CLASSIC DUTCH BABY PANCAKE

Celebrate cozy winter mornings with this impressive, fluffy Dutch Baby pancake—crispy on the edges, tender and puffed in the center, and finished with a dusting of cinnamon sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup. Adapted from the famous 1966 Craig Claiborne recipe, it’s perfect for family breakfasts and special moments around the table.

🕒 Prep Time: 5 min

🍳 Cook Time: 15 min
🍰 Yields: 1 serving

Ingredients

For the Pancake:

1 egg
60 ml milk
30 g all-purpose flour
A pinch of lemon zest (freshly grated)
½ tbsp butter

For Topping:

1 tbsp vanilla powdered sugar
A pinch of cinnamon
Maple syrup, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F) with a 15 cm oven-safe skillet inside (preferably cast iron for a crispier crust).
Use a skillet size appropriate to the number of eggs (add 5 cm diameter per additional egg).

2. Prepare the Batter

In a bowl, whisk together egg, milk, and lemon zest.
Add flour and stir quickly until just combined—don’t overmix; small lumps are okay. The batter should be fairly thin.

3. Heat Butter

Place butter in the preheated skillet and return to oven until butter is fully melted and sizzling.

4. Bake the Pancake

Carefully remove skillet from oven and brush the edges with melted butter.
Pour batter into the hot skillet and immediately return to oven.
Bake for about 15 minutes until edges are puffed, golden, and crispy, and the center is puffed as well.

5. Finish and Serve

Remove pancake from oven and dust with vanilla powdered sugar mixed with cinnamon.
Drizzle generously with maple syrup.
Serve immediately—be sure everyone is ready to enjoy as the spectacular puff will deflate quickly!

💡 Tips

Use a cast-iron skillet for the best crispy crust.
Adjust skillet size when making multiple servings.
Do not overmix the batter to keep it light and airy.
Serve immediately for the best puff and presentation.

🎉 Perfect For

Special family breakfasts
Cozy winter mornings
Elegant brunch gatherings

📝 Final Thoughts

This Dutch Baby pancake is a magical, simple treat that impresses with its puffed edges and tender center. Paired with cinnamon sugar and maple syrup, it transforms any morning into a special occasion.