The beauty of a baked German pancake lies in its effortless elegance. As it puffs up in the oven, golden and airy, it’s almost like watching a beautiful magic trick unfold right before your eyes. The outer edges crisp up just enough to give you that satisfying texture, while the center remains soft and custardy. It’s the kind of dish that feels special, yet it requires very little hands-on time. Just a few minutes of mixing, and the oven does all the heavy lifting. I’ve often found myself making this pancake on a lazy Sunday morning, the scent of vanilla and a hint of cinnamon filling the house, as the kids eagerly await their first bite.
What’s truly wonderful about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as is with a dusting of powdered sugar, or get creative with toppings. Fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of maple syrup—each bite can be completely different depending on what you’re in the mood for. For a fun twist, I love to add a bit of lemon zest to the batter, which gives the pancake a bright, zesty kick that’s just perfect for spring. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a handful of chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless, and that’s one of the things I adore about it: it’s both comforting and exciting at the same time.
And here’s the best part: unlike regular pancakes that require standing over a hot griddle, the baked version allows you to focus on other things, like enjoying your morning coffee or setting the table. By the time you’re ready to sit down, the pancake is done, perfectly golden and ready to be devoured. It’s a win-win for anyone who loves the idea of a leisurely breakfast without sacrificing flavor or texture. The next time you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and a little bit indulgent, this baked German pancake is your answer.
Key Ingredients in Baked German Pancake
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, with just a handful of ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Each one plays a role in crafting the delicate texture, flavor, and overall magic of the pancake. Let’s take a look at the key ingredients and what they bring to the table.
- All-purpose flour
This is the backbone of the pancake. It provides structure and a slight chew, balancing the airy texture that forms when baked. - Salt
A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, from the sweetness of the sugar to the richness of the eggs, helping to bring everything together. - Sugar
The sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to the pancake, complementing the savory elements and giving it a light golden color when it bakes. - Milk
Milk creates a smooth batter and contributes to the custardy center of the pancake. It also helps the pancake rise beautifully in the oven. - Eggs
Eggs are the magic that makes the pancake puff up and turn custardy in the center while crisping up around the edges. They’re key to achieving that signature texture. - Unsalted butter
Butter provides richness and a subtle flavor, helping the pancake achieve that golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior. It also adds a lovely melt-in-your-mouth quality. - Vanilla extract
A teaspoon of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor, making the pancake feel cozy and inviting. - Powdered sugar
This is for the finishing touch—a light dusting that adds a touch of sweetness and gives the pancake a charming, dessert-like appearance. - Maple syrup
For serving, maple syrup is the perfect partner. Its deep, caramel-like flavor balances the pancake’s richness and adds that final touch of indulgence.
How to Make Baked German Pancake
- STEP 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is the first step to ensuring that your pancake puffs up perfectly as soon as it hits the hot oven.
- STEP 2: Place a 9×13-inch baking dish in the oven while it preheats. This will help the butter melt quickly when added, creating a crispy edge around your pancake.
- STEP 3: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and sugar until fully combined. You want the mixture to be smooth, with no lumps of sugar left behind. This is what will give your pancake that delicate custardy center.
- STEP 4: Add the flour and salt to the egg mixture, whisking gently until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, or your pancake may end up a bit dense. You want it light and airy!
- STEP 5: Once the oven is preheated and the butter in your baking dish has melted, carefully remove the hot dish from the oven. Pour the batter into the dish, making sure it’s evenly distributed. The batter should sizzle slightly as it hits the hot butter—this is a good sign!
- STEP 6: Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll want to watch as the pancake puffs up dramatically, forming those crispy golden edges. The center should be slightly jiggly, but firm to the touch when done.
- STEP 7: Once the pancake is golden brown and puffed up, remove it from the oven. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately while it’s still warm. The pancake will slowly deflate, but don’t worry—that’s part of the charm!
- STEP 8: Serve with your favorite toppings, whether it’s fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Baked German Pancake
Fresh Berries & Whipped Cream
A classic pairing that never fails! The tartness of fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, balances the richness of the pancake, while a generous dollop of whipped cream adds a dreamy, fluffy touch. It’s like a beautiful marriage of flavors and textures.
Caramelized Apples & Cinnamon
For a cozy, autumn-inspired twist, try topping your baked German pancake with warm, caramelized apples. Sauté them in a bit of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until they’re soft and golden, then spoon them over the pancake for an indulgent, comforting treat.
Nutty Maple Delight
If you’re in the mood for something with a little crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top and drizzle the whole thing with maple syrup. The nuts bring a rich, toasty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the syrup. It’s the kind of topping that adds both warmth and texture in every bite.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy a baked German pancake? I’d love to hear your creative topping combos!
How to Store Baked German Pancake
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), storing your baked German pancake properly will help keep it fresh for the next day. The pancake can be a bit delicate once it cools, so it’s best to store it carefully.
First, let it cool completely to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the pancake soggy. Once it’s cool, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.
If you’re in the mood for a longer-term storage option, you can freeze the pancake. Slice it into individual portions, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re craving it, simply thaw a slice in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave for a quick breakfast.
No matter how you choose to store it, this baked German pancake is bound to make a comeback as a favorite morning treat!
Conclusion
And there you have it—the perfect recipe for a baked German pancake, a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’re on your way to a breakfast (or brunch) that’s sure to impress. Whether you keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or get creative with toppings, there’s no wrong way to enjoy it. It’s the kind of recipe that’s just as delightful for a cozy morning at home as it is for sharing with friends and family.
I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know how it goes! I’d love to hear about your favorite ways to enjoy this puffed-up beauty—whether it’s a classic berry and whipped cream combo or a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple version. If you have any questions or need help along the way, feel free to reach out. Cooking is all about experimenting, having fun, and making memories, so let’s make some delicious ones together. Enjoy your baked German pancake, and happy cooking!
Baked German Pancake
Description
A Baked German Pancake is a fluffy, golden masterpiece that puffs up in the oven, forming a crisp edge and soft, tender center. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and a squeeze of lemon, it’s a warm, comforting treat perfect for any breakfast or brunch!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Place a 9x13-inch baking dish in the oven to heat up while you prepare the pancake batter.
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar until well combined.
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Add the milk to the dry ingredients, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
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Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and beat them lightly.
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Stir the beaten eggs into the batter, mixing until fully incorporated.
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Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.
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Once the butter has melted, add it to the pancake batter along with the vanilla extract, and stir to combine.
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Carefully remove the preheated baking dish from the oven using oven mitts, and add a little extra butter to coat the bottom of the dish.
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Pour the pancake batter into the hot baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Place the dish back into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pancake has puffed up and turned golden brown.
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While the pancake is baking, prepare any desired toppings, such as powdered sugar and maple syrup.
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Once the pancake is done baking, remove it from the oven. It will have risen significantly during baking but may deflate slightly as it cools.
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Dust the top of the pancake with powdered sugar to your liking.
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Serve the baked German pancake immediately, drizzling maple syrup over the top for added sweetness.
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Slice and enjoy while it’s still warm!
Note
- Ensure that your oven is preheated fully before adding the batter to the hot dish to help the pancake rise properly.
- Use a whisk to ensure the batter is smooth and free of lumps for the best texture.
- The pancake will deflate slightly after baking, so don’t worry if it sinks a bit after being removed from the oven.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute half-and-half or cream for the milk.
- Top with fresh fruit like berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a fun twist on the classic.
