Breakfast is a great deal in our house and we have a different breakfast almost every day. These Dutch baby pancakes are one of them. We try making different breakfasts not only to vary the food but also to make it exciting, especially during school times. Kids would otherwise most likely get stuck to their easy option (pretty boring to me) the eternal bowl of cereal. So easy, right?
Oven, Dutch baby or German pancakes....
What are oven pancakes? Well, these are known as German pancakes or Dutch baby pancakes depending on whether they’re left plain or added fruit or meat, veg etc. They’re so puffy and delicious any way you choose to make them. These are really delicious beauties.
We LOVE breakfasts over here and the variety it’s definitely something that really appeals to us all in this household. It’s probably how we are used to it.
We did prepare this Dutch baby pancake for pancake day which is today, hooray so the more pancakes the merrier.
Last Saturday I managed to finally write up the recipe - had to get it done as I have eventually managed to take some pictures too.
Not the best pics but hey, you’ll need to make it and see how good this is. Those that make Dutch baby pancakes regularly know exactly what I’m saying.
It’s hard to capture a Dutch baby pancake and make the best picture as they come out of the oven and they look amazing, the next 30 seconds they are all deflated.
They deflate pretty quickly unless you add slightly more flour and fewer eggs but I like the eggy ones.
Topping ideas for dutch baby pancakes...
The most exciting thing about these pancakes, it’s the actual variety of toppings and combinations that you could make.
Let’s see some topping ideas, shall we?
Well, if you decide to go sweet, here are some ideas.
For the sweet version, toppings or ingredient combinations that I’ve used - from what I recall, arghhh my memory, not the greatest lately but will definitely dig deep into the archives, and here’s what I can remember:
Toppings:
- any fruits you like ( all the berries, mango, banana, pomegranate, grapes )
- raspberry or any coulis any jam (for adults I thinner some jam with some brandy and give it a drizzle )
- caramel sauce
- chocolate sauce
- coconut nectar
- lemon juice and sugar
- lemon juice and honey
- seeds (sunflower, flax, pumpkin) for some extra healthy kick
- maple or agave syrup
- apple sauce
Combos:
- Apple and cinnamon (slice apples sprinkle cinnamon and sugar just like in this recipe replacing the orange - see recipe notes
- banana and rum
- rhubarb and apple
- pears and walnuts
- pineapple and coconut (my top fave)
- Apple and pecan
- grapefruit and maple syrup
- coconut and condensed milk (added to batter)
- kumquats and coconut
These can be made savory too so here is an idea:
Add a few streaks of bacon fry slightly and pour batter over and add some more eggs, quail eggs are my absolute faves. Don’t forget to add some black pepper and cheese. Mmmm, delicious!
So versatile that I’ve not made these pancakes the same ever. It is hard to make it the same with so many choices and a variety of ingredients to choose from. Every time has to be slightly different but I have to say each time it’s simply a delicious choice or combo.
I’m sure you can come up with tonnes more ideas of toppings and combinations so, will definitely love to hear what these are.
Meanwhile, if you like pancakes, here are some more pancake recipes to enjoy:
Dutch baby pancakes
Equipment
- skillet or a pan
- whisker or an electric hand mixer
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour (125 g)
- 4 eggs
- 20 g butter (0.71 oz)
- 200 ml milk (6.76 fl oz)
- 70 ml double cream/ heavy cream (2.37 fl oz)
- 1 tbsp rum essence or vanilla
- 1 pinch salt
- 5 tbsp cane sugar
- 1 handful of fresh fruits to sprinkle on top
- 1 medium orange peeled and sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven at 210C/475F. Prepare one orange by peeling it and cut into thin slices 1/2cm thickness.
- In a medium size bowl add the flour, salt, sugar and add the eggs and the double/heavy cream.
- Whisk together until it becomes a lump free batter.
- Add the milk slowly and little by little whisking continuously until all used up. You should have a nice pancake batter.
- Place the cast iron skillet on medium fire and add the butter.
- When the butter is beginning to bubble, add the orange slices making sure they do not overlap. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of sugar all over the orange slices. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour the batter into the skillet over the oranges and transfer the skillet into the very hot oven.
- Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the edges will rise and begin to brown.
- Top with desired toppings and serve. (Mango topping in picture).
Notes
Enjoy and let me know how you liked the recipe! 
Toni says
This looks delish!
Amanda says
These Dutch baby pancakes are the best! I love the flavor the rum essence adds and how it's so customizable for whatever fruit I have on hand.
Sam says
These Dutch pancakes were amazing! I had never made them before and was so happy with how they turned out. We topped them with strawberries, so good!
Ramona says
I a so happy you have enjoyed this Dutch pancake dear Sam, strawberry topping is also amazing! Thank you so much for your feedback.
Lathiya says
I always want to try Dutch pancakes. IS it possible to make only in cast Pans? The pancakes look so inviting
Ramona says
Hi and thank you for your comment dear Lathyia.
No, Dutch pancakes can be done in any ovenproof dish. Sometimes I make it in the frying pan as the one I have handle is ovenproof so can in the oven. Some pans can have the handle removed but truthfully, any dish that is ovenproof would work. If that dish cannot be placed on direct heat then I suggest you oil is, place in the oven initially to get it really hot, take it out carefully, pour the batter in and then put back in the oven. Just like you’d do the Yorkshire puddings or popovers. It will come out just perfect. Let me know if you have tried these and how they came out for you?
Emily says
Dutch babies are one of our favorite weekend brunch recipes! Love how you use rum essence in place o vanilla sometimes, it adds great flavor!
Jacque Hastert says
These are fantastic! I have always been leery on making these because I always assumed they were difficult to make. However, you have made it seem super easy and I can't wait to give them a try.
Sondra Barker says
These dutch pancakes are amazing! I love all the different flavor combo ideas- so yummy!
Jacqui DeBono says
These look amazing! I have never heard of these before, but now I want them - these are perfect for a special Sunday breakfast!
Leslie says
We love breakfast at our house too! I love how versatile your recipe is! It's good to try with so many things!
Stine Mari says
I've been wanting to make dutch baby pancakes for ages but have never gotten around to trying it. I will definitely try it now, this looks so delicious!