Easy Homemade Dutch Baby Pancakes

Spice up your morning routine with this easy homemade Dutch baby pancake recipe! With its unique texture and flavor, this pancake will surely add excitement to your dining table. Give it a try and see why it’s a breakfast favorite!

Pancakes are incredibly popular throughout the United States, but America is one of many countries famous for its pancakes. Not only do other countries enjoy pancakes, but they each have their spin on the classic dish. For example, the Germans have perfected a spectacular pancake that is highly simplistic yet mouth-wateringly delightful. Americans then used that recipe to create something different: The Dutch baby pancake. 

It was my best friend who first introduced me to Dutch baby pancakes. As soon as she set them before me, my tastebuds began to salivate. I couldn’t wait to take that first magical bite, and I was hooked from the moment I did. Since then, Dutch baby pancakes have become a tradition in my household. Although they’re light and fluffy like the traditional pancakes we know and love here in the US, these have a crunchy outer edge that gives them a unique savory-sweet flavor. Best of all, they only take twenty minutes to prepare! We love to start the morning with the perfect Dutch baby pancakes, and now you can, too.

What are Dutch baby pancakes?

Dutch baby pancakes are similar to what we call a “popover” in the United States. Instead of being fried, this special pancake is baked in a cast iron skillet, allowing it to puff up and billow, creating a soft yet crunchy, pillowy texture that delights with every bite. Despite the name, Dutch baby pancakes likely were inspired by German pancakes. They were invented at Manca’s Cafe in Washington in the early 1900s. It is believed that it was incorrectly named “Dutch” as a mispronunciation of the German name “Deutsch.”

Can this pancake recipe be varied?

Absolutely! Although the plain Dutch baby pancakes are so simplistically delicious that it’s almost unbelievable, there are countless ways to experiment with the batter and make variations. It’s an incredibly versatile recipe! Add or reduce sugar to allow for a sweeter or savory pancake. You can also create sweet or savory variations with additions like caramel apples, onions, and mushrooms. 

What size pan do I need to make Dutch baby pancakes?

My recipe uses a thirteen-inch cast iron pan (a twelve-inch pan is also very compatible with this recipe). There’s no need to fret if your cast iron pan is more petite. You’ll simply have to alter the ingredients slightly. For example, if you have a smaller pan, such as a ten-inch pan, you should cut the ingredients into two eggs, ½ cup of milk, ½ cup of flour, one Tablespoon of sugar, and two Tablespoons of butter.

Are there any special tips for preparing Dutch baby pancakes successfully? 

One significant mistake people make when preparing Dutch baby pancakes is using cold ingredients. Allowing the milk and eggs to come to room temperature before blending them is essential for the best results. Another smart tip is to allow your batter to rest for ten minutes after mixing. This allows the flour to absorb the liquid before baking, and everything will turn out nicer and taste better.

Can I prepare Dutch baby pancake batter ahead of time?

Yes!  You can prepare the batter a day beforehand. When you first wake up, pull the batter out of the fridge and give it time to come to room temperature while you get ready. Then, give the room-temperature batter a good whisk before baking.

How should I serve these pancakes? 

How you serve your pancakes will depend on whether you prefer them, sweet or savory. If you like sweet pancakes, I recommend serving them with whipped cream, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or maple syrup. You might serve savory pancakes with diced tomatoes, onions, cheese, or pesto. Serve them as part of the brunch for a special occasion or want to have fun in the kitchen. They will be great next to  Mediterranean quiche with fresh herbs, sweet peas, or watermelon salad with dukkha.

Whip up a unique version of classic pancakes in minutes! This simple recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.