German Pancake, also known as a Dutch Baby, is a beloved oven-baked pancake that puffs dramatically in the oven. Unlike traditional stovetop pancakes, it’s prepared in a skillet and baked until golden and fluffy. This particular version includes tender apples, sweet raisins, warm cinnamon, and a splash of cider for a cozy twist. Popular in American kitchens especially during cooler months, this dish straddles the line between breakfast and dessert and is often served in wedges straight from the skillet.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter (for apple mixture)
- 2 cooking apples (large, peeled & sliced thin)
- ⅓ cup raisins
- ¼ cup apple cider ( or apple juice)
- 1 tbsp butter (for pancake skillet)
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup milk
- 3 tbsp sugar (for batter)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Mixture
- Combine 1 tsp sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in a small skillet.
- Add sliced apples, raisins, and cider.
- Sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
Step 2: Preheat & Prepare Skillet
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet.
Step 3: Make the Batter
- In a bowl, beat eggs until frothy.
- Alternately add flour and milk, beating well after each addition.
- Add 1 tbsp sugar and beat 3 minutes longer.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
- Pour batter into the buttered skillet.
- Bake uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Immediately spoon fruit mixture into the center of the pancake.
- Return to oven and bake for 10–15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
- Using two spatulas, carefully transfer to a heated platter.
- Cut into wedges and serve warm.
Tips
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
- Add a splash of vanilla to the batter for extra aroma.
- Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon for deeper warm-spice flavor.
- Substitute apple cider with orange juice for a citrus twist.
- For crispier edges, preheat the skillet in the oven before adding batter.
- Top with powdered sugar or warm maple syrup just before serving.
- Add chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) to the apple mixture for crunch.
- Replace milk with half-and-half for a richer, custardier pancake.
- Serve with whipped cream for a dessert-style presentation.
Nutrition
Calories: 377kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 9gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 169mgSodium: 157mgPotassium: 416mgFiber: 5gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 371IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 146mgIron: 3mg
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