Name: Easy German Apple Pancakes (Dutch Baby Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 3 eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 Tbsp sugar; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 Tbsp butter; 1 apple (cored, peeled, and sliced); 3 Tbsp brown sugar; Caramel syrup

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These oven-baked German apple pancakes are filled with caramelized apples and baked until golden for a simple yet unforgettable breakfast.

Dutch baby with apple slices and a caramel drizzle in a cast iron skillet.

You may have heard them called by a different name, but a Dutch baby pancake is kind of like a large popover. These fluffy pancakes, made with an eggy batter, originated in Germany.

They are usually served simply, with just a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

If you love this Dutch baby apple pancake recipe, I know you will love this blueberry Dutch baby and this classic version too!

Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!

Our family has topped German pancakes with cinnamon sugar, icing sugar, maple syrup, and all kinds of fruits. No matter what we have enjoyed these pancakes with, they are always delicious.

For today’s apple version, you could even top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Caramel being drizzled onto an apple dutch baby in a cast iron skillet.

Apple Dutch Baby Recipe

This apple pancake is the perfect decadent breakfast for a lazy weekend or Christmas morning. Not only are the ingredients staples at our house already, this recipe is less work than a traditional pancake recipe because all of the batter cooks at once in the oven.

No standing around, flipping batch after batch. That is major win!

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Supplies

Skillet, griddle, or non-stick pan – I really like this white granite non-stick pan set. It’s pretty and functional!
Large-sized mixing bowl – This Pyrex set is my go-to.
Measuring cups and spoons – These ones are awesome!
Rubber spatula – For flipping the pancakes.
Whisk or spoon – For mixing the batter.
Paper towel – Making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

Here are a few of the basic pantry staples that you will need to get started with this easy recipe.

All-purpose flour – This is my go-to flour choice for most recipes.
Baking powder – Helps create an extra fluffy pancake with a beautiful rise.
Brown sugar – Adds warm caramel-y sweetness that pair perfectly with the apples.
Milk – Whatever you have in the fridge works.
Eggs – The star ingredient that gives a German pancake its signature puffed-up appearance.
Fresh apples – I love using a tart apple for this German pancake recipe, but you can choose your favorite variety.
Caramel sauce – A drizzle of caramel takes these apple pancakes from delicious to absolutely irresistible.

Sliced apples, butter and brown sugar in a cast iron skillet.

Instructions

1. Heat a 9-inch skillet over medium heat on the stove top.

2. Add butter, apple slices, and brown sugar.

3. Cook until the apples are fork tender.

4. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and place the skillet on the middle rack of the hot oven.

5. Blend together eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, and vanilla.

6. Mix for about 1 minute until frothy.

7. When the oven comes to temperature, carefully remove the hot pan.

Dutch baby batter being poured into a skillet full of cooked apples.

8. Pour the batter on top of the apples.

Apple slices with pancake batter in a cast iron skillet.

9. Bake for 15 minutes or until the pancake is golden brown and puffy.

German dutch baby pancake in a cast iron skillet.

10. Serve warm with butter, syrup, and a sprinkle of icing sugar.

Tips and Tricks

A blender works best for mixing your ingredients, but you could also use a food processor or hand mixer.
I prefer using a cast iron pan when I am making Dutch baby recipes. Any oven-proof skillet will work though.
Make sure to use oven mitts when handling your pan. It will be hot!
Instead of one large pancake, make individual pancakes in muffin tins.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called a German pancake if it’s also known as a Dutch baby?
A Dutch baby, also called a German pancake, was inspired by German-style pancakes. The name “Dutch” is believed to have come from a mispronunciation of the word “Deutsch,” which means German.

Why didn’t my German pancake puff up?
For the best rise, preheat both your oven and skillet, use a smooth, well-mixed batter, and avoid opening the oven door while baking. The pancake will naturally deflate a few minutes after coming out of the oven.

What are the best apples for German apple pancakes?
Firm apples that hold their shape while baking work best. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Golden Delicious, and Pink Lady are all excellent choices because they provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I make German apple pancakes ahead of time?
German pancakes are best enjoyed fresh from the oven while they’re tall and crispy around the edges. Leftovers can be refrigerated for several days and reheated in the oven or air fryer, although they won’t be as puffy as when freshly baked.

Can I use different toppings on a German pancake?
Absolutely! While caramelized apples are a delicious choice, you can also serve German pancakes with powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup, whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, lemon juice, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Whether you call them German pancakes, Dutch babies, or a Dutch puff, this delicious recipe is a sweet breakfast treat that your whole family will love.

These caramel apple pancakes, banana pancakes, and overnight French toast casserole make great breakfast options too.

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