Kid Food

The Easy Apple Pancake Your Family Will Absolutely Love (We Promise!)

Jan ValdezAssistant Recipe Producer
Jan ValdezAssistant Recipe Producer
I cover recipe content on The Kitchn, write and update recipes and recipe roundups, and test recipes for the team. I have 10 years of experience working in R&D test kitchens, testing products and recipes, and at publishers including Serious Eats and EatingWell.
published about 5 hours ago
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fluffy light german pancake in cast iron skillet with browned edges and curly ends
Credit: Kelli Foster

There are certain breakfasts that feel extra special — and for me, a German apple pancake is one of them. This recipe is very similar to a Dutch baby, except with the bonus of warm caramelized apples tucked inside. It only takes three simple steps: Cook the apples in a skillet, pour in the batter, and bake until golden. When it bakes, the edges puff up dramatically while the center stays custardy. I love to make it every fall when apples are at their peak. It’s the perfect cozy breakfast with coffee or a pumpkin spice latte.

Get the recipe: German Apple Pancake

What Makes This German Apple Pancake So Good

There’s no need for fancy techniques! The skillet does double duty — first on the stovetop to caramelize the apples, then in the oven to transform everything into a billowy pancake. The oven does the heavy lifting, and the result always looks beautiful with golden edges and a tender, custardy middle. It’s sweet, but not overly so, and it has just the right balance of textures. I love that it delivers a little bit of drama when it rises in the oven, and everyone oohs and aahs when you dust it with powdered sugar right before serving.

2 Tips for Making a German Apple Pancake 

  • Bring the egg and milk to room temperature. This helps the batter mix smoothly and gives the pancake a better rise in the oven.
  • Use a 10-inch cast iron skillet. It holds heat evenly, caramelizes the apples beautifully, and gives the pancake the best puff.

Get the recipe: German Apple Pancake

This article originally published on The Kitchn. See it there: This German Apple Pancake Is the Recipe I Can’t Wait to Make Every October

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