Dutch Baby

Take your brunch game to the next level with this mouthwatering Dutch Baby pancake recipe.

Dutch baby pancakes are quick and easy to whip up—yet they always make a big impression. With a crispy outer edge and a soft, tender interior, they’re hard to resist. I first encountered this dish in my early twenties during a breakfast outing with a friend, and I couldn’t believe I’d spent so much of my life without any awareness of this fabulous food. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also visually striking. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, the batter puffs up nicely in the oven. This is a fairly hands-off recipe, but timing is key to achieving the best results.

Despite its popularity in North America, the Dutch baby has roots in Germany, inspired by the Pfannkuchen, German for “pancake.” It’s believed to have made its way to the U.S. sometime in the early 1900s, beginning in the Pacific Northwest. This recipe is simple, requiring just a few common ingredients you likely already have on hand and about 35 minutes of your time. Whatever toppings you prefer, this dish is easy to customize and nearly always attracts quite a lot of praise.

Is A Dutch Baby Healthy?

A Dutch baby is considered an indulgent treat that is best enjoyed in moderation. The inclusion of whole milk, butter, and sugar contributes to a high calorie and fat content. To lighten things up a bit, you can swap out the whole milk for a lower-fat milk—like 2% or skim—and reduce the sugar by half. For those looking to make this recipe dairy-free, you could try plant-based butter and milk alternatives, like unsweetened almond or oat milk. Keep in mind that these substitutions are likely to alter the texture of your pancakes. I would recommend serving these Dutch baby pancakes with fresh fruit and perhaps some protein, like scrambled or poached eggs, to create a more balanced and nutrient-dense meal.

Topping Your Dutch Baby Pancakes

There is a dizzying variety of toppings that pair well with this recipe—so get creative and make it your own! Chocolate-hazelnut spreads like Nutella seem to be among the most popular, along with whipped cream. If you prefer to stick to the classics, fresh maple syrup is always perfect. Other options for you to try include lemon curd, Greek yogurt, or various nut butters like peanut butter, almond butter, or pistachio butter. I’ve enjoyed Dutch baby pancakes with poached pears, raspberry preserves, and fresh sliced strawberries at different times. Feel free to top with any fruits you usually enjoy on oatmeal, like sliced banana, with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

FAQs & Tips

Serving Suggestions

To serve your Dutch baby pancake, you can either keep it simple or stretch your culinary creativity. A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or some fresh fruit slices are the most classic of complements. You can’t really go wrong with a dollop of whipped cream, whether you prefer plain or enhanced with fruit, like this Strawberry Whipped Cream. Lemon Curd is a sensational topping that will wow your brunch guests with its sweet and tangy flavor.

For a fully fleshed-out brunch menu, you’d do well to serve this with an egg dish, like poached eggs, Quiche Florentine, or my absolute favorite, Spinach Frittata. Pair with the Perfect Mimosa and coffee for a truly memorable breakfast or brunch.

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