If you’ve never tried a German Pancakes Recipe before, you’re in for a delightful surprise! This dish is like a cross between a crepe and a popover, boasting a light, airy texture with irresistibly crispy edges. It’s baked in the oven rather than cooked on a griddle, which gives it that signature puff that’s almost magical to watch rise. Perfect for weekend brunches or a special breakfast treat, this German Pancakes Recipe combines simple, pantry-friendly ingredients with an impressive presentation that’s sure to wow your family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this German Pancakes Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role, from texture to flavor, ensuring your pancake turns out beautifully every time.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of the batter, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter that results in a fluffy finish.
- 6 large eggs: The star ingredient giving the pancake its characteristic puff and rich flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Introduces buttery goodness and aids in browning for those golden edges.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the batter without overpowering it.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of warmth and aromatic flavor elevating every bite.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting: Adds a delicate sweetness and pretty finish.
- Maple syrup, for serving: The classic accompaniment that turns each forkful into a perfect harmony of flavors.
How to Make German Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key for achieving the pancake’s dramatic puff. Grease a large baking dish or a cast iron skillet thoroughly to prevent sticking and to help brown the pancake evenly on the edges.
Step 2: Blend the Batter
Place the flour, milk, eggs, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract into a blender. Blend everything together until the mixture is perfectly smooth. This ensures there are no lumps and that the batter will rise evenly. The blender also helps incorporate air, which contributes to the fluffy texture.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the smooth batter into your greased baking dish or skillet. Pop it into the hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll notice the pancake puffing up dramatically and turning a beautiful golden brown on top and around the edges. This puffiness deflates quickly once out of the oven, so don’t wait to enjoy it!
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Remove the pancake from the oven and immediately dust it generously with powdered sugar. Serve it warm with pure maple syrup or your favorite toppings. The contrast between the soft center and crisp edges, paired with the sweetness, is pure breakfast magic.
How to Serve German Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
Powdered sugar is the traditional and most charming garnish, adding a light sweetness and visual appeal. Fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the flavors and add refreshing brightness.
Side Dishes
Since German pancakes are substantial and filling on their own, light side dishes work best. Fresh fruit salad or a handful of crispy bacon strips add a lovely balance of sweet and savory to your meal without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try folding the pancake gently over fillings like cinnamon apples, sautéed bananas, or cream cheese before dusting with sugar for a beautiful twist. You might also cut it into wedges and serve it with different sauces on the side to create a pancake tasting platter—fun for family or brunch guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover German Pancakes Recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The texture changes a bit but they still taste delicious cold or reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to one month. This is great for quick breakfasts on busy mornings.
Reheating
To bring your German Pancakes back to life, warm them gently in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch but may soften the desirable crispness.
FAQs
What makes German pancakes puff up so much?
The high egg content and baking at a high temperature cause steam to form inside the batter, making the pancake rise dramatically in the oven.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative. The pancake will still puff and taste fantastic.
Is the batter okay if made ahead?
It’s best to blend and bake the batter fresh for maximum puff and texture, but you can refrigerate the mixed batter for a few hours if needed.
Can I add flavors or fillings to the batter?
While you can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter, stirring in fruits or nuts is not recommended as it may weigh the batter down and affect the puff.
What can I use if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
Any oven-safe baking dish or rimmed baking sheet will work. Just make sure to grease it well and monitor baking time as thinner pans may brown faster.
Final Thoughts
This German Pancakes Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet is incredibly simple to make. Its impressive rise and beautiful golden edges make breakfast feel like a celebration, and the humble ingredients remind us that sometimes, less is more. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring a quiet morning, I hope you give it a try and discover your own love for this delightful pancake.
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German Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Description
This classic German Pancakes recipe offers a light, fluffy, and delicious baked pancake that’s perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch. Made with a simple batter of flour, milk, eggs, and butter, it bakes up golden and puffy in the oven, topped with powdered sugar and served with maple syrup for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
Wet Ingredients
Toppings
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a large baking dish or cast iron skillet to ensure the pancake does not stick and bakes evenly.
- Blend the Batter: In a blender, combine the all-purpose flour, milk, large eggs, melted unsalted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend until the batter is smooth, ensuring there are no lumps for a perfect texture.
- Bake the Pancake: Pour the blended batter into the prepared baking dish or skillet. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pancake is puffed up and has a lovely golden brown color on top, indicating it’s perfectly cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the pancake from the oven and dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve immediately with maple syrup or your choice of toppings for a delicious, warm meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- The pancake is best served fresh out of the oven as it will begin to deflate once cooled.
- Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for a crispier crust.
- Adjust sugar amounts according to your taste preference for sweetness.
