The Dutch Baby (also called a German Pancake) is a delicious puffy breakfast bread that tastes like a cross between a crepe and a pancake!
This Dutch baby pancake recipe is so simple to make that my kids have started fixing them for afternoon snack! They’re super delicious with a dusting of powdered sugar and a cup of mocha peppermint coffee.
Dutch Baby
Dutch Baby
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Dutch Baby Ingredients
- Butter – I like salted, but you can use unsalted if preferred.
- Eggs – Large eggs.
- Flour – All purpose (not self-rising).
- Milk – Whole milk works best.
- Sugar – Granulated for the batter and powdered for topping.
- Vanilla – Real vanilla extract, not imitation.
- Salt – Granulated.
How do you make dutch baby pancakes? (step-by-step)
⭐ First, put butter into an oven safe skillet, and place into a hot oven to melt.
⭐ Next, while butter is melting, combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse until well mixed and there are no lumps.
⭐ Then, when butter has melted, remove skillet from oven. Pour batter into the warm pan and return to oven.
⭐ Finally, bake until pancake is puffy and golden brown.
Preparation
What makes a Dutch baby rise?
It rises when the milk and eggs in the batter cook and create steam, this is also why it falls when done cooking and the steam escapes!
Can you make Dutch baby pancakes ahead of time?
Yes, but they really are best fresh from the oven. That said if I had to choose between one made yesterday or none at all, I would definitely choose the one made ahead!
You can make them a few days ahead and store in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Enjoy cold or heated up in the toaster oven or microwave.
Do you have to use cast iron to make a Dutch baby?
No, while I prefer the cast iron skillet for the look, any 10 – 12 inch pan will work. You can even use a small casserole dish.
Leftovers and storage
How do you store leftover Dutch babies?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 – 5 days. If possible, store without fruit or toppings as those will make them soggy. And whenever you can enjoy them fresh from the oven!
Can a Dutch pancake be frozen?
Yes, allow it to cool completely then store in a freezer safe, airtight container for 2 – 3 months. Freeze without toppings. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in an oven, toaster oven, or microwave, then garnish as desired.
Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions
What is a Dutch baby?
This dish is the perfect cross between a pancake and a crepe. Crispy on the edges, thicker and slightly custardy in the middle, it’s the perfect way to start your morning.
Is a German pancake the same thing as a Dutch baby?
Yes! The German pancake (called as such because the dish originated in Germany) is essentially the same thing as a Dutch baby, and the names are considered interchangeable.
Why do they call it a Dutch baby?
The name “Dutch baby” was made popular by an American restaurant owner who mis-translated the word “Deutsch” (which means German). Baby was added to the end because the restaurant served a miniature version.
What is the difference between a Dutch baby and a Yorkshire pudding?
Dutch baby and Yorkshire pudding are very similar, the main differences being a yorkshire pudding uses animal fat instead of butter, it isn’t sweetened, and it is cooked in muffin tins versus a larger pan.
Dutch baby toppings
🍓 Fresh berries and powdered sugar
🍑 Sliced fresh or canned peaches and honey
🍫 Chocolate ganache or butterscotch ganache
What to eat with dutch baby pancakes (serving suggestions)
Oh, breakfast food is my favorite! We love to serve these alongside avocado toast, chia pudding, and poached eggs. You can also make savory Dutch pancakes by skipping the sugar and topping them with chicken salad for a yummy lunch!
Other pancake recipes to enjoy
More awesome breakfast recipes
- Ham and potato bake
- Strawberry rolls
- Fried eggs with spinach and sweet peppers
- Easy roasted plantains
- See all our breakfast ideas!
Tools we love
- Cast iron set – My cast iron dishes get used every day. They’re great and will last for generations.
- Ninja blender set – I’ve had this set for several years and it’s a workhorse!
Dutch Baby
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How to Make a Dutch Baby
Dutch Baby
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 large eggs
- ⅔ cup all purpose flour
- ⅔ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- toppings fruit, chocolate, spreads, powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Put butter into 12" oven safe skillet, and place in oven to melt.
- While butter is melting, combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse until well mixed and there are no lumps.
- Once butter has melted, remove skillet from oven. Pour batter into the warm pan and return to oven.
- Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, until pancake is puffy and golden brown.
- Top as desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Dutch Baby
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Betsy Baker says
One of my absolute favorite pancakes! So delicate, yet incredibly rich! I absolutely adore this with strawberries. It’s a great treat, perfect for weekend brunches!
Beth says
Yummy! My teens and I loved this recipe! SO delicious and yummy! I will definitely be making this again!
Kristyn says
My family loves when I make these!! They all like adding different toppings! They are so light & airy!