Apple Dutch Baby Pancake – Baked in a large, hot skillet, this giant pancake puffs up like a popover and is topped with caramelized apples. Easy to prepare, it makes a fantastic family-size breakfast, brunch or dessert.

Apple Dutch Baby Pancake - Baked in a large, hot skillet, this giant pancake puffs up like a popover and is topped with caramelized apples.

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    My husband David has been obsessed with this easy family-size pancake for years! It has become his go-to brunch recipe for a casual brunch with friends, and I bet he masters the recipe better than me by now. He even started a new tradition around it by making it with the kids every year for my birthday. Truly, there’s nothing better than waking up to the smell of a warm cozy breakfast prepared by your loved ones on your birthday. If you read this, maybe you should start the tradition too!

    Apple Dutch Baby Pancake - Baked in a large, hot skillet, this giant pancake puffs up like a popover and is topped with caramelized apples.

    My love for crêpes and pancakes is boundless, and I’m always up for new ideas. Start with these Easy fluffy American pancakes (a readers’ favorite!) and explore some more in my pancakes section. And while you’re at it, try this family-size apple Dutch baby pancake. I love it with warm apples, but feel free to play with the toppings.

    Why you’ll LOVE this Apple Dutch Baby Pancake

    • An easy skillet family-size pancake recipe to share
    • Warm and melt-in-your-mouth caramelized apples
    • Endless possible variations
    Apple Dutch Baby Pancake - Baked in a large, hot skillet, this giant pancake puffs up like a popover and is topped with caramelized apples.

    What is Dutch baby pancake?

    Somewhere in between breakfast and dessert, Dutch baby pancake is not your average breakfast fare. The batter is very basic and unlike most pancake recipes, it does not contain any leavening agent. Simply blend the ingredients together, pour into a hot skillet, put it in the oven and let the magic happen! The batter puffs and browns as it bakes, turning into something absolutely gorgeous and special, creating impressive domes and cliffs. When it comes to the texture itself, a Dutch baby is halfway between a crepe and a pancake, resembling to a a French clafoutis.

    Apple Dutch Baby Pancake - Baked in a large, hot skillet, this giant pancake puffs up like a popover and is topped with caramelized apples.

    What’s the secret to a great Dutch baby pancake?

    As journalist E. Christensen explained in the Chicago Tribune a few years ago, the secret to a show-stopping Dutch baby is the use of a hot skillet. Put the skillet in the oven while it’s heating so that the pan is scorching hot by the time you’re ready to cook. The direct heat from the pan will cause the liquid in the batter to evaporate and puff the edges sky-high as the pancake bakes. Ideally, you want to serve it straight from the oven as the cliffs start to sink back into themselves when the baby cools.

    Serve with melt-in-your-mouth apples

    Like for any pancake recipe, there are endless topping ideas when it comes to Dutch baby pancake. Here I opted for some apple wedges, deliciously melted in honey and butter. Add them warm on top of your Dutch baby, with some fresh blueberries for a pop of color, and a dollop of sour cream. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, and serve warm!

    Apple Dutch Baby Pancake - Baked in a large, hot skillet, this giant pancake puffs up like a popover and is topped with caramelized apples.
    Apple Dutch Baby Pancake - Baked in a large, hot skillet, this giant pancake puffs up like a popover and is topped with caramelized apples.

    Other serving suggestions

    Other topping ideas for a sweet Dutch baby include fresh strawberries or raspberries, berry compote, peach, pears, etc. You can also flavor the batter by adding some vanilla extract, lemon zest or cinnamon. Some like to serve with whipped cream, others with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

    You can also try a savory version with my Savory Dutch Baby Pancake recipe! Just skip the sugar in the batter and play with herbs and other savory breakfast items you like. Diced sausage, cherry tomatoes or sliced onions are all good candidates for a savory Dutch baby pancake. Breakfast in a skillet has never been so fun!

    Apple Dutch Baby Pancake - Baked in a large, hot skillet, this giant pancake puffs up like a popover and is topped with caramelized apples.

    More and more pancakes!

    Other apple recipes you’ll love:

    Apple Dutch Baby Pancake - Baked in a large, hot skillet, this giant pancake puffs up like a popover and is topped with caramelized apples.
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    Apple Dutch Baby Pancake

    Apple Dutch Baby Pancake - Baked in a large, hot skillet, this giant pancake puffs up like a popover and is topped with caramelized apples.
    Print
    • Author: Delphine Fortin
    • Prep Time: 20 mins
    • Cook Time: 25 mins
    • Total Time: 45 minutes
    • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
    • Category: Breakfast
    • Cuisine: American

    Apple Dutch Baby Pancake – Baked in a large, hot skillet, this giant pancake puffs up like a popover and is topped with caramelized apples.

    Email me this recipe

    We’ll send it straight to your inbox, along with weekly food inspiration!

      Ingredients

      Scale

      For the dutch baby:

      • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
      • ¼ cup (50g) sugar
      • ½ teaspoon salt
      • ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk
      • 4 large eggs
      • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
      • 3 Tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter

      For the apples:

      • 4 apples, peeled, cored and cut into wedges
      • 3 Tablespoons (45g) butter
      • 4 Tablespoons honey
      • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

      For topping (optional):

      • Confectioners’ sugar
      • Fresh blueberries
      • 1 Tablespoon sour cream

      Instructions

      1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
      2. Heat a 9- or 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Add butter, and when melted, add the apple wedges. Cook until softened and lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Stir in honey and cinnamon. Remove from heat, transfer the apples with the sauce into a separate dish and wipe skillet clean.
      3. Place skillet in the oven as it heats until ready to use.
      4. Combine the flour, sugar and salt in a food processor or blender, and pulse several times to combine. Add the milk, eggs and vanilla, and blend continuously for 15 seconds. Scrape down the sides, and blend continuously for another 15 seconds or until there are no more lumps and the batter is frothy. Let the batter stand in the blender for 15-20 minutes to give the flour time to absorb the liquids.
      5. Drop the butter into the warmed skillet and return the skillet to the oven until the butter has melted, 2-3 minutes.
      6. Blend the pancake batter again for a few seconds to froth it up. Remove the skillet from the oven, pour the batter straight into the skillet without stirring, and place into the oven. It’s normal for the excess butter from the pan to pool on top of the pancake batter. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the Dutch baby is puffed and turning dark golden brown on the ridges.
      7. Remove from oven and add the apple wedges on top of the warn pancake. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, add some fresh blueberries, a dollop of sour cream, and serve immediately while still warm.
      Apples, Eggs, Fruit Desserts, Pancakes & Waffles, Thanksgiving, Year Round

      Did you make this recipe?

      Lastly, if you make this Apple Dutch Baby Pancake, be sure to leave a comment and give this recipe a rating, letting me know how you liked it. And of course, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Thank you and enjoy!

      Try also these Easy Fluffy American Pancakes…

      These easy fluffy American pancakes are the BEST pancake recipe you can possibly find. With only 6 ingredients and 2 minutes preparation, you get generous and fluffy pancakes with no effort.