There’s something so comforting about coming home on a cold evening and pulling a golden, puffed pancake straight from the oven. Tonight’s dinner was exactly that — a German Pancake, also known as a Dutch Baby — warm, buttery, and beautifully simple. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet takes only minutes to make, which makes it perfect for weeknights after work.
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Why You’ll Love This German Pancake
This recipe checks every box for busy evenings:
- Quick to make: Just blend, pour, and bake — that’s it!
- Minimal cleanup: Everything happens in one pan.
- Comforting and cozy: It’s like a cross between a crepe and a popover — light, custardy, and slightly crisp around the edges.
- Versatile: Serve it sweet or savory depending on your mood!
And honestly? The smell of butter browning in the oven as the pancake puffs up is reason enough to make this recipe.
What Does a German Pancake Taste Like?
Imagine a buttery, slightly eggy, tender pancake with crispy edges and a soft, custardy center. It’s not too sweet — just the right canvas for powdered sugar, syrup, fruit, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Every bite feels like breakfast, dessert, and dinner comfort all in one.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Perfect for busy nights — only 5 minutes of prep!
- Budget-friendly — uses everyday pantry ingredients.
- Great source of protein from the eggs.
- Elegant enough for brunch but cozy enough for dinner.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Dash of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Syrup of your choice (maple, berry, or caramel)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large cast iron skillet or 9x13-inch baking pan
- Blender (or a whisk and bowl if you prefer)
- Oven mitts
- Spatula for serving
Optional Additions & Substitutions
- Add fresh fruit: sliced apples, peaches, or berries.
- Try a savory twist: skip the vanilla, and top with cheese and herbs.
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and almond milk.
- Gluten-free? Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
How to Make the German Pancake
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Melt the butter: Place butter in a large cast iron skillet or cake pan, and let it melt in the oven while preheating.
- Blend the batter: In a blender, combine eggs, milk, flour, salt, and vanilla. Blend until smooth and frothy.
- Pour and bake: Carefully remove the hot pan with melted butter. Pour the batter directly into the butter (it’ll sizzle slightly!).
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
- Serve immediately — dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with your favorite syrup.
Pro tip: The pancake will deflate a little after coming out of the oven — totally normal!
What to Serve With It
- Fresh fruit or compote
- Crisp bacon or sausage
- A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
- Hot coffee or tea for the perfect cozy combo
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature eggs and milk for the best rise.
- Don’t open the oven door while baking — it needs steady heat to puff up.
- If you love caramelized edges, leave it in for an extra 2 minutes.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, or enjoy cold with fruit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can blend the batter a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Just stir before baking.
Q: Why did my pancake deflate?
A: That’s normal! It puffs up dramatically in the oven but settles into a custardy texture once it cools.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes — use a 9x13 pan for double the batter and bake a few minutes longer.
In Conclusion
This German Pancake is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With a handful of ingredients and one skillet, you get a golden, puffed masterpiece that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner after work.
If you enjoyed this recipe, try my Peach Dutch Baby with Brown Sugar Butter or Cinnamon Apple Oven Pancake next — they’re just as easy and equally delicious!
Join the Conversation
Did you make this recipe? 🌟
Leave a review, share your photos on Pinterest, and tag them with #Mmmrecipes — I’d love to see your beautiful puffy pancakes!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~230
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 3g
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