Dutch Apple Pancake Recipe

There's something magical about the moment you pull a golden, puffy Dutch apple pancake recipe from the oven. The sweet aroma of caramelized apples and cinnamon fills your kitchen, creating an instant feeling of warmth and comfort. This Dutch apple pancake recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping breakfast that looks like it came from a fancy brunch spot.

What makes this Dutch apple pancake recipe so special is its incredible simplicity combined with impressive results. Unlike traditional pancakes that require flipping and constant attention, this oven-baked beauty does all the work for you. The batter puffs up dramatically in the hot cast iron skillet, creating crispy edges and a custardy center that perfectly complements the tender, spiced apples.

Why This Dutch Apple Pancake Recipe Stands Out

This particular Dutch apple pancake recipe has been perfected through countless Sunday mornings and special occasions. The secret lies in the perfect balance of ingredients and the right cooking technique that creates that signature puffy texture. When you combine the richness of eggs and milk with the sweetness of caramelized apples, you get a breakfast that feels both rustic and elegant.

The beauty of this Dutch apple pancake recipe extends beyond just taste. It's incredibly versatile, feeding a crowd with minimal effort while looking absolutely stunning on the table. The caramelized apple topping creates a beautiful presentation that makes any morning feel special. Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch or treating your family to something extraordinary, this recipe delivers every single time with consistent, restaurant-quality results.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Secret That Changes Everything
• FAQ
• Delicious Breakfast Adventures Await
• Related
• Pairing
• Dutch Apple Pancake

Ingredients

Main Pancake Batter

• Eggs
• Whole milk
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Butter

Apple Topping

• Granny Smith apples
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Skillet

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C)
2. Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats
3. Gather all ingredients and let eggs and milk come to room temperature
4. Peel and slice apples into thin, even pieces for uniform cooking

Make the Pancake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs until well beaten and slightly frothy
2. Add milk and vanilla extract, whisking until completely combined
3. Gradually add flour, sugar, and salt, whisking until batter is smooth
4. Let batter rest for 5 minutes while you prepare the apple topping

Caramelize the Apples

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter
2. Add sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring gently, until apples are tender and caramelized
4. Remove from heat and set aside; apples should be golden and fragrant

Assemble and Bake

1. Carefully remove the hot cast iron skillet from oven using oven mitts
2. Add 3 tablespoons butter to the hot skillet; it should sizzle immediately
3. Pour batter into the center of the buttery skillet
4. Quickly spoon caramelized apples evenly over the batter
5. Bake for 18-22 minutes until puffed, golden, and set in center

Expert Cooking Tips

This Dutch apple pancake recipe succeeds when you pay attention to a few crucial details that make all the difference in your final result.

Temperature Control Tips:

• Always use a preheated cast iron skillet for maximum puff
• Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create smoother batter
• Don't open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking

Ingredient Preparation Secrets:

• Slice apples uniformly for even cooking and beautiful presentation
• Sift flour to prevent lumps in your batter
• Let batter rest briefly to allow flour to fully hydrate

Timing and Technique:

• Work quickly when adding batter to the hot skillet to maintain temperature
• The butter should sizzle when you add it to the hot pan
• Look for golden edges and a set center to know when it's perfectly done

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Transform this classic Dutch apple pancake recipe into exciting new flavors with these creative variations that maintain the same foolproof technique.

Seasonal Fruit Variations

• Berry Dutch Pancake: Replace apples with mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries) and reduce sugar slightly.
• Pear Cinnamon Version: Substitute apples with ripe pears and add a pinch of cardamom.
• Peach Dutch Baby: Use sliced peaches with a touch of vanilla and almond extract.

Flavor Enhancement Options

• Spiced Apple: Add ¼ teaspoon each of ginger and allspice to the apple mixture
• Maple Apple: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup for deeper flavor
• Citrus Twist: Add lemon zest to both batter and apple topping for brightness

Dietary Modifications

• Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar by half and add stevia to taste
• Protein Boost: Add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder to the batter
• Whole Grain: Replace half the flour with whole wheat pastry flour

Equipment Recommendations

The right tools make this Dutch apple pancake recipe even easier to execute perfectly every time.

Essential Equipment:

• 10-inch cast iron skillet (creates the best crust and even heating)
• Large mixing bowl (allows proper whisking without splashing)
• Wire whisk (ensures smooth, lump-free batter)
• Sharp paring knife (for clean apple slicing)

Helpful Alternatives:

• If no cast iron: Use a 10-inch oven-safe skillet or pie dish
• Budget option: Heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan works well
• For easier serving: Consider a ceramic or glass baking dish

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Make this Dutch apple pancake recipe work with your busy schedule using these practical storage solutions.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover pancake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture remains good, though it won't be as puffy as when fresh. Cut into wedges and store in airtight containers for easy reheating.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap cooled pancake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating

Reheating Methods

• Oven method: 350°F for 8-10 minutes until warmed through
• Microwave: 30-45 seconds per slice on medium power
• Skillet: Briefly warm in a dry pan for crispy edges

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare apple topping the night before and refrigerate.
• Mix dry ingredients in advance.
• For best results, make batter fresh the morning of serving.

FAQ

Delicious Breakfast Adventures Await

This Dutch apple pancake recipe opens up a world of weekend breakfast possibilities that will make your kitchen the heart of memorable family moments. The combination of simplicity and spectacular results makes it perfect for both quiet Sunday mornings and special occasion brunches. Every time you make this Dutch apple pancake recipe, you're creating more than just breakfast ; you're building traditions and making memories.

Ready to expand your breakfast repertoire even further? Try our Gluten Free German Pancakes for those with dietary restrictions, or whip up our Baked Protein Pancake Bowl Recipe for a healthier weekday option. Both recipes share the same oven-baked convenience that makes this Dutch apple pancake recipe so appealing, giving you even more ways to start your day deliciously.

Enjoy every cozy bite!
– Ashley Morgan 🍏

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Pairing

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