CLASSIC DUTCH BABY PANCAKE
Celebrate cozy winter mornings with this impressive, fluffy Dutch Baby pancake—crispy on the edges, tender and puffed in the center, and finished with a dusting of cinnamon sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup. Adapted from the famous 1966 Craig Claiborne recipe, it’s perfect for family breakfasts and special moments around the table.
🕒 Prep Time: 5 min
🍳 Cook Time: 15 min
🍰 Yields: 1 serving
Ingredients
For the Pancake:
- 1 egg
- 60 ml milk
- 30 g all-purpose flour
- A pinch of lemon zest (freshly grated)
- ½ tbsp butter
For Topping:
- 1 tbsp vanilla powdered sugar
- A pinch of cinnamon
- Maple syrup, for drizzling
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Pan
- Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F) with a 15 cm oven-safe skillet inside (preferably cast iron for a crispier crust).
- Use a skillet size appropriate to the number of eggs (add 5 cm diameter per additional egg).
2. Prepare the Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together egg, milk, and lemon zest.
- Add flour and stir quickly until just combined—don’t overmix; small lumps are okay. The batter should be fairly thin.
3. Heat Butter
- Place butter in the preheated skillet and return to oven until butter is fully melted and sizzling.
4. Bake the Pancake
- Carefully remove skillet from oven and brush the edges with melted butter.
- Pour batter into the hot skillet and immediately return to oven.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until edges are puffed, golden, and crispy, and the center is puffed as well.
5. Finish and Serve
- Remove pancake from oven and dust with vanilla powdered sugar mixed with cinnamon.
- Drizzle generously with maple syrup.
- Serve immediately—be sure everyone is ready to enjoy as the spectacular puff will deflate quickly!
💡 Tips
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best crispy crust.
- Adjust skillet size when making multiple servings.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep it light and airy.
- Serve immediately for the best puff and presentation.
🎉 Perfect For
- Special family breakfasts
- Cozy winter mornings
- Elegant brunch gatherings
📝 Final Thoughts
This Dutch Baby pancake is a magical, simple treat that impresses with its puffed edges and tender center. Paired with cinnamon sugar and maple syrup, it transforms any morning into a special occasion.