Dutch Baby (Oven-Puffed Pancake)
In short: A giant, crisp-edged pancake that puffs up in a hot skillet in the oven. Dust with sugar, squeeze on lemon and serve with fresh berries. It takes about 32 min in total and makes 3 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 22 min
- Resting
- 10 min
- Total
- 32 min
- Servings
- 3
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 375 kcal
A Dutch baby is a pancake that cooks itself. A thin egg batter goes into a sizzling skillet and the oven does the rest, sending the edges up in golden, ruffled walls around a tender, custardy center. It takes five minutes of work and about twenty in the oven. It falls soon after it comes out, so bring everyone to the table first. Lemon and powdered sugar are the classic finish, with berries on the side.
Instructions
- Put a 26 cm (10 inch) ovenproof skillet, preferably cast iron, on the middle rack and heat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Give the pan at least 15 minutes to heat fully.
- Meanwhile, blend the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, vanilla and lemon zest for 30 seconds, until smooth, or whisk everything together in a bowl. Let the batter rest while the oven heats.
- Carefully take out the hot skillet, add the butter and swirl until it melts and coats the base and sides. Work quickly so the pan stays hot.
- Pour the batter into the center of the pan and return it to the oven at once.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the sides have climbed high and the pancake is deeply golden. Do not open the oven door during the first 15 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve straight from the pan with lemon wedges and berries. It will start to sink within a minute or two, which is normal.
Tips
- Room-temperature eggs and milk help the batter puff higher. If the milk is cold, warm it for 20 seconds in the microwave.
- For a savory version, leave out the sugar, vanilla and lemon zest, and stir in 40 g (1/3 cup) grated cheddar and 1 tbsp chopped chives. Serve it with a fried egg.
Questions and answers
Why did my Dutch baby not puff up?
Usually the pan or oven was not hot enough, the batter was cold, or the door was opened early. Preheat the skillet for the full time and keep the door shut for the first 15 minutes.
Is a Dutch baby the same as Yorkshire pudding?
They use the same batter of eggs, flour and milk and puff the same way in a hot pan. A Dutch baby is sweeter, baked in butter and served with fruit or sugar, while Yorkshire pudding is baked in beef fat or oil and served with a roast.
Can I make a Dutch baby without a cast-iron skillet?
Yes. Use any ovenproof metal skillet or a metal cake pan, heated in the oven first. Avoid glass dishes, which can crack when butter hits a very hot surface.
How long does it take to make Dutch Baby (Oven-Puffed Pancake)?
About 32 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 22 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Dutch Baby (Oven-Puffed Pancake)?
About 375 kcal per serving, with 12 g of protein, 41 g of carbohydrates and 18 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 375 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 41 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
