The Fluffy German Apple Pancake Recipe Everyone Adores

Crispy edges and fluffy centers define this delightful german apple pancake that brings comfort straight to your kitchen.

Apples from local orchards create a delectable twist on traditional breakfast fare.

Sweet cinnamon wafts through the air as you mix simple ingredients.

Rustic charm meets culinary innovation in this classic german dish.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this hearty recipe passed down through families.

Warm, golden-brown pancakes promise a morning meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Gather around the table and savor every delicious bite of this comforting breakfast treat.

Why German Apple Pancake Is A Sweet Morning Favorite

• Tackle with Ease: Minimal cooking skills required, making this recipe perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.
• Seasonal Superstar: Showcases fresh apples in a stunning one-pan breakfast that celebrates autumn's bounty with maximum flavor and minimal effort.
• Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Delivers a showstopping dish that brings everyone together, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable morning meal.
• Versatile Delight: Transitions seamlessly from cozy weekend breakfast to elegant brunch, impressing guests with its rustic charm and professional presentation.

What You’ll Need For German Apple Pancake

• Flour: The primary structure and base of the pancake, providing necessary texture and substance.
• Eggs: Essential binding agent that helps create a smooth and cohesive mixture.
• Milk: Adds liquid and richness to achieve the perfect pancake consistency.
• Sugar: Introduces sweetness and helps with golden-brown caramelization.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor enhancement.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the apples.
• Salt: Balances and heightens the overall flavor profile.

• Butter, Vegetable Oil: Creates a rich, non-stick cooking surface with added flavor.

• Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and caramelizes beautifully during baking.

• Powdered Sugar, Heavy Cream: Optional toppings that add extra sweetness and richness to the final presentation.

How To Cook German Apple Pancake

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set the oven to 425°F to create the perfect baking environment for a golden, puffy pancake.

Step 2: Create Smooth Batter

• Flour
• Eggs
• Milk
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Whisk until the mixture becomes completely smooth with no lumps.

Step 3: Prepare Apple Slices

Carefully peel and slice apples into thin, elegant wedges that will caramelize beautifully during baking.

Step 4: Prepare Cooking Surface

• Butter
• Vegetable oil

Ensure the pan is evenly coated and sizzling.

Step 5: Arrange Apple Layer

Carefully spread apple slices across the bottom of the skillet, creating an artistic pattern that will develop a rich, golden-brown edge.

Step 6: Pour Batter

Gently pour the prepared batter over the apple slices, making sure to cover them completely with an even layer.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch as the pancake puffs up and turns a deep golden-brown color.

Step 8: Rest and Set

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pancake rest for 5 minutes, allowing it to settle and maintain its impressive structure.

Step 9: Flip and Reveal

Carefully invert the pancake onto a serving plate, showcasing the beautifully caramelized apple layer on top.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and optionally drizzle with heavy cream. Serve immediately while warm and delicious.

Pro Tips For German Apple Pancake

• Prevent Lumpy Batter: Whisk ingredients thoroughly and strain the mixture if needed to ensure a silky-smooth texture without any flour clumps.
• Choose the Right Apples: Select firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape and provide a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity during baking.
• Master the Skillet Technique: Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for optimal heat distribution and to create a beautiful caramelized apple bottom that won't stick.
• Temperature Control is Key: Allow ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing to help create a more consistent batter and ensure even cooking throughout the pancake.
• Serve Immediately for Best Results: Enjoy the dutch baby right after inverting to maintain its impressive puffy texture and capture the maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Ways To Mix Up German Apple Pancake

• Gluten-Free German Apple Pancake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring a lower-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the pancake's rich flavor and texture.
• Vegan Apple Skillet Pancake: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free version.
• Pear and Cinnamon Variation: Swap apples with ripe pears, adding extra ground cardamom for a warm, aromatic spin on the classic recipe that provides a subtle flavor transformation.
• Low-Sugar Healthy Option: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, incorporate whole wheat flour, and add chopped nuts for increased protein and nutritional value.

What To Pair With German Apple Pancake

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Chai: A spiced tea latte complements the cinnamon notes in the apple pancake, creating a warm and comforting flavor harmony.
• Serve Caramel Whiskey Sauce: A rich, boozy drizzle enhances the caramelized apple's depth, adding sophistication and a grown-up twist to the dessert.
• Match Maple Pecan Ice Cream: The cold, nutty sweetness contrasts beautifully with the warm pancake, providing a delightful temperature and texture balance.
• Enjoy Sparkling Apple Cider: A crisp, effervescent beverage that echoes the apple's essence while cutting through the pancake's richness, refreshing the palate.

How To Store German Apple Pancake

• Store leftover Dutch baby pancake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, keeping the pancake fresh for up to 2 weeks with minimal texture loss.
• Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering loosely with foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain the pancake's original crispy edges.
• Zap in 30-second intervals on medium power, checking frequently to avoid rubbery texture, best used when you need a speedy breakfast revival.

FAQs About German Apple Pancake

• How do I know when the apple Dutch baby is perfectly cooked?

Look for a dramatic puff and deep golden-brown color. The edges should rise significantly and appear crispy, while the center looks set but slightly custardy.

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, choose firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness during cooking.

• Why is a cast-iron skillet recommended for this recipe?

Cast-iron skillets distribute heat evenly, create a perfect non-stick surface, and help develop a beautiful caramelization on the apple layer. They can also go directly from stovetop to oven seamlessly.

German Apple Pancake Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor golden German apple pancake, a delightful breakfast classic straight from Bavaria’s culinary heart. Crisp edges, caramelized apples, and delicate cinnamon embrace each delectable bite, inviting you to explore this comforting morning treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 4 medium apples

Batter Components:

• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

Cooking/Finishing Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F, ensuring a hot environment for the pancake’s dramatic rise and golden transformation.
2. Whisk flour, eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl until the batter becomes smooth and free of lumps, creating a silky foundation for the pancake.
3. Peel and slice apples into thin, uniform wedges, preparing them for a delightful caramelized texture during baking.
4. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, melting butter and vegetable oil to create a rich, non-stick cooking surface.
5. Arrange apple slices in a decorative pattern across the bottom of the skillet, allowing them to slightly caramelize and develop a golden-brown edge.
6. Pour the prepared batter evenly over the arranged apples, ensuring complete coverage and a consistent layer.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the pancake to puff up dramatically and turn a deep golden-brown color.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, allowing the pancake to settle and maintain its impressive structure.
9. Carefully invert the pancake onto a serving plate, revealing the beautifully caramelized apple layer on top.
10. Dust with powdered sugar and optionally drizzle with heavy cream for an extra touch of indulgence before serving immediately.

Notes

• Precision matters when whisking the batter, eliminating lumps ensures a smooth, velvety texture that rises perfectly in the oven.
• Cast-iron skillets provide unbeatable heat distribution and create a crispy, golden-brown exterior that traditional pans can’t achieve.
• Slice apples uniformly to guarantee even caramelization and consistent cooking throughout the pancake’s surface.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend, maintaining the recipe’s delicate structure and flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg