The Best Oven-Baked Dutch Baby Pancake Recipe
This easy Dutch baby pancake recipe has become a steady rhythm in our home, especially on a slow Saturday morning when everyone is still rubbing sleep from their eyes and the house feels quiet and calm.
It’s one of those breakfasts that feels special without being complicated . The kind you can make while the coffee brews and little feet pad into the kitchen. It’s also one of the most requested breakfast too.
I hope you make and love this recipe as much as my family does. Follow the recipe below and make your own. I would love to hear your reviews in the comments!
More simple and easy recipes to try!
Sometimes called a German pancake, this oven-baked beauty is a cross between a crepe and a fluffy pancake, with dramatic lift, crisp edges, and a soft center. If you’ve ever made David Eyre’s pancakes, you’ll recognize the simple magic here: a hot pan, a quick batter, and a puff that never fails to impress. Enjoy this easy Dutch baby recipe.
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What Is a Dutch Baby?
A Dutch baby pancake isn’t actually Dutch at all. The name is thought to come from a mispronunciation of a German word, which makes sense when you realize it’s closely related to Yorkshire pudding, an egg-heavy batter baked in a very hot pan.
Unlike stovetop pancakes, Dutch babies bake all at once, rising high in the oven before settling into a golden, bowl-shaped pancake with crisp sides and a tender middle. Perfect every time!
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
There are a few main reasons this recipe is so dependable:
- The batter comes together quickly using simple ingredients
- A preheated skillet ensures maximum rise
- A hot oven creates that dramatic puff
- The ratio of eggs to flour gives a custardy center
This is the kind of recipe you’ll memorize without meaning to. In fact, last week I made it without even measuring because it’s become such second nature in my kitchen. I love that I can have it cooking while I brew coffee or set the table. I usually double it, as well. See the full recipe card below for full instructions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You likely already have everything on hand:
- Butter
- Flour : using all purpose flour works perfectly
- Whole Milk
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- Maple Syrup and/or powdered sugar
Equipment Needed:
Simple equipment makes this recipe comes together quick. That’s once of the reasons I love it!
- Ovenproof skillet : cast iron pan or skillets or stainless steel skillet work great.
- Your an also use a 9×13 pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Optional: Blender
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Related Post: Simple Overnight French Toast Casserole
How to Make This Dutch Baby Recipe:
- Set your oven to 400°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. This matters more than you’d think. The pancake rises dramatically, and too-high placement can cause burning.
- Put the butter in an oven-proof skillet. Add to oven to melt butter while you mix ingredients. This recipe makes a large dutch baby, so I like to use a 16 inch skillet. This one is similar to what I have.
- In a bowl, whisk together the ingredients: flour, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Add in the eggs and whisk until smooth.
- Remove hot skillet with melted butter from oven, pour batter mixture into the skillet, and pop back into the oven. Make sure to you a pot holder!
- Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees until golden brown.
- Remove hot oven and cut into wedges to serve. Top with your favorite toppings, like powdered sugar or berries. Serve with your favorite syrup.
Baking Tip: You can also add ingredients to a blender. I recommend blending flour, milk, sugar, vanilla first. Scrap blender sized, and then add in eggs. Blend thoroughly.
A Few Helpful Tips:
- If you have chickens, this is great way to use up your eggs! I have modified this version to make a large pan for my family of 6 but you can half the recipe for a smaller portion. Make sure to use a smaller skillet if you half it.
- You can make the batter ahead of time, but let it warm slightly before baking. A hot 10-inch skillet ensures the best pancake puff and even cooking time.
- Use generous amount of butter in the pan whole warming the oven.
- Make sure you have your oven shelf lowered to middle of the oven. This recipe will PUFF up and could cause the dutch baby to catch on fire if it’s not lowered. Ask me how I know haha
- I like to cut ours into pieces like a pie. We serve with maple syrup and, on special occasions, I will sprinkle a little powdered sugar on it.
- If it’s your first time, don’t open the oven early. Steam is what helps the pancake rise.
- Always use a fully ovenproof skillet or pan.
- Expect the edges to climb the sides of the skillet dramatically.
- The center should feel soft and slightly jiggly. That’s your custardy center. You can cook for a bit longer if you don’t like that. Do not overcook or bottom will burn.
How to Serve It
Once baked, the Dutch baby puff will slowly deflate. That’s normal. The center remains tender while the edges stay crisp.
We love slicing ours like a pie and serving it warm with:
- Maple syrup
- Fresh fruit: can be fresh or frozen.
- Fresh berries
- A dusting of powdered sugar
- A squeeze of lemon juice
- Grated lemon zest
On special mornings, we add lemon curd or sautéed apples for an apple Dutch baby variation.
Sweet or Savory Options
This recipe leans classic and lightly sweet, but it adapts beautifully.
For savory versions, skip the sugar and add savory ingredients like herbs, cheese, or sautéed vegetables. A small little pinch of salt and bit of black pepper goes a long way here.
Savory versions turn this into more of an eggy pancake with crispy edges that pairs well with breakfast meats.
Storage & Leftovers
We never have leftover for this breakfast! So while best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be cooled to room temperature and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat slowly in the oven or skillet for fresh results.
If you do have leftovers, they’re great chopped up with fruit or yogurt next time you’re rushing through breakfast. Double this recipe easily if you want leftovers.
More Simple Breakfast Recipes:
Enjoy This Dutch Baby Pancake Recipe
This classic Dutch baby recipe has been part of our home for years, and it never fails to bring everyone to the table. It’s simple, comforting, and just a little bit magical. It feels way fancier than it is. It’s the kind of breakfast that turns an ordinary morning into something memorable.
I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your home too. Be sure to save the recipe card below so you can come back to it on slow mornings or whenever you need an easy, comforting breakfast to share.
The Best Oven-Baked Dutch Baby Pancake Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 skillet or pan
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- Serve with Maple Syrup
Instructions
- Set your oven to 400°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. This matters more than you’d think. The pancake rises dramatically, and too-high placement can cause burning.
- Put the butter in an oven-proof skillet. Add to oven to melt butter while you mix ingredients. This recipe makes a large dutch baby, so I like to use a 16 inch skillet. This one is similar to what I have.
- In a bowl, whisk together the ingredients: flour, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Add in the eggs and whisk until smooth.
- Remove hot skillet with melted butter from oven, pour batter mixture into the skillet, and pop back into the oven. Make sure to you a pot holder!
- Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees until golden brown.
- Remove hot oven and cut into wedges to serve. Top with your favorite toppings, like powdered sugar or berries. Serve with your favorite syrup.
Notes
- Make sure the top rack in the oven is lowered some because this will puff up during baking.
PIN IT FOR LATER…
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