A breakfast that transcends the ordinary, the Baked German Pancake is a culinary marvel. It’s a dish that begins with a simple batter and transforms in the oven into a golden, puffed creation, ready to be adorned with your favorite toppings. If you are in search of a breakfast or brunch centerpiece that is both impressive and effortlessly delicious, your quest ends here with this oven-baked sensation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
A Breakfast Centerpiece Without the Fuss
Want a show-stopping breakfast without complicated steps? Baked German Pancake is your answer. This recipe is remarkably easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time and relying on the oven to create its magic. Enjoy an elegant breakfast without the stress and fuss of elaborate cooking. Effortless elegance for your morning table!
Light as Air, Custardy Delight
Prepare for a texture unlike any other pancake. Baked German Pancake is famed for its incredibly light and airy texture, boasting a delicate, custardy interior nestled within dramatically puffed, golden edges. The contrast is simply divine, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both satisfying and refined. A textural symphony in every bite!
Endlessly Versatile for Any Craving
This pancake is a culinary chameleon, adapting to your every whim. Baked German Pancake serves as a perfect blank canvas for your favorite flavors. Whether you desire sweet toppings like fresh fruit and permissible syrups, or savory additions for a brunch twist, this pancake embraces versatility with open arms. Sweet or savory, your pancake, your rules!
Perfect for Sharing and Creating Memories
Looking for a breakfast that brings people together? Baked German Pancake is ideal for sharing. Baked in a large dish, it’s designed for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or any occasion where you want to create a sense of togetherness and delicious memories. Share the joy of this remarkable pancake!
A Baking Spectacle to Witness
The magic of baking a Baked German Pancake is a joy to behold. Watching the batter puff up dramatically in the oven, transforming into a golden, bowl-shaped wonder, is a captivating kitchen experience. It’s a recipe that’s not just about the delicious end result, but also the fun and wonder of the baking process itself. Witness the kitchen magic unfold!
Ingredients:
To craft this exceptional Baked German Pancake, you will need a curated selection of readily available, pantry-friendly, and permissible ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving the pancake’s signature characteristics: its dramatic puff, delicate texture, and delightful flavor. Here is your comprehensive ingredient list for baking brilliance:
For the Signature Light and Airy Baked German Pancake Batter
- 6 large Permissible Eggs: Large permissible eggs are the cornerstone of this recipe, providing the essential structure, richness, and leavening power that creates the German Pancake’s remarkable puff. Opt for fresh, large, permissible eggs for the best outcome.
- 1 cup Permissible Milk, whole or 2% is suitable: Permissible milk, ideally whole milk, contributes essential moisture and richness to the batter, resulting in the pancake’s signature custardy texture and enhancing its overall flavor profile. 2% milk is a permissible alternative, offering a slightly lighter result.
- 1 cup Permissible All-Purpose Flour: Permissible all-purpose flour provides the structural framework for the pancake, ensuring a light and tender crumb that complements the custardy interior. Always use permissible all-purpose flour for this recipe.
- 2 tablespoons Permissible Granulated Sugar: Permissible granulated sugar adds a delicate touch of sweetness to the pancake batter, balancing the savory notes and contributing to the golden-brown crust during baking.
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt: Sea salt is a crucial ingredient for flavor balance, enhancing the sweetness and richness of the pancake while ensuring a well-rounded and delicious taste.
- ¼ teaspoon Permissible Pure Vanilla Extract: Permissible pure vanilla extract infuses the batter with a warm, aromatic, and subtle vanilla essence, elevating the overall flavor complexity of the pancake. Use pure vanilla extract for the most authentic and nuanced flavor.
- 4 tablespoons Permissible Unsalted Butter: Permissible unsalted butter is indispensable for greasing the baking dish, preventing sticking, and imparting a rich, buttery flavor to the pancake as it bakes. Unsalted butter allows for precise control over the salt content.
For Serving and Garnishing (Optional)
- Permissible Powdered Sugar, for a classic dusting
- Permissible Pure Maple Syrup, for a touch of sweetness
- Permissible Fresh Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), for vibrant freshness
- Permissible Whipped Cream, for a decadent topping
- Permissible Lemon Wedges, for a tangy counterpoint
How to Make Baked German Pancake?
Step by Step :
Crafting a magnificent Baked German Pancake in your home kitchen is a surprisingly straightforward and rewarding culinary adventure. Follow these meticulously detailed, step-by-step instructions to whisk, bake, and savor this impressive oven-baked breakfast or brunch centerpiece:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Buttered Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving the signature puff. Place the permissible unsalted butter into a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a 12-inch cast iron skillet). Ensure the baking dish is oven-safe. Place the baking dish containing the butter directly into the preheating oven. Allow the butter to melt completely and become sizzling hot as the oven reaches the desired temperature. This crucial step ensures the pancake puffs properly and develops crispy edges. The melted butter should evenly coat the bottom of the hot baking dish.
Step 2: Blend or Whisk the Batter Until Smooth and Rest
While the oven and baking dish are preheating, prepare the pancake batter. For the smoothest batter, use a blender. Combine the 6 large permissible eggs, permissible whole milk, permissible all-purpose flour, permissible granulated sugar, sea salt, and permissible vanilla extract in a blender. Blend on medium speed until the batter is completely smooth, pale yellow, and without any lumps, typically for about 30-60 seconds. Alternatively, if you prefer to whisk by hand, use a large mixing bowl and whisk the ingredients together vigorously until smooth. Pay close attention to ensure no flour clumps remain and the batter is homogenous. Once the batter is smooth, allow it to rest at room temperature for a minimum of 15-20 minutes, and up to 30 minutes. Resting the batter allows the gluten in the flour to relax, which contributes to a more tender and puffy final pancake.
Step 3: Bake the Batter in the Hot Dish to Golden Puffy Perfection
Once the butter is fully melted and sizzling in the preheated oven and the batter has rested, carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven. Give the pancake batter a brief whisk again for about 5 seconds just before pouring it into the hot dish. Immediately and evenly pour the prepared pancake batter directly into the hot, buttered baking dish. Pour the batter into the center and let it spread naturally to the edges. Return the baking dish with the batter to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Baked German Pancake has puffed up dramatically, is beautifully golden brown around the edges, and is lightly browned on the top surface. The center of the pancake should be set but still possess a slight custardy texture. Keep a close eye on the pancake during the final minutes of baking to prevent over-browning or burning.
Step 4: Dust with Powdered Sugar, Serve, and Savor Immediately
Upon achieving golden brown, puffed perfection, carefully remove the Baked German Pancake from the oven. While still warm, generously dust the entire surface of the pancake with permissible powdered sugar. Cut the magnificent pancake into squares or wedges for serving. Serve immediately, while the pancake is still warm, puffed, and at its most delicious. Offer a selection of your favorite permissible toppings on the side, such as permissible maple syrup, permissible fresh berries, or permissible lemon wedges, allowing everyone to customize their portion to their individual preferences. Encourage immediate enjoyment to fully appreciate the textural and flavorful magic of this oven-baked breakfast masterpiece!
Tips for Variations
Apple Cinnamon Spice:
Infuse your Baked German Pancake with the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon. Sauté 2 cups of permissible thinly sliced apples in 1 tablespoon of permissible butter with 1 tablespoon of permissible brown sugar and ½ teaspoon of permissible ground cinnamon until the apples are softened and slightly caramelized. Spread the warm apple mixture evenly in the buttered baking dish before pouring in the pancake batter.
Mixed Berry Bliss:
Create a berry-studded delight by scattering 1 ½ cups of permissible mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, and sliced strawberries) over the melted butter in the baking dish before adding the pancake batter. The berries will bake into the pancake, releasing their juices and creating pockets of fruity sweetness and vibrant color.
Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl:
For a truly decadent treat, swirl ¼ cup of permissible chocolate-hazelnut spread (like permissible Nutella) into the pancake batter just before baking. Use a knife or toothpick to create a beautiful swirl pattern on the surface, ensuring the chocolate-hazelnut spread is distributed throughout the pancake.
Savory Herb and Cheese:
Transform your Baked German Pancake into a savory brunch dish. Omit the granulated sugar and vanilla extract from the batter. Add ½ cup of permissible grated cheese (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere) and 2 tablespoons of permissible finely chopped fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, thyme, or a combination) to the batter.
Lemon Poppy Seed Zest:
Add a refreshing citrus and nutty note by incorporating the zest of 1 permissible lemon and 2 tablespoons of permissible poppy seeds directly into the pancake batter. Lemon zest and poppy seeds create a classic and delightful flavor combination that brightens the pancake beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Simplicity:
Embrace the traditional and elegant serving style by dusting the Baked German Pancake generously with permissible powdered sugar and serving it alongside permissible lemon wedges. The lemon juice provides a bright, tangy contrast to the pancake’s subtle sweetness and richness.
Berry Maple Brunch:
Create a delightful brunch centerpiece by topping slices of Baked German Pancake with a generous portion of permissible fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries) and drizzling with warm, pure permissible maple syrup. This classic combination is always a crowd-pleaser.
Whipped Cream and Compote:
Elevate the pancake to a dessert-worthy treat by topping warm slices of Baked German Pancake with a dollop of permissible whipped cream and a spoonful of warm permissible fruit compote. Choose from apple compote, berry compote, or peach compote for a truly indulgent experience.
Savory Brunch Platter:
Transform Baked German Pancake into a savory brunch component by serving it as part of a platter alongside permissible scrambled eggs, permissible cooked chicken or beef sausages, permissible crispy permissible bacon (turkey or beef), and permissible roasted vegetables (like tomatoes or asparagus). This creates a balanced and satisfying meal.
Ice Cream Sundae Sensation:
For a fun and festive dessert presentation, transform Baked German Pancake into an ice cream sundae. Top warm slices with scoops of permissible vanilla ice cream, permissible chocolate sauce, permissible caramel sauce, permissible sprinkles, and permissible whipped cream. This is a playful and decadent way to enjoy this versatile pancake.
FAQ
Can I prepare the batter the night before and bake it in the morning?
While it is best to bake the Baked German Pancake batter soon after mixing, you can prepare it up to 8 hours in advance. Store the batter covered in the refrigerator. Whisk briefly before baking. Baking chilled batter may slightly affect the puff, but it is still a convenient option.
How do I prevent the pancake from deflating too much after baking?
Some deflation is normal and expected for Baked German Pancake. To minimize deflation, avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking. Serve the pancake immediately after baking, as it is at its puffiest and most visually impressive when fresh from the oven.
Can I use a cast iron skillet for baking this pancake?
Yes, a 12-inch cast iron skillet works wonderfully for Baked German Pancake. Preheat the skillet in the oven with the butter to ensure it is hot before adding the batter. Cast iron skillets distribute heat evenly and contribute to crispy edges.
What are some good permissible toppings besides powdered sugar and syrup?
Beyond powdered sugar and maple syrup, consider permissible fresh fruit (berries, bananas, peaches), permissible whipped cream, permissible fruit compotes, permissible chocolate sauce, permissible caramel sauce, permissible chopped nuts, permissible lemon curd, or permissible yogurt. The topping options are truly endless!
Is it possible to make a smaller Baked German Pancake?
Yes, you can easily halve the recipe to make a smaller Baked German Pancake. Use an 8-inch square baking dish or a smaller oven-safe skillet. Reduce the baking time slightly and monitor for doneness. Individual German pancakes can also be baked in muffin tins or ramekins.
Prepare to be utterly delighted by the uncomplicated elegance and exquisite taste of Baked German Pancake! This recipe transforms a handful of basic ingredients into a breakfast or brunch masterpiece that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Gather your permissible ingredients, follow the straightforward steps, and get ready to experience the magic of this oven-baked wonder, creating a breakfast sensation that will become a cherished tradition for every special morning!
PrintBaked German Pancake
A breakfast that transcends the ordinary, the Baked German Pancake is a culinary marvel.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 6 large Eggs
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- Powdered Sugar (optional)
- Maple Syrup (optional)
- Fresh Berries (optional)
- Whipped Cream (optional)
- Lemon Wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place butter in a baking dish and heat in the oven until melted and sizzling.
- Blend or whisk eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth. Let batter rest.
- Pour batter into hot baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with desired toppings.
Notes
Add sautéed apples and cinnamon for a warm variation. Incorporate berries for fruity sweetness. Swirl in chocolate-hazelnut spread for a decadent treat. Make a savory version with cheese and herbs. Add lemon zest and poppy seeds for a refreshing twist. Serve with powdered sugar and lemon, berries and maple syrup, or whipped cream and compote.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Oven-baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Baked German Pancake, Pancake, Breakfast, Brunch