German Pancakes
These oven-baked German pancakes are a showstopper breakfast with dramatic puffy edges, a crisp golden finish, and a soft, custardy center. Ready in about 30 minutes, they're surprisingly easy to make.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Blender
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (240 ml)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
- 1 dash salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
- 5 Tablespoons butter (70 g)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425 °F. The oven needs to be fully hot before the batter goes in so the pancake can rise quickly.
- Place the butter in an un-greased 9x13-in. metal baking dish and set it in the oven just until the butter melts. You want melted butter and a hot pan, not browned butter or a smoking dish.
- Blend the eggs, milk, flour, salt, and vanilla until the batter is completely smooth, then pour it into the hot dish over the melted butter. The batter should hit the pan with a soft sizzle and smell lightly buttery right away.
- Bake for 22 to 27 minutes, until the edges are deeply puffed and golden brown. Within the first part of baking, the batter should start climbing the sides of the pan and the center should look set by the end.
- Serve with a generous shower of powdered sugar and syrup. The pancake will deflate quickly once it leaves the oven, and that dramatic collapse is completely normal.
Notes
Hot Pan is Key: For the best puff, make sure your pan and butter are fully heated in the oven before pouring in the batter. This creates the steam needed for the edges to rise dramatically.
Smooth Batter Tip: Using a blender is highly recommended. It creates a completely smooth, aerated batter which results in a lighter texture and more even rise.
Storage and Reheating: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat in a lightly buttered skillet or in the oven to help restore the crispy edges.
Pan Choice: A metal baking dish or a cast-iron skillet will give you the tallest, crispiest results because they conduct heat very well.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.