What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?

You can use any ovenproof skillet or a baking dish. Make sure it’s well-seasoned or non-stick to prevent the pancake from sticking.

Why did my pancake not puff up?

Make sure the skillet is preheated and you add the batter to a hot skillet, the batter is well-whisked and smooth, and the oven temperature is accurate. These factors help the pancake to rise properly. The end result will resemble a puffy pancake with a golden brown top.

Why are they called German pancakes?

German pancakes, also known as Dutch Babies, are called German pancakes because they are believed to derive from a German dish called Pfannkuchen. Despite the name, they were popularized in the United States, particularly in the early 1900s by a Seattle restaurant.

German Apple Pancake Recipe (AKA Apple Dutch Baby)

Description

This German Apple Pancake, also known as an Apple Dutch Baby, is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. The recipe features a light, airy pancake batter and tender caramelized apples, creating a deliciously balanced and flavorful treat.

Ingredients

Units Scale

3 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup whole milk, slightly warmed
1 large Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apple, cored and sliced (peel only if desired)
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground or grated nutmeg (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or pure almond extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Powdered sugar or syrup, for serving

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a 10-inch ovenproof skillet or cast-iron pan in the oven while it preheats.
Prepare Batter: In a medium bowl or blender, whisk or blend together eggs, milk, vanilla extract (or almond extract), and kosher salt until very smooth. Add flour, and whisk or blend again until combined. Set aside.
Cook Apples: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt completely, swirling to coat the bottom and sides. Add sliced apples to the skillet, spreading them out evenly. Sprinkle granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) over the apples. Toss a bit to combine. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, until the apples start to soften.
Combine and Bake: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven again. Stir the apples to evenly coat in sugar and butter. Pour prepared batter over softened apples in the skillet. Immediately return skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until pancake is puffed and golden brown around the edges. Avoid opening the oven during baking.
Serve: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Dust the German Apple Pancakes with powdered sugar or drizzle with syrup. Slice into wedges and serve warm.

Notes

Tips

Preheat the Skillet: Make sure to preheat your skillet in the oven. This ensures the pancake puffs up properly and develops a crispy edge.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and milk. This helps the batter mix more smoothly and evenly, resulting in a better rise.
Melt Butter Completely: Allow the butter to melt completely and coat the skillet thoroughly. This prevents sticking and adds a rich flavor to the pancake.
Bake Immediately: Pour the batter over the apples and bake immediately. This helps the pancake rise properly and prevents the batter from settling.
Watch the Baking Time: In the last few minutes of baking, watch the pancake. It should be puffed and golden brown around the edges. Overbaking can make it dry.

Enjoy your delcious apple pancakes!

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Sweet
Method: American
Cuisine: American