and brown sugar
Savory – Skip the sugar, add cheese, herbs, or sautéed veggies

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat:
Oven: Warm at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, but it may lose some crispness.

Freeze:
Not ideal—texture changes when thawed, but it can be done in a pinch. Wrap tightly in foil or a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 1 month.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did my pancake deflate?
   That’s normal! It puffs in the oven and deflates slightly as it cools.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Use a plant-based milk and butter alternative.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, but use a larger skillet or bake in two pans.

Final Thoughts
The Baked German Pancake is an effortless yet elegant breakfast that feels special every time you make it. Whether you’re hosting brunch, treating the family, or just indulging in a cozy morning, this recipe is bound to become a go-to. Puffy, golden, and endlessly customizable, it’s a beautiful balance of crisp edges and custardy centers you’ll crave again and again.

Make it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: German-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 200 | Protein: 7g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 11g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 150mg

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