German Pancakes with Caramelized Apples Recipe
German pancakes, also known as Dutch baby pancakes, are a delightful breakfast dish that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves fluffy, airy pancakes. This version pairs the light, egg-rich batter with sweet, caramelized apples and a touch of warm spices, making it a perfect treat to start your day. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or indulge in a cozy, weekend breakfast, this German Pancakes with Caramelized Apples Recipe will bring joy to your table.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 5 whole |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Apples | 2 medium, peeled and sliced |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry Ginger Powder | 2 teaspoons |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Continental
Course: World Breakfast
Diet: Eggetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Pancake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of milk, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Crack the eggs into the bowl, one at a time, and whisk until fully incorporated. Once the eggs are blended into the batter, add in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix again until smooth. Set the batter aside.
-
-
Caramelize the Apples:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and let it heat up for about 10 minutes while you prepare the apples.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
- Once the butter is melted, add the sliced apples to the pan. Let them sizzle for a few seconds before adding the remaining sugar and the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and dry ginger powder. Stir gently to coat the apples evenly in the sugar and spices.
- Let the apples cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the sugar to caramelize and the apples to soften slightly. Once the apples are beautifully caramelized, turn off the heat.
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Assemble the Pancake:
- Carefully pour the prepared pancake batter over the caramelized apples in the pan. Be sure not to stir the batter into the apples. The apples will naturally float up on top of the batter as it bakes.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes at 180°C (350°F). As the pancake bakes, it will rise and form a beautiful, golden-brown puff around the edges. It’s normal for the pancake to rise and slightly pull away from the edges of the pan—this is part of the fun!
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Serve the German Pancakes:
- Once the pancake is baked and puffed up, remove the skillet from the oven. Let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes. The puffy edges will settle back down into the pancake, creating a soft, airy texture.
- After the pancake has cooled slightly, gently tuck any ballooned parts back into the pan if desired.
- Slice the pancake into wedges and serve immediately.
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Garnish and Enjoy:
- For an extra indulgent touch, serve your German Pancakes with Caramelized Apples alongside a glass of homemade hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for added sweetness.
Tips and Variations:
- Apple Substitutes: While this recipe uses apples, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or berries for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Lighter: For a lighter version of this recipe, use skim milk and reduce the butter slightly. You can also replace the sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
- Topping Ideas: If you’re looking for more toppings, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a delicate finishing touch.
This German Pancakes with Caramelized Apples recipe is a beautiful, comforting dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Whether enjoyed for a special occasion or a regular weekend breakfast, it’s sure to be a hit with friends and family. Happy cooking!
