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German Pancakes (Dutch Baby ATK)

German Pancakes (Dutch Baby), America’s Test Kitchen

Section titled “German Pancakes (Dutch Baby), America’s Test Kitchen”

Based on the recipe by America’s Test Kitchen. Uses a unique “cold oven” start to achieve a custardy center with dramatically tall, crispy sides.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Bake time: 30–35 minutes | Yield: One 12-inch pancake

ItemAmount
all-purpose flour210g (1¾ cups)
granulated sugar38g (3 tbsp)
lemon zest1 tbsp
salt~2.5g (½ tsp)
ground nutmeg~0.25g (⅛ tsp)
whole milk360g (1½ cups)
large eggsx6
vanilla extract~7g (1½ tsp)
unsalted butter (for the skillet)42g (3 tbsp)
ItemAmount
braeburn apples, cored, peeled, ½-inch wedges565g (~1¼ lbs)
unsalted butter28g (2 tbsp)
water80g (⅓ cup)
light brown sugar50g (¼ cup)
ground cinnamon~0.5g (¼ tsp)
salt~0.5g (⅛ tsp)
Items
12-inch non-stick oven-safe skillet
separate traditional skillet (for apples)
large bowl for batter
whisk
scale or measuring cups/spoons
cutting board and knife
  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, lemon zest, salt, and nutmeg.

  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and even in color.

  3. Combine batter: Pour about two-thirds of the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk until a smooth paste forms with no lumps, then whisk in the remaining liquid until the batter is thin and smooth.

  4. Melt butter: Place 42g of butter in a 12-inch non-stick skillet. Melt over medium-low heat on the stovetop.

  5. Add batter: Once the butter is melted, pour the batter into the skillet.

  6. Cold oven bake: Immediately place the skillet into a cold oven. Turn the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the sides have puffed up dramatically and are deep golden brown.

  7. Sauté base for topping: While the pancake bakes, melt 28g of butter in a separate skillet over medium heat.

  8. Simmer syrup: Add the water, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.

  9. Cook apples: Add the apple wedges. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.

  10. Glaze: Remove the lid and continue to cook for 5–7 minutes until the liquid reduces into a thick, syrupy glaze and the apples are translucent and tender.

  11. Serve: Remove the pancake from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board (it will begin to deflate quickly). Slice into wedges and top generously with the warm glazed apples and sauce.