My kids lovingly call these “baby Dutch”.
This is my favourite recipe for the Dutch baby popover pancake: a larger golden, puffed-up pancake with crispy edges and a soft, custardy centre. This easy oven-baked Dutch baby is perfect for a weekend breakfast or a lazy brunch. Serve it warm with a dusting of icing sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup or your favourite jam.
Serves: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes, plus 10–15 minutes resting
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Ingredients
- ½ cup (65 g) plain flour
- ½ cup (120 ml) whole or semi-skimmed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 large tbsp unsalted butter
- Icing sugar, maple syrup or jam, to serve
Method
- Prepare the batter. Add the flour, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract and salt to a blender. Blend until smooth, then leave the batter to rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Heat the pan. Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan) / 425°F. Place a standard 9-inch (23 cm) oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan in the oven to heat.
- Add the butter. About 2 minutes before you’re ready to pour in the batter, carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and add the butter. Swirl the pan to coat the base, then return it to the oven for the remaining 2 minutes, until the butter has melted and is bubbling.
- Bake the pancake. Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and immediately pour in the batter. Return it to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the pancake has puffed up around the edges and is beautifully golden. Avoid opening the oven while it bakes, as this can cause the pancake to deflate.
- Serve immediately. Remove from the oven and dust with icing sugar. Serve straight from the pan with maple syrup, jam or your favourite toppings.
Notes
- Pan size: Use one standard 9-inch (23 cm) oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan for two servings.
- Serving four people? Double all the ingredients and use two separate 9-inch pans, adding one large tablespoon of butter to each pan. Alternatively, use one larger cast-iron skillet if you have one.
- Don’t worry when it deflates! The pancake will naturally sink as it cools. This is completely normal.
- Get creative with toppings. Fresh berries, stewed fruit, lemon zest or a spoonful of yoghurt are all delicious additions.