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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.
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.
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:
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.
Ingredients
Scale
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
6 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
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.
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).
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!
Nutrition
Serving Size:1/6 of pan
Calories:280
Sugar:3g
Fat:17g
Carbohydrates:21g
Protein:9g
Frequently Asked Questions About German Pancakes
What’s the difference between a German Pancake and a Dutch Baby?
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.
Why did my German Pancake not puff up?
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.
Can I make a German Pancake without a blender?
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.
What’s the best pan to use for a Dutch Baby?
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.
