Why did my German pancake not puff up as much as expected?

The key to maximum puffiness is a properly preheated oven and skillet. Make sure your oven reaches full temperature before adding the batter, and don't open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh if your recipe includes it.

Can I make this in a different sized pan?

Yes! For a 9x13 baking dish, use the recipe as written. For a 9-inch skillet, reduce all ingredients by one-third. The thickness of the pancake will change depending on your pan size, which may require adjusting baking time slightly.

Is a German pancake the same as a Dutch baby?

Yes, they're essentially the same dish with different names. Also sometimes called a "Bismarck" or "puff pancake," this puffy baked pancake has roots in German cuisine but has become a popular American breakfast.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter, and replace cow's milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk. The pancake may have a slightly different flavor profile but will still puff beautifully.

German Pancakes Recipe

Name: German Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons salted butter; 6 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or 2%); 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt

This German Pancake is a show-stopping breakfast that puffs up into a golden, dramatic dome in your oven with almost no effort. Unlike traditional pancakes that require flipping and constant attention, this custardy delight bakes hands-free while you enjoy your morning coffee. The edges rise dramatically while the center remains tender and slightly custardy – creating a perfect vessel for your favorite toppings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Impressively Simple: Despite its dramatic appearance, this recipe requires minimal effort – just blend, pour, and bake.
Family Pleaser: The giant puffy pancake never fails to delight everyone at the table, making breakfast feel like a special occasion.
Versatile Base: Works brilliantly with both sweet and savory toppings, making it perfect for any meal of the day.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything bakes in a single skillet, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter: Creates a rich flavor base and prevents sticking. The hot butter in the preheated skillet is key to achieving that dramatic rise.
Eggs: Provides structure and that characteristic puff. Don’t skimp here – all six eggs are essential for the perfect rise.
Milk: Adds richness and helps create that custard-like interior. Whole or 2% works best for the right texture.
Flour: Forms the structure of your pancake. Measure carefully for best results.
Sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness without overwhelming the pancake.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Sweet Options

Fruit Lover’s Dream: Add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or sautéed apples after baking.
Chocolate Indulgence: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the batter right before baking.
Citrus Bright: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a refreshing twist.

Savory Twists

Breakfast Classic: Reduce sugar to 1 tablespoon and top with scrambled eggs, bacon, and chives.
Mediterranean Inspired: Skip the sugar and vanilla, then top with cherry tomatoes, feta, and fresh herbs.
Ham and Cheese: Add diced ham and shredded cheese to the batter before baking.

How to Make German Pancakes

Step 1: Preheat Your Setup

Place your 12-inch oven-safe skillet on a baking sheet, add the butter, and place in the oven while it preheats to 400°F. The baking sheet catches any potential overflow and makes handling the hot skillet easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

Add eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, and salt to your blender. Blend on low to medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. Stop occasionally to scrape down any flour stuck to the sides.

Step 3: Prepare the Skillet

Once the butter has melted and started to brown slightly, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Swirl the butter to coat the sides and bottom of the pan completely.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the hot buttered skillet and return it to the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes until dramatically puffed and beautifully golden brown.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

This pancake waits for no one! Serve right away while still impressively puffed, with your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Hot Skillet Magic: The secret to the dramatic rise is pouring the batter into a properly hot, butter-coated skillet. Don’t skip the preheating step!
Position Matters: Place your oven rack in the lower half of the oven (but not the lowest setting) to give the pancake room to rise without burning.
Blend Thoroughly: Ensure your batter is completely smooth with no flour pockets for the best texture.
Timing Is Everything: Have your toppings ready to go before the pancake comes out of the oven—it starts to deflate after a few minutes.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For optimal rise, take eggs and milk out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before starting.

How to Serve

German pancakes are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous delicious ways:

Sweet Serving Ideas:

Dust with powdered sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice for a classic approach
Drizzle with maple syrup or honey for traditional sweetness
Top with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream
Spread with Nutella or peanut butter for a decadent treat

Savory Serving Ideas:

Add a spoonful of sour cream and fresh herbs
Top with smoked salmon and capers
Serve with sautéed mushrooms and a sprinkle of Gruyère cheese

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While best enjoyed fresh from the oven, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pancake will lose its dramatic puff but still taste delicious.

Freezing

This pancake doesn’t freeze well once baked, but you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 24 hours before baking.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave in 20-second intervals until warmed through. The texture will be more dense than when freshly baked, but still enjoyable.

FAQs

Why did my German pancake not puff up as much as expected?

The key to maximum puffiness is a properly preheated oven and skillet. Make sure your oven reaches full temperature before adding the batter, and don’t open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh if your recipe includes it.
Can I make this in a different sized pan?

Yes! For a 9×13 baking dish, use the recipe as written. For a 9-inch skillet, reduce all ingredients by one-third. The thickness of the pancake will change depending on your pan size, which may require adjusting baking time slightly.
Is a German pancake the same as a Dutch baby?

Yes, they’re essentially the same dish with different names. Also sometimes called a “Bismarck” or “puff pancake,” this puffy baked pancake has roots in German cuisine but has become a popular American breakfast.
Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter, and replace cow’s milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk. The pancake may have a slightly different flavor profile but will still puff beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This German Pancake recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a breakfast that feels both special and effortless. The dramatic puff as it comes out of the oven never fails to impress, making everyday mornings feel like celebrations. Whether topped with sweet or savory ingredients, it’s a versatile dish that’s sure to become a regular in your breakfast rotation. Give it a try this weekend – your family will think you’ve been taking secret chef lessons!