IIf you’ve never made a German Pancake before (also called a Dutch Baby), prepare to be amazed. This oven-baked breakfast puffs up dramatically, turning into golden, buttery deliciousness with zero flipping required. The best part? You only need a blender, a few basic ingredients, and about 25 minutes. Whether it’s weekend brunch, a holiday morning, or a last-minute breakfast-for-dinner situation, this fluffy German Pancake is a total win – and yes, the kids will actually eat it.
Table of Contents
- What You Need for Making German Pancakes
- Step-by-Step: How to Make a German Pancake
- Step 1: Preheat & melt the butter
- Step 2: Blend the batter
- Step 3: Pour & bake
- Step 4: Watch the magic
- How to Double This German Pancake Recipe for a Bigger Crowd
- Best Toppings for German Pancakes
- 📌 Save This Recipe for Later
- Frequently Asked Questions About German Pancakes
What You Need for Making German Pancakes
This German Pancake recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s also a fun way to get the kids involved in the kitchen! And if you’ve got backyard chickens and more eggs than you know what to do with—like we do, How to Build a Low-Cost DIY Chicken Coop shows exactly how we built ours. This fluffy oven pancake is the perfect way to use those eggs up.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step: How to Make a German Pancake
Step 1: Preheat & melt the butter
Preheat your oven to 420°F. Add ½ cup butter to your 13×9 inch pan and place it in the oven to melt while it preheats. This step melts the butter and heats the pan in one go.
Step 2: Blend the batter
While the butter is melting, combine the rest of the German Pancake ingredients…. eggs, milk, flour, salt, and vanilla in a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth – about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Step 3: Pour & bake
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven (it’ll be sizzling, so use oven mitts!) and pour the batter directly into the melted butter. Return the pan to the oven and set a kitchen timer for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Watch the magic
The German Pancake will puff up dramatically as it bakes. It’s done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Slice and serve right away, while it’s still fluffy – because it deflates as it cools.
How to Double This German Pancake Recipe for a Bigger Crowd
For our large family, I always make a double batch – and it works beautifully. You’ll just need two 9×13 pans. Double the ingredients right in the blender, then pour the batter evenly into each buttered pan. I use the measurement markings on the blender to eyeball half into each one. Bake time stays the same, so you can pop them both in the oven together and still have breakfast on the table in 20 minutes.
Best Toppings for German Pancakes
This fluffy German Pancake is super versatile, and the toppings are where you can really make it your own! Here are a few favorite ways to serve it up:
Classic + Simple
- Warm maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice
Fruity Favorites
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Caramelized bananas
- Warm cinnamon apples
For a Little Indulgence
- Nutella or chocolate drizzle
- Whipped cream
- Toasted coconut and chopped nuts
Savory German Pancake Toppings
Feeling bold? Skip the vanilla and top it with bacon, eggs, or sautéed veggies for a savory take!
Looking for more delicious breakfast options with simple ingredients? Check out this recipe for Using Cottage Cheese & Eggs to Make High Protein Pancakes
PrintEasy Oven-Baked German Pancake (AKA Dutch Baby)
This oven-baked German Pancake is one of those magic breakfasts that looks impressive but couldn’t be easier to make. It puffs up beautifully in the oven, has crispy buttery edges, and a soft custardy center that’s just begging for syrup. Made with simple pantry ingredients and blended in seconds, this recipe is perfect for lazy weekends, holidays, or breakfast-for-dinner nights.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Oven
Ingredients
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1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
-
6 eggs
-
1 cup milk
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp salt
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Preheat oven to 420°F (215°C). While it heats up, place ½ cup (1 stick) butter in a 9×13” glass or metal baking dish and put the dish in the oven to melt the butter.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
Step 2: Blend the batter
In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, flour, salt, and vanilla. Blend until smooth and fully combined (about 30 seconds).
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6 eggs
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1 cup milk
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Step 3: Pour and bake
Carefully remove the hot pan with melted butter from the oven. Pour the batter directly into the pan, over the butter.
Step 4: Bake until golden and puffy
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the pancake has puffed up and the edges are golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Slice and serve immediately with syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or lemon juice—whatever you love!
📌 Save This Recipe for Later
Frequently Asked Questions About German Pancakes
They’re actually the same thing! “Dutch Baby” is just another name for this fluffy oven-baked pancake that puffs up dramatically while it cooks.
A few things can prevent the rise: your oven might not be hot enough, your pan might not have been fully preheated, or the batter wasn’t blended until smooth. Make sure to melt the butter while the oven preheats and blend the batter well to trap enough air.
Yes! You can whisk everything by hand, but make sure the batter is completely smooth – no lumps. A blender just makes it faster and foolproof.
A glass or metal 9×13-inch baking dish works great for a family-size version. You can also use a cast iron skillet for a more traditional look and crispy edges.
