Best Dutch Baby Recipe

Fruit topped Dutch baby pancake in cast iron skillet

5 from 20 votes

This Dutch baby recipe is a quick and easy breakfast for special occasions all year. Just blend, bake, add toppings, and devour the puffy pancake that tastes like a popover and a crepe!

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Breakfast, brunch

Cuisine: American, German

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: (3-ounce) servings

Calories: 128kcal

Author: Traci

Equipment

chef's knife
cutting board
measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowl
wire whisk or blender
10-inch cast iron skillet or preferred oven-safe bakeware
oven or air fryer oven

Ingredients

½ cup Milk any fat percentage (I used 1% milk)
½ cup All Purpose Flour
2 Eggs
½ teaspoon Vanilla
¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
1 tablespoon Butter
Toppings *see recipe footnotes

Instructions

See air fryer instructions in footnotes

Place a cast iron skillet in a cold oven, then preheat to 450°F. This ensures the skillet heats gradually and safely.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together MILK, FLOUR, EGGS, VANILLA, and SALT until smooth.
Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
Carefully remove the skillet and add BUTTER, swirling it around to coat the surface. Pour the batter into the buttered skillet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on your level of brownness. The center should be fully cooked through.
Serve your Dutch baby warm, straight from the warm skillet or transfer to a serving platter.
Garnish with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, maple syrup, or powdered sugar. (See footnote for more topping ideas)

Video

Notes

Milk options: Any percentage fat milk—whole, 2%, or skim—can be used for a Dutch baby. You can also use half and half or heavy cream for the ultimate decadence!

Skillet choice: Use a cast iron skillet for the best results, as it retains heat evenly and gives the Dutch baby its signature golden crust. If you don’t have a skillet, an oven-safe baking dish can work—follow the same instructions.

Skillet size: Use a 9- or 10-inch skillet for the best results. A larger skillet will make the Dutch baby thinner and less puffy.

Air fryer option: Preheat the air fryer oven to 425°F. Follow the same steps, but bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Sweet toppings: Summer fruits include any stone fruit, berries, bananas, or spicy fig jam. Winter fruits such as pears, persimmons, or even apple pie filling are equally satisfying, and Nutella or chocolate ganache always wins.

Savory toppings: Try smoked salmon and cream cheese with everything bagel seasoning. Or, serve with crispy bacon and baked asparagus.

Nutrition