Dutch Baby Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Puffy Oven Pancake
Looking for a show-stopping breakfast or brunch that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious? Enter the Dutch Baby pancake—a puffy, golden oven-baked treat that’s crispy on the edges, custardy in the center, and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings. Also known as a German pancake, this simple yet stunning dish has become a breakfast favorite for foodies around the world.
In this SEO-friendly guide, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Dutch Baby, plus tips, topping ideas, and answers to common questions.
🥞 What Is a Dutch Baby Pancake?
A Dutch Baby is a large, fluffy pancake baked in a cast-iron skillet. Unlike traditional stovetop pancakes, Dutch Babies puff up dramatically in the oven, thanks to steam from the high-temperature bake and a batter rich in eggs.
Despite the name, it’s not Dutch—this dish originated in the U.S. and was likely inspired by German pancakes.
🍳 Ingredients for Dutch Baby Pancake
Here’s what you need to make a basic Dutch Baby:
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3 large eggs
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup whole milk
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1 tablespoon granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the skillet)
Optional toppings: fresh berries, powdered sugar, maple syrup, lemon juice, whipped cream, or Nutella.
🔥 How to Make a Dutch Baby Pancake
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Skillet
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Place a 10–12 inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat up.
Step 2: Blend the Batter
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In a blender or bowl, combine eggs, flour, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
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Blend until smooth. Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes (optional, but helps with puffiness).
Step 3: Add Butter and Bake
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Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven.
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Add butter and swirl to coat the pan.
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Immediately pour in the batter and place the skillet back in the oven.
Step 4: Bake Until Puffy
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Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the Dutch Baby is puffed and golden brown around the edges.
Step 5: Top and Serve
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Remove from oven and serve immediately—Dutch Babies deflate quickly!
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Add your favorite toppings and enjoy warm.
🧁 Topping Ideas for Dutch Baby Pancake
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🍓 Fresh berries + whipped cream
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🍋 Lemon juice + powdered sugar (classic!)
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🍫 Nutella + banana slices
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🍏 Caramelized apples + cinnamon
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🧀 Savory toppings like cheese, herbs, or smoked salmon
❓ Dutch Baby Pancake FAQs
Can I use a different pan?
Yes! A heavy oven-safe skillet or baking dish will work, but cast iron gives the best puff and crisp.
Why didn’t my Dutch Baby rise?
This could be due to a cold skillet, not enough oven heat, or overmixing the batter. Use room-temperature ingredients and preheat everything thoroughly.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use plant-based milk and vegan butter. The puff may be slightly less dramatic but still tasty.
📈 Final Thoughts
A Dutch Baby is a quick and impressive dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. With just a few simple ingredients and a hot oven, you can create a golden, cloud-like pancake that’s both rustic and elegant.
Whether you’re a home cook or food blogger, this Dutch Baby recipe is sure to be a hit—and it’s super SEO-friendly for food content creators. Try it today and share your favorite topping combo!