German Pancakes: A Fluffy and Delightful Breakfast Treat

Introduction & Inspiration

As someone who loves a delicious and satisfying breakfast, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both easy and impressive. German Pancakes are a fantastic option for those mornings when you want to create a special breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen. The inspiration for this recipe came from my love of classic pancakes and my desire to find a way to make them even more fluffy and delightful.

Homemade Focus

While you can certainly find pancake mixes at the store, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making pancakes from scratch. This recipe is incredibly simple, and the result is a batch of German Pancakes that are far superior to anything you can buy pre-made. Plus, making them yourself allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.

Flavor Goal

The goal here is to create pancakes that are light, airy, and slightly sweet, with a delicate custardy flavor and crispy edges. The combination of eggs, milk, flour, and vanilla extract creates a simple yet delicious batter that puffs up beautifully in the oven. The melted butter adds richness and helps to create those irresistible crispy edges.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key players in these delightful German Pancakes:

• Eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness to the pancake batter.
• Milk: Milk adds moisture and helps to create a smooth batter.
• All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure for the pancakes.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds a touch of warmth and sweetness to the batter.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps to create crispy edges.

Equipment

You’ll need just a few essential tools to whip up these German Pancakes:

• 9×13 inch metal baking dish
• Blender
• Cut and serve turner

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Dash of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Melt Butter: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the butter in an ungreased 9×13 inch metal baking dish and place it in the oven until melted.
2. Blend Batter: In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
3. Bake: Pour the batter into the baking dish over the melted butter. Bake for 22-27 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and puffy.
4. Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle generously with powdered sugar and your favorite syrup. Serve immediately.

Troubleshooting

• Pancakes not puffing up: Make sure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can cause the pancakes to deflate.
• Pancakes too dense: Make sure the batter is blended until smooth. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
• Pancakes sticking to the pan: If the pancakes are sticking, you can try greasing the baking dish with butter or cooking spray before adding the melted butter.

Tips and Variations

• For a sweeter pancake, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to the batter.
• Feel free to experiment with different flavorings, such as adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
• You can top the pancakes with fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate chips, or your favorite toppings.
• If you don’t have a blender, you can whisk the batter together by hand.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These German Pancakes are a delightful breakfast treat that can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of accompaniments. They pair well with fresh fruit, whipped cream, syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re perfect for a special weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or any time you want to impress your family and friends with a delicious and impressive dish.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: ~250
• Fat: ~15g
• Cholesterol: ~150mg
• Sodium: ~200mg
• Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Protein: ~10g

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Name: German Pancakes

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Yields: 6 servings

Q: Can I use a different type of milk?

A: Yes, you can use any type of milk that you like, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.

Q: Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?

A: While these pancakes are best enjoyed fresh, you can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.  

Q: Can I freeze these pancakes?

A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked pancakes. Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for longer storage. Reheat them in the oven or toaster before serving.