Sweet Vanilla Dutch Baby Pancake

If you want a no-fuss showstopper breakfast, then you need to try this Sweet Vanilla Dutch Baby Pancake. A sky-high buttery, puffy pancake that you can serve right out of the oven and then top with anything you want. Spiced with vanilla and a touch of cinnamon, this sweet puff pancake is easy to make at home.

If you are anything like us and hate standing by the stove flipping pancakes when trying to serve a crowd, then the Dutch baby pancake is the answer. A one-skillet breakfast that is good as it is impressive.

What is a Dutch Baby?

A Dutch baby, also known as a Bismarck, Hootenanny, Dutch Puff, or German pancake, is nothing like its American counterpart. It's as if a crepe met a popover and then had a Yorkshire pudding baby.

Dutch babies are made without any chemical leavening (such as baking powder), and instead, they get their rise from trapped steam coming from the hot pan and the batter. The batter rises tall in the oven, and then slowly deflates after being removed.

The result is a light, billowy crust with a custard-like center. The taste is slightly eggier than a pancake or crepe, but they can be served up like a traditional pancake.

Ingredient notes

The great thing about a Dutch baby is that you probably have all the ingredients waiting for you in your pantry. Here is what you will need.

• Eggs Large eggs
• Flour All-purpose flour
• Milk we used 2% milk, but any type of milk will work
• Sugar we used powdered sugar (confectioner's sugar) because it easily dissolves in the batter
• Vanilla Use a good-quality vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. No imitation stuff
• Cinnamon Ground cinnamon for a little spice
• Salt A small amount of Kosher or sea salt to counteract the sweetness
• Butter Unsalted

See recipe card for quantities.

You will need a cast-iron pan or a similar oven-proof pan to make this puff pancake. Make sure whichever pan you choose has tall sides so that the batter can rise and puff up in the oven. We always use our trusty 10-inch cast-iron skillet for this recipe because cast iron retains heat so well.

Making the Dutch baby

If you can flip a pancake then you can definitely make a Dutch baby. Actually, it's even easier! Preheat your oven to 425°F and place your pan in the oven while it preheats. While the oven is preheating, you can make your batter. See below.

Step 1. Combine all ingredients (except the butter) in a bowl and whisk until smooth. You can also use a blender.

Step 2. Place the butter in the hot pan until it bubbles and is completely melted.

Step 3. Pour the prepared batter directly over the melted butter. Do not mix.

Step 4. Bake for about 18-20 minutes until puffed up and golden brown. Top with fruit or powdered sugar, and serve immediately.

Expert tips

• Make sure your pan is hot, and your butter is completely melted before pouring the batter into the pan. This will ensure a nice rise in the oven.
• Remember, your pan is hot. Take caution when removing your pan to melt the butter and pour the batter.

How to serve this vanilla Dutch baby

Dutch babies will rise and leave a billowy bowl-shaped depression right in the center. That little nook is suited to toppings galore. Try some of these ideas to serve with your sweet pancake.

• Fresh frui. Add some fresh berries such as blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries right in the center. The contrasting colors will elevate this simple dish.
• Powdered sugar. Keep it simple with a nice dusting of confectioner's sugar.
• Jam. Top with your favorite jam.
• Nuts. Add some nuts, such as sliced almonds, for a lovely texture.
• Maple syrup. It is a pancake after all, so don't be shy with the maple syrup.

Looking for something to serve on the side? Try this sweet and savory candied bacon.

Keeping leftovers

Ok, the bad news is this puff pancake does not store well. Believe us, we've tried. It becomes a rubbery mess the next day. The good news? It's so good you won't have any leftovers!

You can prep the batter up to 24 hours in advance and leave it covered in the refrigerator. give it a final whisk when ready to use.

Kitchen questions

Can you make a Dutch baby without a cast-iron skillet?

Absolutely! You can use any 9 or 10-inch pan that is oven safe. be sure the sides are high so that the Dutch pancake can rise nice and tall.

Why is our Dutch baby not rising?

The reason is most likely that your pan and butter were not hot enough. To avoid this, put the pan in the oven at the start of the preheating. Also, resist the urge to open the oven door. Doing so will allow heat to escape and prevent your Dutch pancake from puffing up.

Ingredients

Makes 4

• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ tsp Kosher or fine sea salt
• 2 tbsp powdered (confectioner's) sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

Equipment

• 10-inch cast iron skillet (or other 10-inch non-stick, oven-safe skillet)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. While the oven preheats, place your empty skillet in the oven so that it gets very hot. While the oven is heating, prepare the batter.

2. Place the eggs, flour, milk, salt, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon in a bowl and whisk until smooth. You can also toss the ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth (scraping down the sides). Let the batter rest while the oven is preheating.

3. When the oven is finished preheating, add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. When it's melted and bubbling, add your batter directly over the butter-do not stir. Place the skillet back in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until it is puffed around the edges and golden brown on top. **Do not open the oven while it is cooking. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Kitchen notes

• Resist the urge to open the oven while the Dutch baby is cooking. To keep an eye on it, leave the oven light on, so you can check for doneness.
• Your puff pancake will rise in the hot oven and deflate after you take it out. This is completely normal. Top with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.