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There is something extra special about pulling a big, golden, puffy pancake out of the oven. A Dutch baby looks impressive enough for a weekend brunch but is surprisingly easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients. I’m not kidding when I say I make these almost every single day for my kids.

This easy Dutch baby recipe comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for slow Saturday mornings, special breakfasts, or even an everyday go-to. Serve it with fresh fruit, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whatever toppings your family loves.

What Is a Dutch Baby?

A Dutch baby, sometimes called a German pancake, is a large oven-baked pancake. Unlike traditional pancakes that are cooked individually on a griddle, the entire batter is poured into a hot skillet and baked in the oven.

As it bakes, the edges puff up dramatically and turn golden brown while the center stays soft and slightly custardy. Once it comes out of the oven, it will naturally deflate a little, but that is completely normal!

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Dutch Baby Ingredients

You only need a few basic pantry staples:

• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter

Optional Toppings

The best part about making a Dutch baby is dressing it up with your favorite toppings!

Try:

• Fresh berries
• Sliced bananas
• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Whipped cream
• Lemon juice and powdered sugar
• Cinnamon sugar
• Peach or apple slices

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How to Make a Dutch Baby

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Place a 10- to 12-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. Starting with a hot skillet helps give your Dutch baby those beautifully puffed edges.

Step 2: Make the Batter

Add the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, and salt to a blender.

Blend until the batter is completely smooth, usually about 20–30 seconds. You can also whisk everything together by hand, but a blender makes it especially easy to get a smooth batter.

Step 3: Melt the Butter

Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add the butter. Swirl it around until the bottom and sides of the skillet are coated.

Step 4: Bake

Immediately pour the batter into the hot, buttered skillet.

Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the Dutch baby is puffed up and golden brown around the edges.

Try not to open the oven door while it is baking—you want to keep all that heat inside!

Step 5: Add Your Favorite Toppings

Remove the Dutch baby from the oven and add your favorite toppings.

Our favorite way to serve it is with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of warm maple syrup.

Slice and serve immediately while it is still warm and puffy.

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Tips for the Best Dutch Baby

Use Room Temperature Eggs and Milk

If you have a little extra time, let your eggs and milk sit out for 20–30 minutes before making the batter. Room-temperature ingredients can help the Dutch baby rise more evenly.

Make Sure Your Skillet Is Hot

A hot skillet is one of the secrets to getting those big, dramatic, puffed-up edges. Place your skillet in the oven while it preheats and add the batter as soon as the butter has melted.

Don’t Overthink the Deflating

Your Dutch baby will puff up beautifully in the oven and begin to sink shortly after you take it out. This is completely normal! Snap your picture quickly if you want to capture it at its tallest.

Serve Immediately

Dutch babies are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. They are warm, buttery, and slightly crisp around the edges with a soft center.

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Can You Make a Dutch Baby Without a Cast Iron Skillet?

Yes! While a cast iron skillet works wonderfully, you can also use an oven-safe baking dish or another oven-safe skillet.

Just make sure the pan can safely handle the high oven temperature and preheat it before adding the butter and batter.

Can You Double This Recipe?

Absolutely. For a larger family breakfast, you can double the ingredients and bake the Dutch baby in a larger skillet or baking dish.

You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time depending on the size and depth of your pan.

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Easy Dutch Baby Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and place a 10- to 12-inch cast iron skillet inside while the oven heats.
2. Add the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, and salt to a blender. Blend until smooth.
3. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add the butter, swirling to coat the pan.
4. Pour the batter into the hot skillet.
5. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until puffed and golden brown around the edges.
6. Remove from the oven and top with fresh fruit, powdered sugar, maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.
7. Slice and serve immediately.

A Simple Breakfast That Feels Special

Whether you’re making a slow weekend breakfast with your family or simply want to change up your usual pancake routine, this easy Dutch baby recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your breakfast rotation.

It uses simple ingredients, takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, and feels just a little more special than ordinary pancakes. Plus, everyone can customize their own slice with their favorite toppings!