For a "wow-worthy" response, it doesn't get much better than the Dutch baby — aka the German pancake. Puffed and billowy out of the oven, this is one of the most charming desserts you can serve your guests.
And one of the easiest, as it turns out.
The basic recipe uses only 4 simple ingredients — eggs, milk, flour and butter — and is quickly whipped up in the blender before being baked in the oven.
As the batter is relatively neutral, you can serve this dish with any number of toppings: powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice, warm maple syrup, fresh berries or caramelized bananas, to name a few.
But I thought it would be fun to jazz up the batter itself. And I did so with one of my favorite flavors — cinnamon swirl!
In addition to looking so rustic and beautiful, it was absolutely delicious. There was a bit of caramelized filling in each bite, and everyone I served agreed that this was their very favorite way to eat a Dutch baby!
RECIPE: Cinnamon-Swirl Dutch Baby
Yields: one 10" pancake, serving 4 to 6 people
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup flour
- 8 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, divided
- 6 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
Directions:
- Pre-heat oven to 425. Place 2 tablespoons of butter in a 10" pie plate or ovenproof skillet and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining butter with the brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring to mix well. Transfer to a pastry bag or Ziploc bag and cut a small opening in the corner.
- Place the pie plate in the oven until butter is melted. Meanwhile, place the eggs, milk and flour in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- When the butter is melted, remove the pie plate from the oven; swirl the butter around the bottom and sides to coat evenly. Pour the batter into the pie plate and immediately pipe the cinnamon filling on top.
- Return the pie plate to the oven and bake for 25 minutes — the pancake should be puffed very high and a deep golden brown. Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes (it will deflate a bit). Dust with powdered sugar if desired, cut into wedges and serve immediately.
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Images via Sheri Silver
