German Apple Pancake
A spectacular oven-baked pancake that puffs up tall and golden, filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. It's a show-stopping breakfast or brunch that's surprisingly easy to make and serve straight from the skillet.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preheat Oven and Skillet: Place a 10-inch cast-iron or other oven-safe skillet on the middle rack of your oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Allowing the skillet to get screaming hot is key to a good puff.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Apples: While the oven preheats, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate, medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Batter: In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, flour, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend for 30-45 seconds until completely smooth and frothy. Alternatively, whisk the eggs vigorously in a bowl until light and foamy, then whisk in the remaining batter ingredients until just combined (a few small lumps are okay).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Pancake: Using heavy-duty oven mitts, carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom and sides as it melts and sizzles. Immediately pour the batter into the center of the hot skillet. Quickly arrange the cooked apple slices over the batter.
- 5
Bake to Perfection: Immediately return the skillet to the oven
- a.Bake for 18-20 minutes. Do not open the oven door during baking. The pancake is done when it has puffed dramatically and the edges are a deep golden brown.
- 6
Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven
- a.The pancake will begin to deflate almost immediately. Dust generously with powdered sugar, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top if desired, slice into wedges, and serve hot directly from the skillet.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best puff, ensure your skillet is extremely hot before adding the batter.
- 2Room temperature eggs and milk incorporate better and create a more tender, voluminous pancake.
- 3Using a blender is the easiest way to get a perfectly smooth, lump-free batter.
- 4Serve the pancake the moment it comes out of the oven, as its signature puff is fleeting.
- 5Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp that won't turn to mush when cooked.
- 6Resist the urge to open the oven door while baking, as the sudden change in temperature can cause the pancake to fall flat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruit Swap
Replace apples with firm pears, peaches, or a handful of mixed berries. Adjust cooking time for the fruit as needed.
Spice It UpSpice It Up
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the apple mixture along with the cinnamon for a warmer spice profile.
Savory VersionSavory Version
Omit the sugar, vanilla, and fruit. Instead, top the batter with cooked bacon or sausage, shredded cheese (like Gruyère), and fresh herbs like chives before baking.
Nutty ToppingNutty Topping
Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or pecans over the pancake just before serving for added crunch and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Quality Protein
The eggs in the batter are an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Source of Dietary Fiber
Apples are rich in dietary fiber, particularly pectin, which supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Energy Boosting
The combination of carbohydrates from flour, sugar, and apples provides a quick and delicious source of energy to start your day.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving (one slice, or 1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the exact size of the apples and type of milk used.