Indulge in the delightful experience of a homemade German Apple Pancake, often known as Apfelpfannkuchen or Dutch Baby. This exquisite dish transforms simple ingredients into a puffed, golden-brown marvel, perfect for a memorable breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or even a comforting dessert. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked right into a rich, custardy batter, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will captivate your senses. It’s an easy-to-make, impressive dish that promises to become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire.
The Authentic German Apple Pancake Experience
Our journey to perfecting this German Apple Pancake recipe began years ago during a delightful trip to Walla Walla, Washington. Among the many culinary gems we discovered, the Maple Counter Restaurant served an unforgettable German Apple Pancake that left a lasting impression. From that moment, recreating that magical blend of flavors and the signature puffed texture became a mission. After many attempts and adjustments, we’re thrilled to share a recipe that perfectly captures the essence of that restaurant-quality Apfelpfannkuchen.
While the German name “Apfelpfannkuchen” might be a bit of a tongue-twister for some (my high school German lessons are a distant memory!), its deliciousness needs no translation. What’s truly remarkable about this dish is its simplicity. With just about 15 minutes of active preparation and another 20 minutes in the oven, you can create a magnificent, puffy apple Dutch Baby pancake that tastes absolutely incredible. It’s an ideal recipe for those busy mornings when you crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is designed to serve a small group, making it perfect for a cozy family breakfast or an intimate brunch gathering. However, if you’re hosting a larger crowd or simply have a household with hearty appetites, we highly recommend doubling the recipe and preparing two German Apple Pancakes simultaneously. In our experience, a single pancake often disappears quickly, leaving no leftovers – a testament to its irresistible appeal!
For those who love exploring variations, our Lemon Dutch Baby Recipe offers a bright, zesty twist on this classic puffy pancake concept, demonstrating the versatility of this beloved breakfast staple.
Essential Ingredients for Your German Apple Pancake
Creating this show-stopping German Apple Pancake requires a selection of readily available ingredients, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cooking process. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on fresh, quality components to deliver maximum flavor.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Apples: 2 medium-sized apples, cored and sliced into ¼ inch slices.
- Sugar: ¼ cup white granulated sugar, primarily for caramelizing the apples.
- Ground Cinnamon: 2-4 teaspoons, to beautifully complement the apples. Adjust to your spice preference.
- Eggs: 3 large eggs, beaten, providing the essential structure and puffiness for the pancake.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon salt, to enhance all the flavors in the batter.
- All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup, the foundation for our light and airy pancake batter.
- Milk: ½ cup milk (whole milk often yields a richer result, but any milk works), to create a smooth, pourable batter.
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon, for a touch of warmth and aromatic sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: 7 tablespoons, used for melting in the skillet to cook the apples and create a wonderfully crisp base for the pancake.
Optional Toppings: While this German Apple Pancake is incredibly flavorful on its own, a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate it further. We often find its rich, caramelized apple flavor so satisfying that additional toppings aren’t necessary, but a light sprinkle of confectioner’s sugar certainly adds an elegant visual touch.
Choosing the Best Apples: The choice of apples is crucial for the perfect balance of flavors. We lean towards red tart apples, but Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn varieties are excellent choices. Their inherent tartness beautifully cuts through the sweetness of the batter and cinnamon sugar, creating a harmonious profile. Aim to slice your apples as evenly as possible to ensure uniform cooking and a consistent texture throughout the pancake.
Lemon Juice Consideration: Some recipes suggest sprinkling lemon juice on sliced apples to prevent browning. In this particular recipe, as the apples are quickly cooked with cinnamon and sugar and then baked, browning isn’t a significant concern, so you can generally skip this step without affecting the final outcome.
Essential Equipment for Effortless Preparation
Having the right tools on hand can make the preparation of your German Apple Pancake not only easier but also more enjoyable. Here’s a list of recommended kitchen equipment:
- Apple Corer: While optional, an apple corer significantly speeds up the process of preparing your apples. You can choose to leave the skins on for added fiber and rustic charm, or peel them off for a smoother texture – both options work wonderfully.
- Measuring Tools: Standard teaspoons, tablespoons, and measuring cups are essential for accurate ingredient proportions.
- Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious bowl, ideally one with a handle for stability, will make whisking your batter a breeze, preventing spills and ensuring a well-combined mixture.
- Whisk: For smoothly blending the pancake batter ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon: Useful for stirring the apples in the skillet.
- Cast Iron Skillet (10-inch): This is the star equipment for achieving that perfectly puffed, crispy-edged German Apple Pancake. Its ability to retain and distribute heat evenly is unmatched, ensuring the apples caramelize beautifully and the batter bakes to perfection. The skillet allows you to cook the apples on the stovetop and then transfer the entire dish directly to the oven.
- Heat-Resistant Potholders or Oven Mitts: Safety first! A couple of years ago, a cloth potholder caught fire on a hot burner we hadn’t realized was on. Since then, we’ve exclusively used high-quality, heat-resistant silicone potholders. You’ll need reliable ones when handling a scorching hot cast iron skillet.
Simple Steps to Craft Your Puffy German Apple Pancake
Making this impressive German Apple Pancake is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly puffed, flavorful creation:
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, gather all your ingredients and measure them out. In a small bowl, combine the white sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing well, then set aside. Core and slice your apples into uniform ¼-inch thick pieces.
Step 2: Melt Butter in the Cast Iron Skillet
Place your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add the 7 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and allow it to melt completely, swirling it to coat the bottom and sides.
Step 3: Caramelize the Cinnamon Apples
Once the butter is melted and slightly sizzling, add the apple slices to the skillet. Sprinkle the reserved cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the apples. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the apples have softened slightly and are fragrant and lightly caramelized. This step builds a foundational layer of flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Pancake Batter
While the apples are cooking, prepare the pancake batter. In your large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. A well-whisked batter is key to a fluffy pancake.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Once the apples are cooked to your liking, carefully pour the smooth pancake batter directly over the apples in the center of the hot cast iron pan. The batter will spread, but the apples will remain mostly at the bottom. Immediately and carefully transfer the hot skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pancake is dramatically puffed, golden brown, and cooked through.
Step 6: Cool and Serve with Caution
Once baked, carefully remove the cast iron skillet from the oven using your heat-resistant oven mitts. Place it on a heat-proof trivet or protected surface, as the skillet will be extremely hot. Allow the pancake to cool for just a minute or two; it will deflate slightly as it cools, which is perfectly normal. For easier serving and to avoid the hot skillet, you can invert the pancake onto a large serving platter. This makes for a beautiful presentation, showcasing the caramelized apple layer on top.
Expert Tips for a Perfect German Apple Pancake
Achieving a show-stopping German Apple Pancake is easier with a few helpful tips:
- Safety with Hot Skillets: Always use high-temperature oven mitts when handling the cast iron skillet. It retains heat incredibly well and will be extremely hot. Don’t risk burns or dropping your delicious creation! Our own experience with subpar oven mitts leading to a frantic juggling act taught us this lesson the hard way.
- Serving Presentation: While you can serve the pancake directly from the skillet, we often prefer to invert it onto a large serving platter. This not only makes for a more elegant presentation with the caramelized apples on top but also eliminates the concern of guests touching a super-hot pan at the table. If serving from the skillet, ensure everyone is aware of its heat.
- Flipping Technique: If you choose to flip the pancake onto a platter, be very careful. Use a platter significantly larger than your skillet to provide ample landing space. Trust us, it’s easy for a portion of the glorious pancake to end up on the counter instead of the plate if you’re not precise!
- Topping Perfection: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finish and a touch of extra sweetness. We also love serving it with a side of bourbon maple syrup, though we often find the pancake so rich and sweet on its own that the syrup goes untouched. Feel free to experiment with your favorite toppings!
- Nutritional Information: Keep in mind that nutritional values, including calories, protein, carbohydrates, and fats, will vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use.
Preparation & Storage Guidelines
Plan ahead with these convenient tips for your German Apple Pancake:
- Make Ahead: The pancake batter can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container or a covered bowl in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a good whisk before pouring it over the hot apples to ensure all ingredients are well combined again.
- Storage: Any leftover German Apple Pancake should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. It will keep well for 2-3 days.
- Freezing: While we haven’t personally tested freezing these German apple pancakes, individual slices could likely be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, storing in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How to Reheat:
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm. To prevent them from becoming hard or dry, you can cover them with a damp paper towel before microwaving to help retain moisture.
- Oven: For best results, reheat leftover apple pancake in the oven. Place slices on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through. This method helps maintain a crispier texture.
Creative Recipe Variations to Explore
This German Apple Pancake recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for delightful adaptations to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
- Apple Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties. While tart apples are recommended for balance, sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala can also be used for a milder flavor profile.
- Spice Alternatives: If cinnamon isn’t your favorite, or you simply want to try something new, consider using other warm spices such as allspice, nutmeg, ground ginger, or even a pre-mixed apple pie spice blend for a different aromatic experience.
- Vegetarian Option: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, making it a perfect choice for those following a meat-free diet.
- Vegan Adaptation: To make this pancake vegan, you’ll need to make a few substitutions:
- Milk: Replace dairy milk with any non-dairy alternative such as almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
- Eggs: Use an egg replacer (such as a flax egg, mashed banana, or commercial egg substitute) according to package instructions for the 3 eggs.
- Butter: Substitute with a plant-based butter alternative.
- Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free German Apple Pancake, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, oat flour, or almond flour. Ensure your chosen blend includes a binder or add a small amount of xanthan gum if recommended by the flour manufacturer.
- Smaller Serving Size: If you only need a smaller portion, halve the recipe and use a smaller cast iron skillet (e.g., an 8-inch skillet) to maintain the proper thickness and puff.
- Larger Group/More Servings: To accommodate more guests, you can easily double this recipe. However, you will need to use two separate cast iron skillets or a single, very large skillet to ensure the pancake bakes evenly and achieves its signature puff.
What to Serve Alongside Your Apple Pancakes
A German Apple Pancake can be the star of your meal, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings and side dishes to create a complete and satisfying spread.
Delicious Toppings and Garnishes:
- Syrups: Classic maple syrup, cinnamon syrup, or a dollop of honey.
- Creams: Freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream (especially for a dessert pancake!).
- Sweet Dustings: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a delicate layer of powdered sugar.
- Richness: An extra pat of butter, or for a nutty touch, a drizzle of nut butter or a scattering of toasted pecans.
Hearty Side Dishes:
- Savory Proteins: Crispy bacon (whether air-fried, oven-baked, or microwaved), savory sausage links, or breakfast ham.
- Potato Delights: Fluffy breakfast potatoes or a comforting hashbrown casserole.
- Freshness: A bowl of fresh fruit or a vibrant fruit salad.
- Dairy: A side of creamy yogurt.
Refreshing Drinks:
- Coffee Creations: A refreshing frosted coffee or a festive eggnog coffee.
- Juices: Classic orange juice or a nostalgic Orange Julius.
- Teas: A soothing cup of hot tea or a chilled iced tea.
- Comforting Beverages: A mug of warm hot chocolate or a decadent Starbucks Frappuccino dupe.
Perfect Occasions for German Apple Pancakes
The beauty of this German Apple Pancake lies in its versatility. While it shines as a breakfast item, its rich flavors and impressive presentation make it suitable for many different occasions throughout the day:
- Weekend Brunch: Elevate your weekend brunch with this impressive yet easy-to-make dish. It’s a fantastic centerpiece that will delight guests.
- Christmas Morning Breakfast: Make your holiday mornings extra special. The warm cinnamon and apple flavors perfectly capture the festive spirit.
- Breakfast for Dinner: Who says breakfast foods are just for mornings? This pancake makes a hearty and satisfying “brinner” option.
- Dessert: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for an unforgettable dessert.
- Comfort Food: On a chilly day or when you need a little pick-me-up, this warm, sweet, and comforting pancake hits just the right spot.
- Fall Favorite: Embrace the autumn season with this apple-centric dish, perfect for enjoying the harvest flavors.
Truly, we find ourselves craving and serving these delicious apple pancakes any time of the day!
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes to Try
If you loved this German Apple Pancake, you might enjoy exploring some of our other favorite breakfast and brunch recipes:
Effortless Overnight French Toast Casserole
Savory Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole
Bright and Cheerful Funfetti Pancakes
Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Warm Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
Sweet and Crispy Brown Sugar Bacon
Don’t miss our full collection of apple dessert recipes for more fruity delights!
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Apfelpfannkuchen German Apple Pancakes Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 apples cored, sliced into ¼ inch slices
- ¼ cup White Sugar
- 2-4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 3 Eggs beaten
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup All Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Milk
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 7 Tablespoon Butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl and set to the side.
- Core apples and slice into ¼ inch slices. Place cast iron skillet over medium heat and add butter to the skillet. Once the butter is mostly melted add in apple slices, cinnamon and sugar and stir. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Combine eggs, flour, salt, milk, and vanilla in a medium bowl and whisk together until smooth.
- When apples are done cooking pour flour mixture into the middle of the cast iron pan over the top of the apples.
- Place cast iron pan carefully in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Remove cast iron from oven and serve.
Kitchen Tools
- 10 inch Cast Iron Skillet
- Large Mixing Bowl
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 207