German Apple Pancake: The Perfect Breakfast Recipe

Impress your family with this delicious and easy-to-make German Apple Pancake recipe. Full of sweet and savory flavors, a Dutch baby (another word for German pancake) is the perfect way to start your morning.

German Apple Pancake Recipe

I found this amazing recipe in a classic Betty Crocker cookbook. I was so excited because there weren’t many ingredients, and I had them all on hand.

If you’ve never had a German pancake before, you are missing out. They are typically made in the oven in either a cast iron skillet or a pie plate. The batter is simple to make, and while it’s baking, the pancake will puff up like magic.

The kids love the presentation of a Dutch baby, and the apple pie flavors are delicious. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch, and also for a regular Saturday morning or a more special occasion with friends and family.

Ingredients

• Butter
• Apple, sliced thin
• Brown Sugar
• Ground Cinnamon
• Large Eggs
• Flour
• Salt

How to make a puffed oven pancake (German pancake)

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Place butter in a 9-inch pie plate. Put the plate in the oven and let the butter melt. Remove from the oven, and brush the butter all over the bottom and sides of the pan.
3. Sprinkle brown sugar and ground cinnamon over top the melted butter.
4. Slice an apple thin, and arrange over top the melted butter mixture.
5. In a large bowl, barely whisk the eggs.
6. Add flour and salt, and whisk gently until the batter is just formed. Do not over whisk.
7. Pour the pancake batter over top the apple slices.
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven until puffy and golden brown.
9. Immediately, take a knife to loosen the edges, and invert onto a plate.

Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool. Transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator.

Recipe FAQs

• Don’t walk away from the butter melting in the oven. It can brown if left too long.
• Be sure to brush the butter up the sides of the pie pan.
• Do not overbeat the batter. Doing this might cause the pancake not to puff.
• Apples do not need to be peeled, but they can, if desired.
• Be sure to loosen the sides of the pancake and invert immediately after removing from the oven. As the brown sugar cools, it will harden making it impossible to remove later on.
• Serve the pancake quickly before the puffy part sinks to the plate.

Recipe Variations

• Omit the apple, brown sugar and ground cinnamon to make a regular puffed oven pancake. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Serve drizzled with maple syrup.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for more flavor.
• Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
• Make this recipe a dessert by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Substitute ground nutmeg for ground cinnamon.
• Swap in pears for apples.
• Use a cast-iron skillet instead of pie plate.

What is the difference between American and German pancakes?

The main difference between American and German pancakes is the cooking method and texture. American pancakes are typically small, thick, and fluffy, cooked on a griddle or skillet.

Meanwhile, German pancakes, also known as Dutch babies, are larger, thinner, and puffier, and are baked in the oven. Additionally, German pancakes often incorporate fruit, such as apples or pears, and have a slightly custardy texture.

How do you eat German pancakes?

German pancakes, also known as Dutch babies, are typically served by cutting them into wedges and then topping them with various sweet toppings such as powdered sugar, maple syrup, fruit preserves, or fresh fruit. They can also be eaten with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert variation.

Pantry Staples and Kitchen Equipment

Check out our Amazon store to find the pantry staples and basic kitchen utensils to make this Dutch baby recipe. You can use a pretty pie plate or a cast iron skillet like this one.

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Apple Recipes for the Fall

Whether you are picking them fresh from the orchard, cracking open a jar of applesauce, or reaching for a trusty can in your pantry, there’s no shortage of delicious apple recipes. While apple pie might be the classic go-to, apples shine in so many different ways. From cozy bakes to unexpected pairings, these apple recipes celebrate the season with simple ingredients and bold fall flavor.