Dutch baby is a light and puffy German pancake topped with fresh fruit and maple syrup. This easy breakfast recipe requires a 5 minute prep and quick bake time. Includes air fryer oven instructions.
The dutch baby pancake is guaranteed to wow loved ones on any occasion. It's so elegant, you think it would be difficult to make. But it's as easy as whisk, pour, and bake. The batter puffs up into a golden, light and fluffy pancake that compliments any breakfast toppings, sweet or savory.
If you're doing a family brunch, you can make the Dutch baby for the adults and these chocolate pancakes for the kids. Everyone's happy!
Dutch baby ingredients
Ingredient amounts are included in the printable recipe below.
- milk - use any dairy liquid or plant based milk.
- all purpose flour - or preferred flour can be used
- eggs - an important binding agent in this recipe
- vanilla extract - a little goes a long way
- sea salt - or Kosher salt
- butter - used for the skillet but olive oil will work too.
- toppings - I use fresh fruit, powdered sugar, and maple syrup.
How to make a dutch baby
Full recipe instructions (including air fryer oven) are in the printable recipe below.
Heat an oven-safe skillet or baking dish in a preheated 400°F oven or air fryer oven. Then whisk together milk, flour, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Allow batter to rest 5 minutes.
Remove preheated skillet from oven, add butter, allow it to melt, and pour in the dutch baby pancake batter. Immediately return to the oven or air fryer.
Bake 10 minutes for air fryer dutch baby and up to 15 minutes for a regular oven. It's done when it's puffy and golden brown.
Scatter toppings and serve warm topped with maple syrup.
What toppings go on a dutch baby?
I used a combination of fresh fruits, powdered sugar, and maple syrup for this dutch baby recipe. You can use any fruits you like, but my favorite picks during the height of summer include peaches, strawberries, blueberries, and mulberries.
Can I make a dutch baby pancake without a cast iron skillet?
Yes! You can substitute a pie tin or steel pan to make a dutch baby pancake. You'll use the same instructions, including preheating the pan.
Do I need a blender for a dutch baby?
Actually, no. A blender is certainly a convenient way to blend the batter and remove lumps, but it's not required. You can conquer the task with a whisk and some old fashioned elbow grease.
How to serve a dutch baby pancake
You can serve a this light and puffy pancake in a skillet, baking pan, or transfer it to a serving platter. Either way, scatter the fruit and other toppings over the surface, cut into slices like a pie, scoop some extra fruit onto each piece, and devour.
More Breakfast Brunch Recipes
- Ultimate Moist Banana Bread
- Puff Pastry Breakfast Pizza
- Double Chocolate Banana Bread
- Blueberry Zucchini Bread
- Steel Cut Oats [Instant Pot or Stove]
- Vegetarian Crustless Quiche
Dutch Baby Recipe
Equipment
- whisk
- 10" oven safe skillet or baking dish
- Instant Omni Plus AF Toaster Oven if not using conventional oven
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup 1% Milk
- ½ cup All Purpose Flour
- 2 Eggs, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- Toppings (fresh fruit, powdered sugar, and maple syrup), * see recipe footnote
Instructions
- Preheat oven or air fryer oven set to 400°F. *see recipe footnote about temperatureNote: I used my Instant Omni Plus countertop oven on the "bread" setting.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together MILK, FLOUR, EGGS, VANILLA, and SALT, removing any lumps. Allow batter to rest 5 minutes.
- To preheat the iron skillet, place it in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
- Carefully remove skillet, add BUTTER, and swirl to coat the surface.
- Add the Dutch baby egg batter to the skillet.
- Bake 10-15 minutes, or until puffed up and golden brown.
- To serve, transfer Dutch baby to a serving platter with your favorite toppings.
RECIPE VIDEO
Traci's Recipe Notes
NUTRITION
Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.
Lisa says
Hi Traci,
My family loved this Dutch Baby. My husband especially raved about it when I made it for dinner tonight. I doubled the recipe and used my huge cast iron skillet. I added blackberries, bananas, and Asian pears. It disappeared very quickly. I will be making it again soon! Thank you.
The Kitchen Girl says
Yay Lisa, I'm so glad you tried it out! Now I want this for dinner too LOL. Thanks so much for the feedback and I'm happy you enjoyed. Cheers!
Harlan says
I love Dutch pancakes and used to make them the way you describe but, for medical reasons, have had to go on a low carb diet. Do you think this recipe would work with almond flour? Have you tried it that way? Thanks
The Kitchen Girl says
Hiya! I haven't tried them like this and tbh I'm not sure what the outcome will be. Let me know if you end up testing it. Could be a fun experiment 🙂 Thanks and enjoy!
Kristy says
Love Chef Laura has a Paleo Apple Cinnamon Dutch Baby that is made with almond flour. I have yet to try it, but thought I would pass on the info.
R Thomas says
Dutch baby really is the perfect brunch recipe. I love how easy it comes together and it's even quicker in my air fryer oven. While it bakes, I chop the fresh fruit. It's so quick and just so delicious!
The Kitchen Girl says
Yayyy! I'm glad you're enjoying the recipe. I think it's my favorite weekend breakfast. Thanks for taking the time to leave feedback 🙂
Jeff says
There isn't an easier, more elegant breakfast than this Dutch baby recipe. Wow! It impresses me every time I make it. Thanks for another winner KG!
The Kitchen Girl says
I 100% agree with you 🙂 I'm glad you love it as much as I do. Thank youuuu!
Lin Welsh says
I came across this recipe a long time ago but it was called a “puff pancake “ . I fix it with an apple filling with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream. It is alway nice and puffy, but when I slice it, it falls. Is it supposed to do that?
The Kitchen Girl says
Hi Lin, a Dutch baby pancake usually puffs up in the oven and deflates when you take it out or when you cut into it.
Rahul @samosastreet says
This looks so delicious and dramatic at first !! But the recipe is super easy to follow. Thanks for sharing the recipe Traci
wendy roscamp says
In the UK your pancake is known as a Yorkshire pudding , Omit the vanilla
and serve as a savoury with roasted meat usually a Roast Beef joint, roast potatoes a selection of steamed veg and lots of gravy made from the juices of the meat, very popular for a Sunday lunch
The Kitchen Girl says
Yep, we've had a savory dutch baby already in the works and coming to the blog soon 🙂 Can't wait!!! Thanks for stopping by
veenaazmanov says
Loved that it is baked. All the toppings look yum. Best breakfast platter to make my day special.
The Kitchen Girl says
Indeed! This breakfast will make any day special 🙂 Thanks Veena!
Julia says
This was the fluffiest Dutch baby pancake I have ever tasted! I used maple syrup as you suggested and fresh fruit, and totally loved it:)
The Kitchen Girl says
Haha nice! It sooo reminds me of French toast. So glad you enjoyed it 🙂 Thanks for letting me know!
Sara Welch says
What a great way to start my day; looking forward to enjoying these for breakfast tomorrow! Looks too good to pass up!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Sara! Glad you can enjoy these
Beth says
This is so delicious and yummy! My kids loved this recipe! I will definitely be making this again!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Beth! Yes, I love it when the kids sign off on a fruit-filled breakfast Thanks for the feedback
Anjali says
I had no idea how easy it was to make a dutch baby pancake!! These turned out to be absolutely delicious and are going to be a regular in my breakfast rotation! 🙂
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Anjali! I felt the exact same way about the dutch baby after my first time making it LOL. So glad you can enjoy this breakfast recipe. Cheers!
Gina says
One of our favorite "special" breakfasts! Love the curled, crispy edges the most!