Few breakfast items are as delicious and satisfying as German puff pancakes. This easy-to-follow recipe will show you how to make this delicious dish in your own kitchen. The end result is a fluffy, yet slightly crispy puff pancake that is perfect for any occasion.
If you are looking for more breakfast recipes see our Pumpkin Pecan Waffles and Banana Sheet Pan Pancakes. Also, see our Low Carb Pancakes for a Keto German Pancakes recipe option!
Why you will love this recipe
German puff pancakes are a delicious and easy breakfast or brunch dish. They're made with just a few simple ingredients, ready in less than 30 minutes, and can be topped with anything you like.
Serve them with your favorite jam, syrup, or fruit for a delicious breakfast treat.
Jump to:
- Why you will love this recipe
- Ingredients
- How to make this breakfast dish
- Serving Suggestions
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment
- Tips for Success
- Frequently asked questions
- Food safety
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Ingredients
You probably have all these ingredients on hand, and can whip this up as a weekend morning surprise for your family.
- butter
- eggs
- milk
- flour
- sugar
- salt
- cinnamon
- vanilla extract
- fruit, maple syrup or other garnish
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to make this breakfast dish
This German puff pancake is similar to the Dutch Baby pancake. Airy and crisp on the edges, with the center having an almost custard or crepe type of texture. The pancake rises while baking, then deflates after your remove it from the oven. This is normal. Garnish the center with fresh, mixed berries.
These types of pancakes are show stoppers with lots of 'wow' appeal, making them perfect for quick morning special occasions.
If you don't have a blender, you can simply use a whisk to mix all the ingredients together.
Step 1. Prepare the casserole dish
Measure out all your ingredients. Clean and slice berries for garnish.
Prepare the baking dish.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 2. Mix the ingredients in the blender
Add all the ingredients to a bowl. Whisk to blend until a bit lumpy.
Transfer to a blender (or continue to hand whisk) and blend for 15 seconds.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 3. Pour into casserole & bake
Pour the blender contents into the previously prepared casserole dish.
Bake in the oven until crispy on the edges and puffed up.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 4. Slice, garnish, and serve
Slice the hot puff pancake into serving sizes. Top with the fresh berries. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, and serve with maple syrup.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Serving Suggestions
Have everyone at the table for when you take this out of the oven. If you use individual casseroles, quickly top with fresh seasonal fruit, Nutella, whipped cream, or even chocolate chips. Serve German puff pancakes fresh out of the oven while they are hot.
If you are looking for another patriotic themed brunch idea, take a look at our Fruit & Cheese Platter using fresh strawberries, blueberries, and white Cheddar cheese. This festive platter takes all of 10 to 15 minutes to prepare!
Substitutions
You have so many options when making a Dutch Baby or puff pancake.
- Toppings - fresh fruits, syrups, jams, lemon curd, even peanut butter or Nutella
- Savory - omit the cinnamon and sugar in the recipe, and make a more savoy puff pancake. Top with cheese, bacon, smoked salmon, etc.
- Gluten Free - substitute the all purpose flour with gluten free flour.
- Keto - Omit the sugar and use keto friendly fruits, cheeses, etc.
Variations
A German puff pancake is a unique base to be creative. Sweet or savory, puff pancakes are stunning meal presentations. Consider these variations
- Tex Mex - Use the puff pancake to create a Huevos Ranchero version with avocado, diced tomato, chopped cilantro and onion and a little sour cream.
- Smoked Salmon Benedict - Smoked salmon, Hollandaise sauce and you have a delightful brunch meal
- Keto German Pancakes - Replace the 1 cup of all purpose flour with 1 cup of Almond flour, the fine ground, to have a keto friendly, puffy low carb pancake recipe!
Equipment
A blender is ideal simply for speed. But, you can use an immersion blender or simply whisk by hand. The oven safe 3 quart casserole lets you mix, pour, and bake with your timer set to remind you when it is ready to remove from the oven and serve.
The individual casseroles allow you to present this puff pancake as individual mini masterpieces.
Tips for Success
- If you want a fluffier pancake, whisk by hand instead of a blender. The blender knocks out a lot of air to make this thinner, denser pancake.
- Use room temperature ingredients for that desired puff.
- Be sure to preheat your oven.
Frequently asked questions
There is no difference, just the name. Both are puff pancakes. The eggs are the leavening and they hold steam similar to how a souffle puffs up. With puff pancakes, they will always fall leaving the edges crisped and the center a dense, egg-y pancake. Savory or sweet, they are delightful.
Yes, a cast iron skillet is ideal. You will still put the butter in the pan and get it hot first before pouring in the pancake mixture. It will start to puff up and you will need to lower the heat for it to finish cooking more slowly.
The oven method casserole method is ideal though for larger quantities.
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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📖 Recipe
German Puff Pancake
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup butter
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
- Cut the butter into pats and place them on the bottom of a shallow 3 quart oven safe casserole dish.⅓ cup butter
- Place the casserole dish in the oven while it is preheating. Remove the casserole dish when the butter has melted.
- Place the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla into a blender. Cover, and blend for 15 seconds until fully mixed. Pour the blender contents into the prepared casserole dish, over the melted butter.6 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 cup all purpose flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes,or until the edges are golden brown and puffy.
- Slice into squares and serve with maple syrup immediately.
Notes
- Top with any combination of powdered sugar, berries, fresh peaches, Nutella, or whipped cream.
- If you want a fluffier pancake, whisk by hand instead of a blender. The blender knocks out a lot of air to make this thinner, denser pancake.
Nutrition
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