Best Dutch Baby Pancake Recipes for Cast Iron
Master the Art of the Perfect Dutch Baby—Sweet or Savory
If you’re searching for the best Dutch baby recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This foolproof guide covers everything—from the history of the Dutch pancake to expert tips and delicious variations like savory Dutch babies and apple Dutch baby pancakes. Whether you're using a cast iron skillet or another pan, you'll learn the secrets to making a puffy, golden masterpiece.
What is a Dutch Baby Pancake?
A Dutch baby pancake, sometimes called a German pancake, is a baked pancake that puffs dramatically in the oven. It has crispy edges and a soft, custard-like center, making it the perfect canvas for both sweet and savory toppings. Unlike traditional pancakes, which require flipping, a Dutch baby rises effortlessly in the oven, making it one of the easiest yet most impressive breakfast dishes.
Classic Dutch Baby Recipe
Follow this easy Dutch baby recipe to achieve a perfectly puffed pancake every time.
Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a 10-inch cast iron skillet inside to heat.
- In a blender, combine eggs, flour, milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Blend until smooth (about 30 seconds).
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add butter, swirling to coat the bottom and sides.
- Pour the batter into the skillet and immediately return it to the oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes until puffed and golden, then reduce heat to 300°F (150°C) for 5 more minutes.
- Serve immediately with powdered sugar, lemon wedges, or your favorite toppings.
👉 Pro Tip: Using room-temperature eggs and milk helps create the best rise.
Why is it Called a Dutch Baby?
Despite the name, Dutch babies aren’t Dutch at all! This dish actually originated in the U.S., inspired by German “Pfannkuchen” (pancakes). A café in Seattle popularized the term when the owner’s daughter mistakenly called them “Dutch” instead of “Deutsch” (German). The name stuck, and today, the Dutch baby pancake is an American brunch favorite.
Does a Dutch Baby Have to Be Made in Cast Iron?
A cast iron skillet is the best choice because it retains heat well, ensuring a dramatic puff and crispy edges. However, you can also use an oven-safe stainless steel pan or a glass pie dish—just be sure to preheat it properly for the best results.
Dutch Baby vs. Clafoutis: What’s the Difference?
People often confuse Dutch babies with clafoutis, but they’re quite different:
- Dutch Baby: Light, airy, and similar to a popover or Yorkshire pudding.
- Clafoutis: A denser, custard-like French dessert, often baked with fruit (traditionally cherries).
If you're craving something airy and puffy, go with a Dutch baby. If you want a denser, fruit-filled dessert, clafoutis is the way to go.
Delicious Dutch Baby Variations
Savory Dutch Baby Recipe
Transform your Dutch baby into a savory delight:
- Omit sugar and vanilla.
- Add ½ teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper to the batter.
- Top with grated cheese, crispy bacon, smoked salmon, or fresh chives after baking.
🥚 Pro Tip: Serve with a fried or poached egg for an extra filling meal!
Apple Dutch Baby Recipe
A cozy, fall-inspired twist:
- Slice 1 apple and sauté in 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Pour the batter over the apples and bake as usual.
- Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup.
🍏 Why You'll Love It: The caramelized apples add natural sweetness and a deliciously crispy texture.
Simple Dutch Baby Recipe (For One)
Short on time? Try this quick Dutch baby recipe:
- 2 eggs, ⅓ cup flour, ⅓ cup milk, 2 tablespoons butter, pinch of salt.
- Blend, pour into a hot 8-inch skillet, and bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes.
🥄 Perfect for a solo breakfast or a quick snack!
Dutch Baby Recipe for a Crowd (4 or 6 Eggs)
Need to serve more people? Scale up the ingredients:
- For a 12-inch skillet (4 eggs):
- 4 eggs, ¾ cup flour, ¾ cup milk, 5 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon sugar.
- For a 14-inch skillet (6 eggs):
- 6 eggs, 1 cup flour, 1 cup milk, 8 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons sugar.
👉 Bake times remain the same—just use a larger pan.
Top Tips for the Perfect Dutch Baby
✔ Serve immediately—Dutch babies deflate quickly, so enjoy them fresh.
✔ Experiment with toppings—from fresh berries to smoked salmon, the possibilities are endless.
Ready to whip up your own Dutch baby masterpiece? Whether it’s a "Dutch baby recipe NYT"-inspired classic or a "savory Dutch baby recipe" for dinner, you’ve got the tools to impress. Bookmark this page, grab your skillet, and let’s bake something extraordinary!
