There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of freshly baked German pancakes filling your kitchen. Light, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious, this German pancake recipe is a perfect way to start your day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on a lazy weekend or just treating yourself, these pancakes bring a cozy warmth to the breakfast table.
German pancakes, also known as Dutch babies, are unique for their airy texture and dramatic rise. Unlike traditional pancakes, they’re baked in the oven, which gives them that gorgeous puff. What makes them really special is how versatile they are. Top them with your favorite fruits, sweet syrups, or even a dusting of powdered sugar, and you’ve got a breakfast that’s both comforting and inviting.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for a rich flavor)
- Toppings of your choice (like fresh berries, jam, or maple syrup)
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is crucial; your pancakes need that high heat to puff up beautifully.
Step 2:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. I love using a blender for this; it makes the process so easy.
Step 3:
Place the butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and stick it in the preheated oven. Keep an eye on it, you’re just melting the butter, not browning it.
Step 4:
Once the butter is melted, carefully pour the pancake batter into the hot pan. Hear that sizzle? That’s the sound of deliciousness.
Step 5:
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pancake is puffed and golden-brown. Resist the urge to open the oven door while it bakes; it needs to stay warm to rise.
Step 6:
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a minute, then slice and serve with your favorite toppings. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and some fresh berries.

Nutritional Information
One serving of German pancakes (based on six servings) typically contains:
– Calories: 150
– Protein: 6g
– Carbohydrates: 22g
– Fat: 5g
These values can vary with different toppings, so feel free to customize.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking for a healthier twist, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. For a dairy-free version, almond or oat milk works just as well.
Serving Suggestions
These German pancakes are so amenable to toppings. Fresh berries, bananas, or a drizzle of peanut butter can elevate your breakfast. Feeling indulgent? Add a scoop of whipped cream or chocolate chip cookies. If you have a sweet tooth, an excellent pairing is my Decadent Brownie Truffles for a delightful finish to the meal.
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is not preheating the oven or the pan adequately. This will prevent the pancakes from puffing up the way they should. Make sure to have everything ready to go before they hit the oven.
Chef’s Notes
- Cut the recipe in half if you only want a smaller portion. Just use 2 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, and so forth.
- Feel free to experiment with the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- This recipe is fantastic for leftovers. Just store any extra pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat gently in the oven or toaster.
FAQs
- Q1: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick whisk before pouring it into the hot pan. - Q2: What can I use instead of eggs?
A2: You could use a flaxseed egg or applesauce as a replacement if you’re looking for a vegan option. - Q3: Can I freeze leftover German pancakes?
A3: Absolutely; Just allow them to cool completely, layer them with parchment paper, and store them in an airtight container. They’re best enjoyed within a month.
These German pancakes will quickly become a family favorite, combining a sense of warmth with delicious flavors. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking. And if you’re in the mood for something else sweet, don’t miss checking out my Baked Blueberry Donuts Recipe, too. Enjoy your cozy breakfast.
Print
Delicious German Pancakes for a Cozy Breakfast
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These oven-baked German pancakes, also called Dutch babies, are a cozy and airy breakfast favorite that rise beautifully and are perfect with sweet toppings like fruit, syrup, or powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Toppings of your choice (like fresh berries, jam, or maple syrup)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure the pancake puffs up properly.
- Blend the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, and salt until the batter is smooth. A blender works great for this.
- Add the butter to a 9×13-inch baking dish and place it in the oven to melt. Don’t let it brown.
- Carefully pour the batter into the hot pan once the butter is melted. It should sizzle when it hits.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden. Keep the oven door closed to maintain the heat.
- Remove, cool for a minute, slice, and serve with your favorite toppings like berries or powdered sugar.
Notes
Make a smaller batch by halving all ingredients. Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a flavor twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven or toaster.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: german pancakes, dutch baby, breakfast, easy pancake recipe, oven pancake