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.
My family is from Germany and I lived there for a while myself. While sweet pancakes are not unheard of, Germans are far more likely to top their pancakes with cheese or veggies, or a mixture of both. It’s very much like a crepe and quite delicious. I highly recommend it!
I have tried the more savory German Pancake and have loved it as well! Thanks for sharing your topping suggestions. They sound delicious!
I made a slightly healthy alternative. I switched to unsalted butter, almond milk and almond flour. Delicious.
Great options! Thank you for sharing that 🙂
This were great and so easy! The kids loved them. Mine turned out a bit dense in the middle is the a trick to making them a bit fluffier throughout? I was thinking using a blender for the batter??
Hmm..not sure why they did that. It could have been a part of the batter not mixed well. I have not tried the blender. You could see if that helps.
These were so yummy!! I halfed the recipe because it’s just me that eats breakfast at home. Put cinnamon and sugar on them. I don’t know if I should have cooked them a little longer but they were almost like a custard in the middle, which I’m not complaining about!!
Yay! Happy you liked them! Sounds like they could have used a few more minutes, but that’s ok 🙂 Thank you!
awesome recipe . I cant wait to try.
Thank you so much! I can’t wait for you to try it!
Do I need to do something different since I am in Colorado or will this recipe work as is?
I am sorry, I wish I knew. They should be ok 🙂
Love your site
Awe, thank you so much!!
AWESOME
It was great and easy👍🏻
I can’t believe I had never made these until a couple years ago. So simple for something so delightful. We just add berries, maple syrup, and whipped cream if I’m feeling fancy! 😆