If you have been searching for a dish that combines simplicity with impressive wow factor, look no further than this Baked German Pancake Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of fluffy, golden edges with a tender, custardy center that rises beautifully in the oven. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a breakfast or brunch centerpiece that feels both cozy and elegant. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering a lightly sweet, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to making a flawless Baked German Pancake Recipe. Each component plays its own role, whether it’s providing structure, richness, or that dreamy texture that makes this dish so special.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the pancake just the right thickness without weighing it down.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the buttery notes.
- Milk: Contributes to the batter’s smooth consistency and tender crumb.
- Large eggs: Essential for the lift and light, airy texture.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps achieve that golden, crispy edge.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a warm aromatic depth to the pancake’s flavor.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting and finishing with a delicate sweetness.
- Maple syrup: The classic syrup pairing that brings a luscious finish to every bite.
How to Make Baked German Pancake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to getting that impressive puff which makes the pancake so unique. Place your 9×13-inch baking dish inside the oven to warm while you make the batter — a hot dish helps jumpstart the cooking process and results in a beautifully crisp bottom crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of sweetness and seasoning throughout the batter.
Step 3: Combine Milk and Dry Mix
Add the milk to your dry mix and whisk until the batter is silky smooth with no lumps. A well-mixed base is the secret to achieving that tender, custard-like texture inside.
Step 4: Beat the Eggs
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then stir them thoroughly into the batter. These eggs are what create the pancake’s signature rise and delicate structure.
Step 5: Add Butter and Vanilla
Melt the unsalted butter gently, then stir it into the batter along with the vanilla extract. This adds richness and a subtle depth of flavor that brings the whole pancake to life.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Carefully remove the hot baking dish from your oven using oven mitts. Add a little extra butter to coat the bottom, pour in your batter, and spread it evenly. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch in delight as it puffs up dramatically and turns a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Once baked, the pancake will settle slightly but remain light and moist. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately with warm maple syrup for that classic combination of sweet and buttery goodness.
How to Serve Baked German Pancake Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing beats a fresh dusting of powdered sugar to complement the pancake’s delicate flavors. For an extra touch, consider fresh berries or a squeeze of lemon juice, which add brightness and a pop of color that makes the dish truly festive.
Side Dishes
The Baked German Pancake Recipe pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausages for a savory balance. A light fruit salad on the side can also refresh your palate, creating a well-rounded and satisfying brunch experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your pancake in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch, or fold in fresh fruit or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter before baking for an exciting twist on tradition. Drizzling caramel sauce or dolloping whipped cream adds indulgence for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover slices of this soulful Baked German Pancake Recipe, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The texture may soften slightly but reheating will help bring back some of the original charm.
Freezing
To enjoy this pancake later, you can freeze individual slices on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen slices keep well for up to a month, making it easy to have a delightful breakfast ready whenever you want.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp again, or use a toaster oven for quick reheating. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the texture a bit rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe because it balances texture and rise, but you can experiment with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor or gluten-free blends with a slightly different texture.
What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?
You can use any ovenproof dish with a similar volume. Just keep an eye on the baking time as thickness affects cooking speed—smaller or deeper dishes might need slightly adjusted baking times.
Can I add fruits or nuts to the batter?
Absolutely! Toss in fresh blueberries, sliced apples, or chopped nuts to the batter before baking to add extra flavor and texture. Just be sure not to overload the batter to keep that perfect rise.
Why does the pancake deflate after baking?
The dramatic rise is thanks to the eggs and hot oven, but as it cools, the air escapes causing a slight deflation. This is completely normal and doesn’t affect taste or texture.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast or dessert?
The Baked German Pancake Recipe is wonderfully versatile and perfect any time. Enjoy it as a hearty breakfast, a decadent brunch, or even a sweet dessert with toppings of your choice.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a warm, beautifully puffed German pancake fresh from the oven, and this Baked German Pancake Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy to make, impressive to serve, and irresistibly delicious, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to for mornings that deserve a little extra magic.
