Light and Fluffy Buttermilk Dutch Baby (2024)

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What is a Dutch Baby Pancake?

A Dutch Baby Pancake is a large, fluffy pancake baked in a skillet. It's a cross between a pancake, a crepe, and a popover, known for its puffy rise and custardy center.

• Easy-to-Make: Simple preparation, ideal for any skill level.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it's Christmas morning, Mother's Day brunch or Easter Sunday brunch, this Dutch baby pancake is perfect.
• Visually Impressive: Puffy and golden, perfect for a stunning brunch presentation.
• Incredibly Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of toppings and flavors. Make it sweet or savory.

🧾 Essential ingredients for making fluffy Dutch babies

The key to a perfect Dutch baby lies in its ingredients. Here’s what you need: For precise measurements, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of your batter.
• Eggs: Crucial for the rise and airy texture.
• Milk: Adds creaminess to the batter.
• Sugar: Just a touch for a hint of sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: For a rich, aromatic flavor.
• Butter: Used in the skillet for a golden, crispy edge.
• Salt: A pinch to enhance all the flavors.

Remember, the quality of your ingredients directly influences the taste, so choose fresh, high-quality options.

👩🏻‍🍳 How to make Dutch baby pancakes in 3 easy steps

• Prepare the Batter:
  • Mixing Method: Combine all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk and vanilla extract for subtle sweetness. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry until smooth, adding a small amount of sugar for balanced sweetness.
    *For quicker prep, you can blend the ingredients in a blender, achieving the same smooth, lump-free batter.
  • Resting Time: Let the batter rest for 15-30 minutes after mixing, whether using a bowl or blender. This resting period allows the flour to hydrate fully, resulting in a lighter, tender Dutch baby.
    *Whether mixed by hand or in a blender, avoid overmixing to prevent the batter from becoming too dense.

• Heat Your Skillet:
  • Place your cast iron skillet or an oven-safe frying pan in the oven. Then preheat your oven to 425°F with the skillet inside.
  • Heating the skillet before adding the batter is essential. This preheating process creates a hot surface that immediately starts cooking the batter, contributing to the Dutch baby's characteristic puff and crispy edges.
  • Use caution when handling the hot skillet. Always use oven mitts to prevent burns.

• Bake to Perfection:
  • Once the oven and skillet are preheated, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Quickly but safely, add a generous amount of butter (about 2 tablespoons) to coat the bottom and sides of the skillet. The butter should sizzle upon contact and melt right away — a sign your skillet is at the perfect temperature.
  • Immediately pour the batter into the skillet. The batter should start cooking upon contact, forming the beginnings of your Dutch baby's edges.
  • Return the skillet to the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. *Avoid opening the oven door during this time, as the steady heat is crucial for achieving the perfect rise and golden-brown finish.

How to tell when your Dutch baby is done: You'll know it's done when it has puffed up dramatically and sports a beautiful golden color. The edges will be crispy, while the center remains slightly custardy.

Variations- Topping options for dutch baby Pancakes

Dutch baby pancakes are such a versatile brunch recipe. Top them with savory or sweet toppings depending on what you will fit into your menu.

• Savory toppings: smoked salmon and sour cream, bacon and maple syrup, ham and cheese
• Fruit curds: lemon curd, blueberry curd, passionfruit curd

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