Ever want breakfast that looks like you actually know what you’re doing in the kitchen—without, you know, actually trying? Meet the Baked German Pancake. It puffs up like a culinary magic trick, tastes like a cross between a crepe and a cloud, and best of all, you barely lift a finger. Basically, it’s the brunch showstopper for lazy geniuses.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
- Zero flipping required – No pancake acrobatics here.
- Dramatic presentation – It puffs up in the oven like a soufflé, then settles into golden, buttery perfection.
- Sweet OR savory – Top it with fruit, syrup, or cheese—your call.
- One-pan wonder – Fewer dishes = more happiness.
- Foolproof – If you can whisk eggs, you can make this.
Honestly, it’s the most effort-to-impressiveness ratio you’ll ever find.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy—just basics you already have:
- 3 large eggs – The base of the magic.
- ½ cup milk – Whole milk makes it richer, but any works.
- ½ cup flour – All-purpose, keep it simple.
- 2 tbsp butter – For that golden edge.
- 1 tbsp sugar – Optional, for a hint of sweetness.
- Pinch of salt – Always.
- Toppings: Powdered sugar, berries, lemon juice, or syrup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set it to 425°F (220°C). Put butter in a cast-iron skillet or ovenproof pan and let it melt in the oven.
- Mix batter: Whisk eggs, milk, flour, sugar, and salt until smooth (or blitz in a bender).
- Pour it in: Take the hot pan out, swirl the melted butter, and pour in the batter.
- Bake: Pop it back in the oven for 18–20 minutes. Watch it puff like it’s auditioning for a baking show.
- Top & serve: Dust with powdered sugar, add fruit, drizzle with syrup—go wild.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cold pan = flat pancake. Preheating is non-negotiable
- Overbeating batter: Don’t turn it into glue—just mix until smooth.
- Opening the oven too soon: Patience, grasshopper. Let it puff before peeking.
- Forgetting toppings: Naked German pancake? Tragic.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Dairy-free? Use almond or oat milk, plus oil instead of butter.
- Savory twist? Skip sugar, add herbs, cheese, or bacon.
- No cast iron? Any ovenproof dish works, but cast iron = crispy edges.
- Gluten-free? Sub with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
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FAQs
Why is my German pancake flat?
Your pan wasn’t hot enough—or you got too nosy and opened the oven.
Can I make it ahead?
Not really. It deflates after baking, so enjoy it fresh.
Do I need a cast-iron skillet?
Nope, but it helps. Any oven-safe dish will do.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a bigger pan and bake a few minutes longer.
Is this basically a Dutch baby?
Yup, same thing—different names, same delicious drama.
Can I make it savory?
Absolutely. Cheese, herbs, bacon, ham—live your best brunch life.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—Baked German Pancake: impressive, fluffy, and almost too pretty to eat (almost). It’s the ultimate lazy flex breakfast: minimal effort, maximum payoff.
So go ahead—whisk, bake, and wow yourself (or your brunch crew). Don’t forget the powdered sugar sprinkle—it’s basically pancake glitter. ✨
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