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Dutch Baby Pancake

Recipe Level: Easy

A Dutch baby pancake is basically a cross between a crepe and a pancake if you ask me. It's a puffed up pancake that's baked in the oven and rises with the magic of eggs, creating a spongy popover treat that's dusted with powdered sugar, lemon zest, fruit and syrup. This will be the easiest and most rewarding breakfast recipe you'll ever make!

Baked by Alie Romano

Professional Baker and Recipe Developer

* For best results, read the entire article. Every step matters, and I’ll provide helpful tips along the way!

Dutch Baby Pancake

The beauty of a Dutch baby pancake is right when you pull it from the oven. It’s full of life, expressive and it always takes a different shape or form. Don’t be disappointed as it collapses as this is normal once it hits the cool air from leaving the oven. Enjoy its beauty while you can as it’s somewhat magical!

A Dutch baby pancake is a unique breakfast and a pure delight. It blends the characteristics of a crepe and a pancake into a fluffy, delicious creation. It’s a German pancake that will forever become a favourite for breakfast or brunch for the family!

Dutch Baby Pancake

Ingredients

Making a Dutch baby pancake is quite simple and very rewarding. You make your batter in a blender, clean up is a cinch and you bake the entire pancake right in a cast iron skillet!

  • All-purpose flour
  • Whole or 2% milk
  • Eggs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Lemon
  • Unsalted butter
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Salt
  • Icing sugar, maple syrup, jam, fresh berries for serving

How To Serve Your Dutch Baby Pancake

The most common way to serve a Dutch baby pancake is with icing sugar, fresh fruit and of course Canadian maple syrup! But you can have fun and play with toppings to create your own personal pancake. Here are few ideas;

Variations

Sweet Dutch Baby Pancakes:

  1. Classic Sweet: Top with icing/powdered sugar, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
  2. Fruit Medley: Add a variety of fresh fruits like berries, sliced bananas, or peaches. Drizzle with honey or Canadian maple syrup.
  3. Nutella Delight: Spread Nutella over the pancake and top with sliced strawberries or bananas. Finish with a dusting of icing/powdered sugar.
  4. Caramelized Apple: Cook apple slices in butter and brown sugar until caramelized. Place them on top of the pancake and sprinkle with cinnamon.
  5. Peaches and Cream: Top with sliced peaches, a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  6. Other: Lemon curd, blueberry compote, jams; apricot, plum, mixed berry, chocolate sauce, applesauce, etc.

Savory Dutch Baby Pancakes:

  1. Ham and Cheese: Fold diced ham and shredded cheese into the batter before baking. Top with more cheese and fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
  2. Spinach and Feta: Sauté spinach with garlic until wilted and mix into the batter along with crumbled feta cheese. Serve with a dollop of tzatziki.
  3. Mushroom and Goat Cheese: Sauté mushrooms with onions and thyme until golden brown. Sprinkle over the baked pancake along with crumbled goat cheese.
  4. Smoked Salmon: Top the pancake with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and fresh dill.
  5. Caprese Style: Layer sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese on top of the pancake. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Dutch Baby Pancake

Dutch Baby Pancake Tips

  1. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature. This will help create a smooth, lump free batter.
  2. It’s very important to let the batter rest before using it. This helps the flour absorb into the liquid and lets the glutens relax. Don’t skip this step!
  3. Don’t put your pancake batter in the fridge, leave it at room temperature to rest. This will help create the ‘puff‘ in the oven.
  4. You want that cast iron skillet hot, hot, hot before adding your batter!
  5. Pour the batter steadily and quickly into the hot buttery cast iron skillet and immediately pop it back into the oven. Don’t waste any time getting it back into the oven or you’ll have an unevenly baked pancake.
  6. This isn’t really a tip, but it’s important to note that your Dutch baby pancake will deflate and fast, so don’t stress when it happens (that’s exactly what it is supposed to do).
  7. The smaller the cast iron pan the puffier your pancake will be (but don’t go crazy). Just know that if you have a large skillet and you didn’t see much of a ‘puff’ it may be because your pan was too big.
Dutch Baby Pancake

Why Use a Cast Iron Skillet?

How many of you own a cast iron skillet?  And how many of you actually use it? It seems to be common in the cooking world, and you either love it or you are afraid of it. It’s the main ‘hero’ in your kitchen or it sits there gathering dust because you don’t understand the ‘rules’ of cleaning or not cleaning it, how the seasoning process works and man, is it heavy!

But let me tell you, baking in a cast iron skillet is perfection! The heat is distributed evenly throughout the pan making for a perfect baked good every time.  The best part for me is watching butter dance on a hot skillet and the aromas of nutty burnt butter that fills the air (trust me there’s no going back after that).

Caring for a Cast Iron Skillet

  • To clean your skillet use warm water and a scraper to get any stuck on bits.
  • Avoid using dish soap as it will remove your seasoned coating.
  • Make sure to thoroughly dry your skillet before putting it away to avoid rusting. Use a paper towel.
  • Don’t put a cast iron skillet in the dishwasher, ever!
  • Season your skillet every so often. Click here to learn how.

How To Make a Dutch Baby Pancake

Step One: Make your batter by blending your ingredients in a blender. Let the batter rest for 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat your cast iron pan in the oven. Once ready, remove the pan, add butter and swirl the butter until melted. Pour the batter into the hot pan and place back in the oven.

Step Two: Remove your pancake once puffed and browned. Add fresh fruit, lemon zest and icing sugar. Serve warm.

Dutch Baby Pancake
Dutch Baby Pancake
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Dutch Baby Pancake

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4.9 from 14 reviews

Making a Dutch baby pancake is quite simple and very rewarding. It’s a puffed up – crepe like pancake. It’s baked in the oven and rises with the magic of eggs, creating a spongy popover treat that’s dusted with powdered sugar, lemon zest, fruit and syrup. This recipe uses an 8 – 9 inch cast iron skillet.

  • Author: Alie Romano
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup whole or 2% milk, at room temperature
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • zest of 1 small lemon, extra for garnishing
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Icing sugar, maple syrup, jam, fresh berries for serving

Instructions

  1. In a blender (or food processor) add flour, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, salt and lemon zest. Blend all ingredients together, scrape down the sides and make sure all the flour is incorporated.
  2. Leave the batter in the blender to rest for 20 – 25 minutes. This gives the flour time to rest and absorb the liquid.
  3. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425ËšF.
  4. Place an 8 or 10-inch cast iron skillet in the middle rack of the oven to heat up.
  5. Once the batter has rested remove the skillet from the oven (using oven mitts) and place it on top of the stove. Add the butter and swirl the pan to melt and coat the entire pan (bottom and sides of the skillet). Be very careful as the pan will be extremely hot.
  6. Pour the batter on top of the butter. Place the skillet back in the oven.
  7. Bake for 18 – 20 minutes or until puffed, lightly browned across the top, and dark brown on the edges.
  8. Dust with icing sugar and add extra lemon zest.
  9. Cut into wedges and serve with fruit, whipping cream, maple syrup or jam.
  10. Serve hot.

Notes

An 8-inch cast iron skillet will give you a more ‘puffed up’ and thicker pancake and a 10-inch will be flatter. 

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 of 6
  • Calories: 185
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 474mg
  • Fat: 8.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 21.1g
  • Fiber: 0.4g
  • Protein: 5.4g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Did you make this recipe?

Write a review and let me know!

Share a photo and tag me on Instagram @bakingforfriends_

I can’t wait to see what you’ve made! xo alie

FAQ’s

What is a Dutch baby pancake?

A Dutch baby pancake is basically a cross between a crepe and a pancake. It’s a puffed up pancake that’s baked in the oven at a high temperature and rises with the magic of eggs, creating a spongy popover treat that’s dusted with powdered sugar.

Why is my Dutch baby pancake deflating?

A Dutch baby pancake is made with eggs and cooked at high heat which causes the eggs to puff up. Once pulled from the oven and at room temperature, the pancake will start to deflate. This is normal and exactly how the dutch pancake reacts; it’s part of the charm.

How do I store a Dutch baby pancake?

Dutch baby pancakes are best enjoyed hot out of the oven. Store any leftovers in the fridge covered in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave as needed.

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Denise Chow
Denise Chow
6 years ago
Rating :
     

This looks sooo gooooooooood. I’m coming over!






Amy Heffernan
Amy Heffernan
6 years ago

This would be amazing to win! I have always wanted a cast iron frying pan! Thanks!

JM
JM
6 years ago

Iron skillets are simply the best! And I must make this Dutch pancake. This will make the perfect Christmas breakfast. Thank you so much for posting.

ivy pluchinsky
ivy pluchinsky
6 years ago

What a great gift this would be for my mom, she loves to cook and bake.

Gwendolyn Jordan
Gwendolyn Jordan
6 years ago

I love iron skillets

Shannon
Shannon
6 years ago
Rating :
     

Awesome recipe. Thanks, Alex!






Bobbie Smith
Bobbie Smith
6 years ago

I just love to cook and I have been wanting an iron skillet for the longest time! I have heard great things about this brand also. BTW your pancake recipe looks amazing

kathy m
kathy m
6 years ago
Rating :
     

This sounds so good! May try it for family gathering around the holidays! Thanks for sharing this great recipe and information on cooking with cast iron!






melanie huttner
melanie huttner
6 years ago
Rating :
     

That looks delicious! I’ve always wanted a cast iron skillet!






Cathy Oppedisano
Cathy Oppedisano
6 years ago

Who could resist a Calphalon and the photos of your food tempting creations.

Keri Justice
Keri Justice
6 years ago

I’ve never made a Dutch pancake, but it looks amazing! I’ll have to make one.

Heather S
Heather S
6 years ago
Rating :
     

This Dutch Pancake is amazing!






Rose Hurtado
Rose Hurtado
6 years ago
Rating :
     

I do not have one but would love a Cast iron skillet. I love cooking so I know I would use it a lot. Thank you so much for this amazing chance.






Elena
Elena
6 years ago
Rating :
     

Lovely recipe and lovely photos! I so wish I was there when the Dutch pancake was being made 🙂 looks delicious! I don’t have a cast iron skillet but I do have a collection of recipes that call for one on Pinterest. Looking forward to seeing other cast iron recipes on your blog!






Melinda
Melinda
6 years ago

My family would love this recipe!

kristen visser
kristen visser
6 years ago
Rating :
     

oh my gosh. Instant craving! those look delish






Min K
Min K
6 years ago

Unenameled cast iron always seemed too much trouble but I’d like to try one.

Kiera Yaniga
Kiera Yaniga
6 years ago
Rating :
     

Yum these are always so delicious! Thanks for the recipe.






Heidi c.
Heidi c.
6 years ago

I have always wanted to have a good iron skillet like this one.

Sab Edwards
Sab Edwards
6 years ago
Rating :
     

I always get a craving for crepes at night and pancakes in the a.m.






Meg Tucker
Meg Tucker
6 years ago
Rating :
     

Aren’t these skillets the best?! I have to say this recipe and the photos are drool worthy no doubt!






Jodie Rector
Jodie Rector
6 years ago
Rating :
     

I love baking in cast iron. This recipe is so yummy!






Krista M
Krista M
6 years ago

I have never owned a cast iron skillet. I’ve always wanted to have one because so many recipes use one & it’s just not the same using a regular frying pan. Plus they last forever!

Bailey Dexter
Bailey Dexter
6 years ago
Rating :
     

Wow, pre season cast iron, never knew they could be bought ! Thanks for the recipe!






Nadia Martin
Nadia Martin
6 years ago

Pancakes are my favorite breakfast food ! They are so good !

donna porter
donna porter
6 years ago
Rating :
     

This is so delicious!






denise smith
denise smith
6 years ago
Rating :
     

this would be so great we eat pancakes every Saturday for breakfast






Heather
Heather
6 years ago

Awesome giveaway Al! Proud of you! 😘

Susan West
Susan West
6 years ago
Rating :
     

I simply love this! I had my grandmothers cast iron skillet and it somehow disappeared. I am keeping this recipe because it’s sooo good.






Nadya LeMoon
Nadya LeMoon
6 years ago
Rating :
     

Such a wonderful recipe!






Kelly J Wach
Kelly J Wach
6 years ago

I have a Cast Iron pan and I love it, can’t wait to create this yummy desert to go with dinner.

carla l ball
carla l ball
6 years ago
Rating :
     

Noting better then cooking with cast iron.






Erin
Erin
6 years ago
Rating :
     

I have made dutch babies but I don’t think I’ve ever made anything quite like this! It’s incredible (and your photography is simply stunning!)






Brenda Haines
Brenda Haines
6 years ago

I have never made a Dutch pancake, but they look so good! Thanks for this recipe.

stella methvin
stella methvin
6 years ago

this sounds yummy and easy to make. I will have to give it a try

Carol M
Carol M
6 years ago
Rating :
     

Thanks for this recipe! Perfection every time!






Alex
Alex
6 years ago

Count me in as one of those people who owns a cast iron skillet and is afraid of it! I read somewhere that before using it you should decide if it will be a dessert skillet or a savoury skillet… cause you don’t want the bacon you fried up affecting the taste of your peach cobbler (or maybe you do?). I’ve been so torn with my decision on whether it should be a sweet or savoury iron skillet, that I’ve just completely avoided using it!

This dutch pancake might just sway me 🙂

Joel MacMillan
Joel MacMillan
2 years ago
Rating :
     

This recipe is absolutely delicious! Since this was posted, I feel like we’ve made this Dutch Baby once a week! Thanks to the recipe being so thoroughly broken down, it takes no time at all to whip this Baby together!
We’ve tried pairing it with both fruits AND a salted chocolate drizzle. Both are delicious with a side of maple syrup. The lemon zest that the recipe suggests, is an absolutely must! It really helps bring out the tasty pastry flavour.
So thankfully for the recipe staple!






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Alie

I'm a professional baker, recipe developer & photographer behind Baking For Friends. I specialize in classic & comforting baking. I hope you enjoy the recipes & find inspiration of your own to bring your family & friends together over home-cooked food!

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