Get ready to impress your family with a warm, fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Dutch Baby Pancake! This easy and delicious recipe captures the perfect blend of sweetness and spice. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll create a show-stopping breakfast that will have everyone in awe. Join me as I guide you through each stage, ensuring your pancake rises beautifully and tastes even better. Let’s get started!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever a pancake craving hits.
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious breakfast ready in under 35 minutes.
- Impressive Presentation: The Dutch baby puffs up beautifully in the oven, making it a show-stopping dish for any brunch.
- Customizable Toppings: Serve it plain or dress it up with your favorite toppings, from fresh fruit to whipped cream, for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Additional ground cinnamon for sprinkling (optional)
Measurements of Key Ingredients
The key ingredients for a Cinnamon Sugar Dutch Baby Pancake are simple. You need three large eggs for the base. The flour and milk are both half a cup. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, and you will need a quarter cup. The vanilla extract gives a rich flavor, and you only need one teaspoon. Ground cinnamon, which makes it warm and cozy, is half a teaspoon. Lastly, use a quarter teaspoon of salt to balance the flavors. The butter helps create a crispy edge, and you will need four tablespoons.
Optional Toppings and Add-ins
You can get creative with toppings! Powdered sugar can add a nice finish. A sprinkle of extra ground cinnamon adds warmth. Fresh fruit, like berries or bananas, makes it bright and fresh. Maple syrup drizzled on top is always a hit. You can even add whipped cream for a special touch. Each topping can change the pancake's taste and look. Enjoy mixing and matching to find your favorite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating the Oven and Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key for a fluffy pancake. Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe pan inside the oven as it heats. The pan needs to be hot to help the pancake rise.
Preparing the Pancake Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix until smooth. The batter should be slightly lumpy but well combined. This mix gives the pancake its rich flavor and texture.
Baking the Pancake and Serving
Carefully take the hot skillet from the oven. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt until it sizzles. Pour the pancake batter into the skillet over the melted butter, ensuring it spreads evenly.
Return the skillet to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The pancake should puff up and turn golden brown on the edges.
When it's done, take the skillet out. The pancake will deflate a bit. Sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar, made by mixing 1 tablespoon sugar with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. You can also add powdered sugar if you like.
Slice the pancake straight from the skillet. Serve it plain or with fresh fruit, maple syrup, or whipped cream. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips & Tricks
Recommended Tools for Best Results
To make the best Cinnamon Sugar Dutch Baby Pancake, you need a few key tools:
- 10-inch cast-iron skillet: This heats evenly and keeps your pancake fluffy.
- Mixing bowl: Use this for whisking the batter until smooth.
- Whisk: A whisk helps combine the ingredients well and avoids lumps.
- Oven mitts: These protect your hands when handling hot pans.
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Not preheating the skillet: This step is key. If your skillet is not hot, the pancake won’t puff up.
- Over-mixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Some lumps are okay!
- Opening the oven door too soon: This can cause your pancake to deflate. Wait until the time is up.
- Using cold eggs or milk: Room temperature ingredients mix better and help with rising.
By avoiding these mistakes, you will have a perfect pancake every time.
Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Sugar Dutch Baby Pancake
You can serve this pancake in many tasty ways:
- Plain with cinnamon sugar: Just sprinkle a mix of sugar and cinnamon on top.
- Fresh fruit: Add berries, banana slices, or peaches for a fruity touch.
- Maple syrup: Drizzle warm syrup for extra sweetness.
- Whipped cream: A dollop adds creaminess and richness.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings to make it your own!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter that combines more easily.
- Don't Overmix the Batter: It's okay if the batter is slightly lumpy. Overmixing can lead to a dense pancake instead of a light and airy one.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the pancake as it bakes; ovens can vary. You want it golden brown and puffed, but not overcooked.
- Serve Immediately: This pancake is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while it's still puffed. Add toppings right before serving for the best experience.
Variations
Flavor Additions and Substitutions
You can easily change the flavor of your cinnamon sugar Dutch baby pancake. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Nutmeg: Swap in nutmeg for half the cinnamon. It adds warmth.
- Cocoa Powder: Mix in cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest for a bright flavor.
- Extracts: Try almond or maple extract instead of vanilla.
These small changes can create a whole new pancake experience.
Dietary Adjustments for Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free
If you need gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work well for this pancake. For dairy-free, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk. Use coconut oil instead of butter. These swaps keep the pancake tasty while meeting dietary needs.
Creative Topping Ideas
Toppings can make your pancake shine. Here are some fun ideas to try:
- Fresh Fruit: Sliced bananas, berries, or apples add color and flavor.
- Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt gives a creamy touch.
- Nuts: Chopped nuts add crunch and protein.
- Drizzle: Pour maple syrup, honey, or chocolate sauce on top.
Mix and match these toppings to create your perfect pancake!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
After enjoying your Cinnamon Sugar Dutch Baby Pancake, let it cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover the pancake well to keep it fresh.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your pancake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pancake on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave it for 30-45 seconds, but the oven makes it crispier.
Freezing the Cinnamon Sugar Dutch Baby Pancake
You can freeze the pancake too! First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a freezer bag or container. It will stay good for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
FAQs
What is a Dutch Baby Pancake?
A Dutch baby pancake is a light and fluffy pancake. It puffs up in the oven. The base is a simple mix of eggs, flour, milk, and sugar. You bake it in a hot skillet, so it gets crispy edges. You can serve it with toppings like fruit or syrup. This dish is fun to make and great for breakfast or brunch.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time. Mix the eggs, flour, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Store it in the fridge for a few hours. When you’re ready to cook, just give it a quick whisk before pouring it into the hot skillet. This way, you save time on busy mornings.
How can I ensure my pancake puffs up nicely?
To ensure your pancake puffs up well, follow a few key steps. First, preheat your oven and skillet to the right temperature. The skillet should be hot when you add the batter. Second, don’t skip the butter; it helps create steam. Lastly, avoid opening the oven door while it bakes. This keeps the heat inside and helps the pancake rise perfectly.
In this post, we covered how to make a Cinnamon Sugar Dutch Baby Pancake. We explored ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips. You learned about storage and delicious variations to try.
This pancake is fun to make and share. Don’t hesitate to customize it to your taste. Enjoy every fluffy bite! Your breakfast game will never be the same.
