Dutch Baby Pancakes
Like a giant Yorkshire pudding, only more fun to make and utterly delicious, Dutch baby pancakes can be ready in less than 30 minutes
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Western
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp flour
- 100ml milk
- pinch of sugar
- pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp butter
Preheat oven to 220 C.
Whisk together eggs at room temperature with flour, milk, a pinch of sugar and salt and milk until batter is thoroughly mixed and there are no lumps. This is your pancake batter.
Heat up ovenproof Dutch oven or cast iron skillet and add butter. Heat until melted and sizzling. It's important that pan must be hot.
Pour pancake batter over hot butter - you don't need to stir and mix the two liquids evenly together; it will turn out fine.
Immediately pop your skillet/pan immediately into preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Do not open the oven during this time. If you have a glass door, you can see how the batter rises!
Remove from oven at the 15th minute. Depending on the oven, it would have deflated or still be standing high and proud.
Now's the time to add toppings. If adding cheese, scatter it in the centre and return to oven for another 1-2 minutes to melt it slightly. Done!
Dutch Baby Pancakes - Quick FAQ
1. What is a Dutch baby pancake?
A Dutch baby pancake is a large, oven-baked pancake cooked in a hot buttered pan or cast iron skillet. It puffs up dramatically during baking, creating a light, airy texture similar to a soufflé, and can be served with either sweet or savoury toppings.
2. Are Dutch baby pancakes from the Netherlands?
Despite the name, Dutch baby pancakes are not from the Netherlands. The name is believed to be derived from the word “Deutsch,” referring to German-style pancakes. Traditional Dutch pancakes are usually smaller and include mini pancakes called poffertjes.
3. What is the difference between Dutch baby pancakes and poffertjes?
Dutch baby pancakes are large, oven-baked pancakes that rise dramatically and are usually served sliced. Poffertjes are small, fluffy Dutch mini pancakes cooked in a special pan and served in bite-sized portions.
4. Why do Dutch baby pancakes puff up in the oven?
Dutch baby pancakes puff up because the batter contains eggs and liquid that create steam when baked in a very hot pan. The steam causes the pancake to rise and form its signature airy texture.
5. Do you need a cast iron skillet to make Dutch baby pancakes?
A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat well, helping the pancake rise properly. However, any oven-safe pan or saucepan that can hold heat effectively can also be used.
6. Do Dutch baby pancakes require precise measurements?
Dutch baby pancakes are very forgiving and do not require exact measurements. A simple ratio of eggs, flour, milk, and a small amount of sugar and salt is usually enough to produce a successful pancake.
7. Why did my Dutch baby pancake not rise?
A Dutch baby pancake may fail to rise if the pan is not hot enough before adding the batter. Using room-temperature ingredients and ensuring the butter is sizzling before pouring in the batter helps create the desired puff.
8. Can Dutch baby pancakes be made savoury?
Yes, Dutch baby pancakes are very versatile and can be served with savoury toppings such as cheese, mushrooms, smoked ham, salmon, or even spicy condiments. Adding toppings after baking helps maintain the pancake’s texture.
9. Can Dutch baby pancakes be served as dessert?
Dutch baby pancakes can easily be turned into desserts by adding toppings such as berries, whipped cream, chocolate, or syrup. Their light and airy texture pairs well with sweet fillings.
10. How do you add toppings to Dutch baby pancakes?
Toppings can be added after the pancake is baked. If using ingredients that need melting, such as cheese, scatter them over the pancake and return it to the oven for one to two minutes. 