Easy Dutch Baby Pancake Recipe- Entertaining with Beth (2024)

byBeth Le Manach

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One of my favorite breakfast recipes on a lazy weekend morning is this Dutch Baby Pancake Recipe. It’s so easy to make and chances are you probably have most of the ingredients already on hand. A Dutch baby is a puffy pancake baked up in sizzling butter in a cast-iron skillet. But you can also bake them in cake pans or a regular oven-safe skillet. Or for savory, individual portions try my Popovers Recipe!

This recipe is also great for visiting house guests because it bakes up quickly and guests are always impressed by it! Top with fresh lemon juice, powdered sugar, and a few fresh blueberries on top.

Easy Dutch Baby Pancake Recipe- Entertaining with Beth (1)

Suggested Menu Pairings

  • Kick things off with my Christmas Morning Brunch Punch or my Healthy Breakfast Smoothies
  • For a healthy bit of protein and fruit try my Puffy Egg Bake, or my Egg Souffle
  • For a sweet finish try myBlueberry Lemon Scones or my Strawberry Lemon Muffins

Ingredients:

  • Eggs You’ll need two eggs for this recipe
  • Milk I think whole milk works a bit better. It gives the Dutch baby a bit more structure and prevents it from deflating quickly
  • Flour Regular all-purpose flour is all you need
  • Butter I use Land O’ Lakes salted butter for this recipe. I think you get the best flavor that way.
  • Vanilla Extract I prefer to use vanilla extract over sugar in this recipe, because it gives sweetness and flavor.
  • Salt to heighten the flavors
  • Lemon is squeezed on the pancake after its baked
  • Powdered Sugar sweetens the lemon juice and pairs beautifully with the blueberries
  • Blueberries are wonderful served on top, but you could also use raspberries, blackberries or strawberries too.
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How do you make Dutch baby pancakes?

  • Dutch baby pancakes are easy to put together because they only take one bowl and a whisk! No blender needed!
  • You’ll pre-heat the skillet in the oven, with the butter, and then once it’s sizzling, you’ll add the batter and close the oven door and watch as this pancake will rise over the skillet’s edge and puff up to great heights.
  • But you need to work fast since they are best enjoyed straight out of the oven. So make sure everyone is seated before you present this pancake to the table since they will deflate the longer they sit.
  • But even if they do deflate they still taste delicious!

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Step#1: Whisk up the Pancake Batter

  • To make the batter you will whisk up a simple mixture of flour, milk, eggs, sugar and vanilla extract. The melted butter will be waiting for you in a pre-heated skillet.
  • I like to start by whisking the flour and with the milk first, this is the same technique I use for my Foolproof French Crepe Recipe and it helps to prevent any lumps!
  • This also alleviates the need for using a blender! No need!
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Step#2: Melt the Butter in the Cast-Iron Skillet

  • Traditionally Dutch baby pancakes are made in cast-iron because the heat is so even and it keeps the butter sizzling while you add the batter in the next stage.
  • I like to use a 9-inch red enamel cast-iron pan for this because it’s the perfect size for a high, puffy Dutch baby. The larger the skillet (10-inches+) the thinner the pancake will be and the less puffy it will be.
  • The cast-iron also helps keep the pancake hot while it’s at the table which prevents it from cooling down too quickly, and deflating.
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Can you make a Dutch baby pancake without a cast-iron skillet?

  • Yes, you can also make a Dutch baby in a metal cake pan that is 9“. Just follow the same instructions as if it were a skillet.
  • Or you can also use an oven-safe non-stick pan as well. Just be sure the handle is not plastic.
  • Your Dutch baby will be more puffy if you use a smaller pan, 9-inches, as oppose to a larger 10-inch pan.
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Step#3: Pouring in the Batter

  • If it’s easier, you may opt to transfer the batter into a Pyrex pitcher to prevent any spills.
  • Once your batter is made, you will carefully pour it into a hot skillet, sizzling with butter, and bake until cooked through and the pancake is puffed up.
  • Once the batter is in, close the oven door and don’t open it until it’s done! Otherwise, the pancake will deflate.
  • It’s best to wait until you can see it’s really puffed up and golden brown. This can take anywhere from 18-22 minutes.
  • The more well done it is, the less eggy it will be, and the more pancake-like the texture will be. It will also hold its shape longer the longer you let it bake.
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How to Know When Your Pancake is Done?

  • Make sure the edges are really golden brown and crispy before removing the pancake from the oven.
  • This will ensure that the center is cooked through and isn’t too eggy. Assuring doneness will also prevent it from deflating too quickly.
  • The longer you let it bake 20-22 minutes the puffier and more stable the Dutch baby will be.

Step#4: Prepare the Garnishes

  • While the pancake is in the oven, prepare your garnishes and set them on the table, that way you can dive in right away once it’s done!
  • I like to offer fresh lemon wedges, powdered sugar, and fresh blueberries.
  • Also be sure the coffee is poured, and everyone is seated at the table. Since this pancake waits for no-one. It needs to be enjoyed immediately right after it comes out of the oven.

Serving Ideas:

  • I love to serve these pancakes with fresh lemon juice and powdered sugar. But you could also serve them with jam, fresh berries, and whipped cream too.
  • You can omit the vanilla extract and instead add 1 teaspoon of freshly minced dill. And serve this as a savory Dutch baby with creme fraiche, smoked salmon and capers.
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More Brunch Recipes!

  • Apple Cider Pancakes
  • Banana Pancakes with Bruleed Bananas
  • Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
  • Oat flour Pancakes with Bananas and Blueberries

Please let me know if you make this recipe

by leaving a rating and review below

Easy Dutch Baby Pancake Recipe- Entertaining with Beth (9)

Dutch Baby Pancake

Yield: 6 slices

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

One of my favorite breakfast treats on a lazy weekend morning is this Dutch Baby Pancake Recipe! And I bet you already have most of the ingredients already on-hand!

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (60 g) of flour
  • ¼ tsp (1.75ml) salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) of milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp (7g) powdered sugar to garnish
  • 1 pint fresh blueberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven to 400F (200C)
  2. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour and the milk until smooth, then add the eggs, salt, and vanilla. Whisk to combine and then set aside.
  3. Place butter in an oven-safe skillet, place the skillet in the preheated oven. Watch pan closely and once butter is sizzling, pour batter into pan. Shut the door (do not open it!) and allow the pancake to bake for 18-22 mins.
  4. Remove from oven, and dust with powdered sugar, a squeeze of lemon juice and top with fresh blueberries.
  5. Cut into wedges and serve. With fresh lemon wedges (or raspberry jam)

Notes

The pancake deflates quickly! So be sure everyone is at the table before you take it out and present it!

You can make the batter the night before and then all you have to do s pour into the hot skillet and bake!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 140Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 91mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 5g

Easy Dutch Baby Pancake Recipe- Entertaining with Beth (2024)

FAQs

Why did my Dutch baby pancake not rise? ›

There are two main culprits to flat, sad Dutch baby pancakes: Your oven wasn't hot enough. The hotter your oven, the more puffed your Dutch baby pancake will be. Make sure to preheat the oven for at least 10 minutes before baking the batter.

Do you have to use a cast iron skillet for a Dutch baby? ›

The pan doesn't have to be cast iron; you can use any oven-safe pan or baking dish of a similar size. I've even done them in a pie dish!

What is another name for a Dutch baby pancake? ›

A Dutch baby pancake, sometimes called a German pancake, a Bismarck, a Dutch puff, Hooligan, or a Hootenanny, is a dish that is similar to a large Yorkshire pudding.

What is a Dutch baby at the original Pancake House? ›

The Dutch Baby is another Original Pancake House exclusive. Like the Apple Pancake it is made from fresh German batter, but there are no apples or cinnamon sugar. This delicacy bakes up into a large puff in the oven and is served to you immediately. It will deflate right before your eyes just like the Apple Pancake.

How do I get my Dutch baby to rise? ›

Like popovers and Yorkshire pudding, the thing that gives Dutch babies their signature puff is steam. In order for that steam to work the pancake into its signature peaks and valleys, you need two things: enough air in a well-developed batter and a piping-hot pan and oven.

Why does my Dutch baby taste eggy? ›

This texture is a result of a thinner, more liquid batter that's poured into a hot skillet and baked in a high-temperature oven. The result? A puffy, golden delight that's a visual and textural delight. Flavour-wise, Dutch babies offer a more eggy and buttery taste compared to pancakes.

Why did my Dutch baby deflate? ›

Why did my Dutch Baby deflate? These pancakes emerge from the oven gloriously puffed, but deflate quite quickly. This is totally normal and to be expected. If you want to impress your brunch guests, make sure everyone is gathered to watch you remove it from the oven so they can see just how high and mighty it is!

What is another name for a Dutch baby? ›

Though “Dutch baby” is a frequently used moniker when referring to this giant pancake, it has also been referred to as a German pancake, a puffed pancake, a baked pancake, a Bismarck and even a giant Yorkshire pudding due to its resemblance.

Do I really need a cast iron Dutch oven? ›

A cast-iron Dutch oven will give you better results than an Instant Pot any day,” says Lance Nitahara, an assistant professor at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. In fact, this one pot can replace your slow cooker, stock pot, pasta pot, loaf pan, and deep fryer.

What do Southerners call pancakes? ›

Pancakes are sometimes called hoecakes in the South. Most Southerners are familiar with lacy cornbread, aka hot water cornbread. A hoecake is a rustic fried version of a pancake made with ground cornmeal.

What is the difference between Yorkshire pudding and Dutch baby pancake? ›

One such food argument that has crept up in the past has been between a Dutch baby and Yorkshire pudding. To those in the know, a Dutch baby really is just a large, puffy pancake, while Yorkshire pudding is a savory side dish that has graced meat-heavy meals in England for centuries.

What do British call pancakes? ›

In the UK, the word pancakes refers to the same thing, but the word flapjacks refers to something entirely different: a baked good made from oats, resembling what elsewhere may be called a granola bar or oat bar. The word flapjack is traced back to the late 1500s.

Why do they call it a Dutch baby? ›

The term “Dutch baby” was coined by an American restaurateur whose use of “Dutch” was a corruption of the word “Deutsch” (“German” in German). “Baby” referred to the fact that the restaurant served miniature versions.

What is a pancake in Dutch slang? ›

A pancake, just a typical Dutch dish. But it's also something you can call someone. An Ajax-fan (Ajax is the biggest football club in the Netherlands) made this one nationally popular in the 2000's when he called one of the most famous Dutch players, Marco van Basten, a pannenkoek.

What does a Dutch baby taste like? ›

Dutch Baby Pancakes taste like Crepes but in pancake form. The batter puffs up to form a billowy crust with a custard-like center. We also included instructions for making a Berry Dutch Baby and even a Double Dutch.

What makes pancakes not rise? ›

TIP: Make sure your baking powder is not out of date, or your pancakes won't rise as well. Combine wet ingredients together in a separate jug – this step is more important than you might think. The less you mix the batter, the fluffier your pancakes will be.

Why wont my pancakes bubble up? ›

You may not have turned up the heat on your burner or griddle high enough, or maybe you did not wait long enough for the cooking surface to heat up. You should be using medium heat for pancakes. Don't flip the pancake until bubbles in the center rise and pop without reforming new bubbles.

What causes pancakes not to be fluffy? ›

The first is that the batter is a bit runny. Add a little more flour (or mix) to make a thicker batter, and see if that fluffs up the pancakes. The other reason I can think of is that the leavening is either past its prime, or not getting enough time to work before cooking.

Why is my pancake not fluffy? ›

Making pancake and waffle batter ahead of time is a huge no-no and will lead to flat, dense results every time. Even letting your batter hang out for just a few minutes after you've mixed it before you start ladling it onto the griddle will lead to less fluffy results.

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