Dutch Baby Pancake Recipe
Introduction
The Dutch Baby Pancake is a delightful, fluffy baked treat that’s simple to make and perfect for breakfast or brunch. With its crisp edges and tender center, it’s great topped with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk, at room temperature (or nondairy)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 Tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- Pinch salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, for sifting
- Optional toppings: berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, and/or strawberry sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the eggs in a blender and blend on medium-high speed until frothy and fluffy, about 45 seconds. Add flour, milk, lemon zest, sugar, salt, and vanilla, and blend until combined. The batter will be thin. Set aside and allow to rest for 15 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. There is no need to bring the batter to room temperature before baking.
- Step 2: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Place butter in a 10-inch oven-safe skillet or any 3-quart baking dish. Put the pan in the oven for 5 minutes to melt the butter—be careful not to burn it. Remove from the oven and use a pastry brush to spread the melted butter up the sides of the pan.
- Step 3: Pour the batter into the center of the hot pan without swirling it around. Place it back in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for 10 more minutes, or until the edges and center are browned.
- Step 4: Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes before adding your desired toppings. Slice and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Step 5: Enjoy your Dutch Baby Pancake right away, or cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh lemon zest to brighten the flavor and add a subtle citrus note to the batter.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk with your favorite non-dairy milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.
- Top with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream or drizzle with maple syrup for a classic finish.
- To make a savory Dutch Baby, omit the sugar and lemon zest, and add herbs or cheese instead.
Storage
Store any leftover Dutch Baby Pancake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm gently in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5–10 minutes to help restore some crispness. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. No need to bring it to room temperature before baking.
What type of pan works best for a Dutch Baby?
An oven-safe 10-inch skillet, preferably cast iron, is ideal as it holds heat well and helps create the signature puffed edges. A similar-sized oven-safe baking dish can also be used.
PrintDutch Baby Pancake Recipe
A light, fluffy, and golden Dutch Baby Pancake that puffs up beautifully in the oven, featuring a simple batter made from eggs, flour, milk, and sugar. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this skillet pancake is topped with melted butter and customizable toppings like berries, whipped cream, and maple syrup for an irresistible treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Batter
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk, at room temperature (or nondairy)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 Tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Cooking
- 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter
Toppings (Optional)
- 2 Tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, for sifting
- Berries
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
- Strawberry sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: Place the eggs in a blender and blend on medium-high speed until frothy and fluffy, about 45 seconds. Add flour, milk, lemon zest, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract, then blend again until just combined. The batter will be thin. Set aside to rest for 15 minutes at room temperature or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Preheat and melt butter: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the unsalted butter in a 10-inch oven-safe skillet or a similar 3-quart baking dish and place it in the oven for 5 minutes to melt the butter. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from the oven and use a pastry brush to spread the melted butter up the sides of the pan evenly.
- Pour batter and bake: Pour the batter into the hot buttered pan, centering it without swirling. Bake in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for 15 minutes. Then, without removing the pancake, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the edges and center are golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and add toppings: Remove the Dutch Baby Pancake from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and add desired toppings such as berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, or strawberry sauce. Slice and serve immediately.
- Storage: The pancake is best enjoyed fresh. However, leftovers can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 2 months.
Notes
- Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature for best batter consistency and rise.
- The batter is thin; this is normal for Dutch Baby pancakes.
- Use an oven-safe skillet for easy transfer to the oven.
- Do not overcook; edges should be golden and slightly crisp while the center remains tender.
- Customize toppings to your taste for added flavor and presentation.
- To reheat leftovers, warm gently in a skillet or oven to restore crispness.
Keywords: Dutch Baby Pancake, oven pancake, skillet pancake, breakfast, brunch, fluffy pancake, easy pancake recipe, lemon zest pancake, baked pancake

