This German oven pancake, also known as a Dutch Baby, is light, fluffy, and slightly crisp around the edges. It puffs up beautifully in the oven and makes the perfect breakfast or brunch dish — ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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3 large eggs
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½ cup milk (whole milk recommended for richer flavor)
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3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (divided)
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1 tbsp sugar
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¼ tsp salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
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Place a 9- or 11-inch cast iron skillet (or oven-safe pan) in the oven while it preheats.
2. Make the Batter
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons of the melted butter until well combined.
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Slowly add the flour, whisking gently until smooth.
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Tip: Do not overmix — a few small lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the pancake dense.
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3. Prepare the Skillet
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Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven.
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Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter, swirling the pan to coat the bottom and sides evenly.
4. Bake the Pancake
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Pour the batter into the hot skillet.
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Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 12–18 minutes, until the edges are puffed and deep golden brown.
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The center should be set but slightly custardy.
5. Serve
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Remove from the oven and let the pancake settle for a minute — it will deflate slightly, which is normal.
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Slice into wedges and serve immediately with:
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Powdered sugar and fresh berries
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Maple syrup
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Lemon wedges and a sprinkle of sugar for a classic touch
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Tips for Success
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Make sure the skillet is very hot before pouring in the batter for maximum puff.
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Whole milk works best for a rich and tender texture.
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For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.
Make Ahead & Storage
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Make Ahead: Batter can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance; whisk well before using.
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered for up to 1 day. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.
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Freezer: Not recommended — the texture will not hold well once frozen.
Timing
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 12–18 minutes
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Total Time: ~20 minutes
