If you are searching for a breakfast treat that feels both indulgent and effortlessly impressive, look no further than this German Pancakes Recipe. This delightfully fluffy, oven-baked pancake puffs up with a golden crust and a tender center, making each bite a perfect combination of light and rich. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a dish that tastes like it belongs in a fancy brunch café but is so easy, it’ll become a staple in your home. The gentle sweetness, subtle vanilla aroma, and that beautiful puffiness make this recipe a joy to prepare and devour any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients; each one plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and flavor of your German pancakes. From the eggs lending structure and puffiness to the vanilla extract adding a warm note, these essentials come together effortlessly.
- 6 large eggs: The powerhouse for that dramatic puff and airy texture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives the pancake body and balance.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to brighten the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides a lovely aromatic hint that elevates the dish.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Used in the pan to create a rich, golden crust.
- Powdered sugar (for serving): A classic dusting for that pretty, sweet finish.
- Lemon wedges, maple syrup, or fresh fruit: Optional toppings that bring freshness and additional layers of flavor.
How to Make German Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the butter inside a 9×13-inch baking dish and put the dish in the oven as it heats up. This will melt the butter and get the pan shimmering hot, which is essential for a beautifully crisp bottom and edges on your German pancake.
Step 2: Blend the Batter
While the oven is warming, combine the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend everything together for 20 to 30 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and slightly frothy. This step ensures your German pancake batter has the perfect consistency for rising dramatically in the oven.
Step 3: Pour and Bake
Carefully remove the piping hot baking dish from the oven. Swirl the melted butter to coat the bottom and sides evenly. Immediately pour your blended batter into this hot, buttery dish. Return it to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, you’ll see the pancake puff up like magic and develop a gorgeous golden crust around the edges.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Once baked, pull your German pancake from the oven and let it cool for just a few minutes. This pause helps it settle and makes slicing easier. Finish by dusting with powdered sugar and serve with lemon wedges, syrup, or fresh fruit for a sparkling burst of flavor and color.
How to Serve German Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your German Pancakes Recipe immensely. A generous dusting of powdered sugar gives a snowy finish that looks irresistible. Bright lemon wedges add a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness superbly. For those craving sweetness, a drizzle of maple syrup or a handful of fresh berries can turn each bite into a memorable feast.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with classic breakfast sides like crispy bacon or savory sausage links for a wonderful balance of flavors. Fresh fruit salad or yogurt adds a refreshing note that complements the pancake’s light texture. If you’re aiming for a heartier brunch, a spinach salad or roasted potatoes make lovely companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful when serving your German pancakes by folding slices around dollops of whipped cream and berries for a stunning presentation. Alternatively, try making mini versions in muffin tins for individual servings that are perfect for entertaining or brunch buffets. Adding a scoop of ice cream or a sprinkle of toasted nuts creates delightful texture contrasts worth trying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover German pancakes keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Simply cover loosely with foil or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated for a quick breakfast treat.
Freezing
If you want to go even further, you can freeze German pancakes by layering parchment paper between slices and storing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to one month to enjoy later without losing the pancake’s lovely texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your pancake slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the edges crisp and appetizing.
FAQs
What makes German pancakes puff up so much?
The high egg content combined with the hot oven and pan causes the batter to rise dramatically. The steam that forms inside the batter during baking inflates the pancake, creating its signature puff.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative for the pan. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and puffed.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour. Just be mindful that the texture may change slightly depending on the blend you choose.
Why do German pancakes deflate after baking?
It’s completely normal for German pancakes to puff up during baking and then deflate as they cool. The structure is held up by steam, which escapes once removed from the oven, causing the pancake to settle gently.
Can I add toppings before baking?
While it’s best to add toppings after baking to keep them fresh, you can sprinkle some fruit like blueberries on top of the batter before baking for a fun touch. Avoid heavy or watery toppings that could weigh down the batter.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about mastering a German Pancakes Recipe that feels fancy but is so simple and quick to pull together. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a weekday treat, the way this pancake puffs and browns in the oven brings smiles every time. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and add your own creative twists—the joy is in sharing this delightful dish with family and friends around the table.
Print
German Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic German Pancakes recipe, also known as Dutch babies, delivers a light, fluffy, and puffed oven-baked pancake perfect for an easy and impressive breakfast or brunch. Made with simple pantry staples and baked to golden perfection, it’s delightfully served with powdered sugar, lemon wedges, syrup, or fresh fruit for a delicious start to your day.
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Cooking and Serving
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the pan)
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
- Lemon wedges (optional for topping)
- Maple syrup or fresh fruit (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and put it in the oven while it preheats until the butter melts and the dish is hot.
- Make the Batter: In a blender, combine 6 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 20 to 30 seconds.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven and swirl the melted butter to coat the bottom and sides evenly. Pour the blended batter into the hot dish immediately, then return it to the oven.
- Bake and Puff: Bake the pancake for 20 to 25 minutes until it is puffed up dramatically and golden brown around the edges.
- Serve: Remove the pancake from the oven, let it cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar. Slice and serve with lemon wedges, maple syrup, or fresh fruit as desired.
Notes
- German pancakes puff dramatically when baking and will fall slightly after removal from the oven; this is completely normal and expected.
- To make mini German pancakes, use a muffin tin instead of a baking dish for individual servings.
- Serving with lemon wedges and powdered sugar creates a traditional flavor pairing, but feel free to customize with syrup or fresh fruits.
