German Pancakes, also known as Dutch Baby Pancakes, are a classic breakfast that we’ve made since we were little. Over the years, they have become a breakfast staple in our home for holidays, weekends, and more.
They’re made from a simple batter that puffs up dramatically in the oven. The result is a golden, buttery pancake with crisp edges and a soft, custardy center.
This easy recipe is made with just 5 ingredients and takes only minutes to prepare. It’s a breakfast that feels fancy but couldn’t be simpler to make. We love to top them off with Buttermilk Syrup, Homemade Maple Syrup over the top and adding fresh berries and Whipped Cream.
You’ll love how quick and yummy these pancakes are! For more favorite pancakes, check out our Easy Pancake Recipe, Buttermilk Pancakes, and Fluffy Pancakes.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- They’re quick! From start to finish, they’re ready in under 30 minutes.
- A super simple breakfast. Make these with just a few pantry staples. Elevate breakfast without having to plan ahead!
- Great for busy days. Whether it’s weekends or holidays like Christmas, this quick breakfast recipe is perfect for hectic days.
German Pancakes Ingredients
- Butter (5 tablespoons): Adds richness and prevents the pancake from sticking while giving it a golden, crisp edge.
- Eggs (6 large): Help the pancake rise and create a light, custardy texture. Room temp eggs work best.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides structure for the batter.
- Milk (1 cup): Thins the batter and adds creaminess.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- toppings (optional) – We like to add powdered sugar, Whipped Cream, Buttermilk Syrup, Maple Syrup, sliced strawberries, blueberries, bananas, or raspberries
How to Make German Pancakes
PREP. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Melt butter in a 9×13-inch casserole dish in the warm oven.
BATTER. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and flour until clumps are gone.
- Add milk and salt and blend until combined (this can also be mixed in the blender to avoid clumps).
BAKE. Pour batter into the pan of melted butter. Bake for 16–20 minutes. The sides should be golden brown.
- The sides will be overflowing and fluffy, but will come down a bit once the pan is removed from the oven.
ENJOY! Serve the German pancakes immediately with your toppings of choice – syrup, cinnamon sugar, a dusting of powdered sugar, or whatever sounds great to you!
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Preheat your pan with butter in the oven so the batter puffs beautifully.
- Use room-temperature eggs and milk for better rise.
- Do not over-mix the batter; a few small lumps are fine.
- Serve immediately since the pancake will deflate slightly after baking.
- Add toppings quickly while warm. Some of our favorite toppings include powdered sugar, berries, buttermilk syrup or maple syrup.
German Pancakes Recipe
Equipment
Video
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Melt butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish in the warming oven
- In a medium bowl, whisk eggs. Whisk in flour until clumps are gone.
- Add milk and salt and whisk until combined (this can also be mixed in the blender to avoid clumps).
- Pour batter into the pan of melted butter. Bake for 16–20 minutes. The sides will be overflowing and fluffy, but will come down a bit once the pan is removed from the oven.
- Serve immediately with your toppings of choice.
Notes
- There are lots of different toppings you can try! We like to top ours with fruit, powdered sugar, and buttermilk syrup.
- For the fluffiest pancakes. Use the freshest eggs possible and add eggs, one at a time, whisking for 30 seconds after each egg.
- Using room temperature eggs and milk helps create a smoother batter that rises better and more evenly.
- Resist the urge to open the oven door as it can cause the pancake to deflate.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or wrap each piece with plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe airtight container, then freeze for 1-2 months. Reheat in the oven, toaster oven, or microwave.
Complete The Meal
Toppings
Buttermilk Syrup
10 mins
Cinnamon Buttermilk Syrup
10 mins
How To Make Maple Syrup
18 mins
Homemade Whipped Cream
15 mins
More Pancakes
Swedish Pancakes
35 mins
Dutch Baby Pancake
30 mins
Chocolate Chip Pancakes
10 mins
Easy Pancake Recipe
15 mins
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This recipe was originally published December 2015.
Looks sooooo gooD! Going to make them for my mom for mother’s day. Do you use salted Or unsalTed butter?
I like to use unsalted, so I can control the salt 🙂 Enjoy!!
I AM GLAD TO BE HERE AND SEE THIS AMAZING BLOG. AND I LOVE TO BE READ THIS FOUND SOMETHING INTERESTING INQUIRES. AND I AM ALSO TRYING THIS AT MY HOME. AND COOK THIS KIND OF PANCAKE.
Awe, thank you so much!! I hope you try them & like them!
Perfect! This was my first attempt at making German pancakes and the results were better than I could have hoped for. I split the recipe in half to feed 2 people, and baked it in a cast iron skillet. I added a bit of cinnamon and ½ a tsp of vanilla extract to the batter, and server it with real maple syrup. Even without syrup it was so flavorful. I also followed your recommendation of whipping together the eggs one at a time. I have a convection oven and the pancake was puffed up and nicely browned and cooked through after 15 minutes (the low end of the recommended bake time).
Thank you so much. This is now my go-to recipe for future German pancakes.
Yay!! That sounds great!! I am so happy you tried them & like them!! They are our favorite! Thank you so much!
I got the simple ways to get the amazing tips and trick to bake pan cakes. I extremly share these ways to bake pan cakes at home. By the way, my husband is coming, I am going to make these pancakes for him. I love your blog, and also subscribe this one.
Thank you so much!! Hope he likes them!
Hi Lil Luna, Since I am of German descent , I Love all German recipes. I adore the GERMAN pancakes, but I’ve been making them in a HOT buttered cast iron pan with a touch of honey in the batter. Next time i make them I’ll try you recipe. Thank you for sharing. Lil
Oh, that sounds delicious!! I will have to try your way! Thanks!
It’s Lovely Dish I’m also trying this. thanks & I’d make these right now. YUM!
Thank you!! Sure hope you like them 🙂
I am glad to be here and got this amazing recipe. I love to eat this pancakes.
Awe, thank you so much!! I’m am glad you are here!
I Like serving breakfast for dinner a couple times a mOnth. Ive been using the recipes on your site to mix things up from the normal waffles and eggs. My family loved these german pancakes. Keep sharing ideas!
One of our favorite breakfast dishes. So easY and Are liked just as much as pancakes if not More. I like the fact that they just go intO the oven.
These are one of the best pancake recipes ever!