Magical 3-Ingredient Baked German Pancake Recipe Will Amaze You

Oh my gosh, you have to try this baked German pancake recipe! It’s my absolute favorite lazy weekend breakfast – just toss everything in a bowl, pour it into a hot skillet, and watch the magic happen in your oven. I still remember the first time I made it and saw that golden puff rising dramatically over the edges of my cast iron pan. This German classic (sometimes called a Dutch baby) transforms basic pantry staples into something spectacular with minimal effort. My kids call it “the pancake that grows like a balloon” and race to the oven window to watch it bake. Trust me, once you see how easy and impressive this baked pancake recipe is, you’ll want to make it every Sunday!

Why You’ll Love This Baked German Pancake Recipe

This recipe is pure breakfast magic – here’s why it’s my go-to:

• Effortless elegance: Five minutes of prep for a showstopper that looks way fancier than it is
• Pantry staples only: Eggs, flour, milk – you probably have everything right now
• No flipping stress: Unlike regular pancakes, this beauty bakes hands-free in the oven
• Golden, puffy drama: That Instagram-worthy rise never gets old (my kids still cheer when it puffs up!)
• Endless versatility: Dress it up sweet or go savory – it’s the perfect blank canvas

Seriously, if you love impressive breakfasts without the work, this baked pancake recipe is about to become your new best friend.

Ingredients for Baked German Pancake Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need for this magical breakfast (measurements matter!):

• 3 large eggs (room temperature works best)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (lightly spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (2% works in a pinch)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, plus extra for pan)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional but lovely)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Don’t stress if you need swaps! Almond milk works for dairy-free, and gluten-free flour blends perform surprisingly well here (I’ve tested Bob’s Red Mill with great results). Coconut oil can replace butter – just know it’ll add a subtle tropical note. Pro tip: Room temp eggs incorporate better for maximum puff!

Equipment Needed for Baked Pancake Recipe

You’ll be shocked how little gear this showstopper needs:

• 9-inch oven-safe skillet (my well-seasoned cast iron works magic, but any ovenproof pan does the job)
• Whisk (or fork in a pinch – I’ve used both when camping!)
• Mixing bowl (I grab whatever’s clean – no fancy equipment required)

No skillet? No problem! A pie plate or cake pan works too – just expect slightly different edges.

How to Make Baked German Pancake Recipe

Okay, let’s make some pancake magic happen! Here’s exactly how I do it every weekend:

1. Preheat that oven! Crank it to 425°F (220°C) – this blast of heat is what makes our pancake puff up dramatically.
2. Whisk eggs like you mean it in a medium bowl until they’re completely smooth and slightly frothy.
3. Add everything else – flour, milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla if using. Mix just until combined (lumps are okay – overmixing makes it tough!).
4. Melt butter in your skillet over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom and sides completely.
5. Pour batter into the hot skillet – it should sizzle slightly when it hits the pan.
6. Bake without peeking! Transfer to oven immediately and resist opening that door for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and puffed like a cloud.
7. Serve immediately – this beauty starts deflating the moment it comes out (but tastes just as delicious flat!).

Pro Tips for the Perfect Baked Pancake

Here’s what I’ve learned through many (many!) batches:

• Room temp ingredients blend better for maximum rise
• Don’t overmix – a few lumps are better than tough gluten
• Hot pan = crispy edges (my favorite part!)
• Serve straight from oven – it’s part of the fun watching it deflate as you eat!

Serving Suggestions for Baked German Pancake

Oh, the fun part! This pancake is like a blank canvas for your breakfast dreams. My family goes wild with:

• Classic dusting of powdered sugar (I use a fine mesh sieve for that bakery-perfect sprinkle)
• Fresh berries – strawberries in summer, spiced apples in fall – whatever’s in season
• Warm maple syrup drizzled over those crispy edges (trust me, it’s magical)
• Whipped cream with a dash of cinnamon for extra indulgence

For savory lovers, skip the sugar and top with smoked salmon and chives. We often pair ours with crispy bacon or Greek yogurt for protein – the perfect weekend brunch!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Honestly, this pancake is best fresh from the oven (that dramatic puff is half the fun!), but if you must save leftovers: store cooled pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days max. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until crispy again – microwaving turns it rubbery. Pro tip: Leftovers make amazing pancake “chips” when toasted extra crispy!

Baked German Pancake Recipe FAQs

After making this recipe countless times (and fielding all my friends’ questions!), here are the answers you need:

Can I double this baked German pancake recipe? Absolutely! Just use two skillets or a larger pan (13×9 works great). The baking time might need an extra 3-5 minutes – watch for that golden puff.

Why did my pancake deflate? Opening the oven door too soon is usually the culprit! That initial blast of heat creates the dramatic rise. Also check that your oven temp is accurate – an oven thermometer helps.

Can I make it ahead? The batter keeps refrigerated for about 2 hours (give it a quick whisk before using). For fully baked pancakes, they’re best eaten immediately – but day-old leftovers make amazing pancake “chips” when toasted!

Can I use a different pan? My cast iron skillet gives the crispiest edges, but any oven-safe pan works. Just adjust baking time slightly for different materials and sizes.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1/3 of the pancake): 180 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated), 18g carbs, 1g fiber, 7g protein. Remember – these are estimates and may vary slightly based on your specific ingredients and toppings!

Try this Baked German Pancake Recipe and share your results in the comments! You can also find more great ideas on our Pinterest page!

Print