Classic Dutch Baby Pancake Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

A simple combination of eggs, milk, flour, and sugar creates the most incredibly fluffy texture and crunchy edges in this classic Dutch Baby Pancake recipe. It’s like a pancake, popover, and crepe merged together in a cast-iron skillet to form the most delicious breakfast dish!

Easy Dutch Baby Pancake Recipe

Visiting family, someone announced they were going to make a Dutch baby.

“A Dutch baby?What in the world is that?!”

What Is a Dutch Baby Pancake?

A Dutch baby is an American popover that is baked in a cast-iron skillet in the oven from a simple combination of eggs, milk, flour, and sometimes cinnamon and sugar are added in.It is sometimes referred to as a German pancake or a Dutch puff and is served for breakfast, lunch, or dessert with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, fresh berries, lemon juice, and/or maple syrup.

It is indeed the most delightful treat when you’re craving something slightly sweet.And the best (or worst) part… it is SO easy to make with only a few pantry staples (that you probably already have on hand.

This recipe is delightfully fluffy with a soft texture that is irresistible… IF you follow the directions carefully.

Trust me, I made it DOZENS of times and it kept falling flat… until I learned a few simple tricks (like bringing your eggs to room temperature and using the correct size of cast-iron skillet!) This way you get a fluffy pancake that doesn’t spill over the edges!

Don’t miss this Savory Dutch Baby, as well!

Ingredients

• Eggs. Room-temperature eggs are crucial.Pull your eggs out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you are ready to prepare the batter.
• Flour. Either all-purpose flour or gluten-free 1-to-1 flour can be used interchangeably.
• Milk. You can use regular cow’s milk or sub in a plant-based alternative. Whatever you choose, opt for a full-fat milk as these will work best.
• Sugar. While this is completely optional, it adds an extra bit of sweetness.
• Cinnamon. Also totally optional, but this ingredient adds a nice spice.
• Vanilla. A high-quality vanilla extract adds a depth of flavor.
• Butter or Oil. Used to coat the skillet so the pancake doesn’t stick and also adds extra flavor. If not using butter, opt for a more neutral oil like coconut oil.

How to Make a Dutch Baby Pancake

Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.

1. Bring Eggs and Milk to Room Temperature

This first thing is CRUCIAL! Be sure to get the milk and eggs out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you begin. You need them at room temperature to achieve good results and that perfect, fluffy texture.

2. Whisk the Batter

Preheat the oven to 425°F. The high heat helps the recipe cook quickly and get the crusty exterior while keeping the inside fluffy.

Crack the eggs into a large bowl. Whisk the eggs by hand for 1 minute. They should be a little fluffy and airy.

Add the flour, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla to the eggs. Stir just until everything is combined.

Cook’s Tip: Do NOT over-mix the pancake batter in this step.It is OK if you still have a few clumps of flour!

3. Bake the Dutch Baby

Add 2 tablespoons of butter or oil to a 10-inch cast-iron skillet. (Avoid larger or smaller skillets- you’ll end up with either a gooey middle and burnt edges if you do!) You can use a regular 9 to 10-inch round baking dish or oven-safe skillet if you don’t have cast-iron, but it won’t be quite as crispy.

Place the skillet in the oven for a couple of minutes, just until the coconut oil melts across the bottom of the pan.

Carefully pour the batter into the hot skillet and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, do not open the oven door, but reduce the heat to 300°F and continue baking for another 5 minutes. The puffy pancake should be a beautiful golden brown when done.

4. Toppings for Dutch Baby Pancakes

Dutch baby pancakes are much like crepes and traditional pancakes in that they are a wonderful canvas for a variety of toppings.A few of the great options that have been tried, tested, and loved include:

• Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
• Banana slices
• Dusting of confectioner sugar
• Coconut whipped cream
• Fresh lemon juice and zest
• Cooked apples with a touch of cinnamon
• A little Nutella or peanut butter
• A drizzle of pure maple syrup or honey

The options are endless, so choose your favorite toppings and make your perfect pancake!

FAQs

Other Breakfast Recipes

Breakfast IS the most important meal of the day, or so they say. So why not make something delicious that is also good for you? These just might become your favorite breakfast recipes!

Pumpkin Pancakes, Blueberry Pancakes, and Gluten-Free Pancakes are super tasty and filling.

This Paleo Lemon Blueberry Waffle Recipe and Pumpkin Waffle Recipe are so full of flavor.

Healthy Blueberry Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds, Strawberry Overnight Oats, and Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats are just a few of the ways you can prep the night before for an easy breakfast.

If you’re looking for some protein, try this Chicken Breakfast Sausage or this Easy Migas Tacos Recipe.