Description
Indulgent German apple pancake brings continental breakfast charm straight from Bavaria’s kitchens. Golden-edged layers studded with caramelized apples promise a delightful morning experience you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Pancake Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Fruit and Topping:
- 4 medium apples (preferably granny smith)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F, ensuring a hot environment for the pancake’s dramatic rise and golden transformation.
- Whisk flour, eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter in a large mixing bowl until the batter becomes smooth and free of lumps.
- Peel and core the apples, then slice them into thin, uniform crescents that will caramelize beautifully during cooking.
- Toss apple slices with brown sugar and ground cinnamon, coating each piece to create a sweet, aromatic mixture.
- Melt butter in a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat, ensuring even coating across the surface.
- Arrange the cinnamon-sugar coated apple slices in an artistic, overlapping pattern across the bottom of the skillet.
- Pour the prepared batter gently over the arranged apples, allowing it to settle naturally without disturbing the fruit layer.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the pancake to puff dramatically and turn a rich golden-brown color.
- Remove from oven and let the pancake rest for 5 minutes, allowing it to stabilize and easily release from the pan.
- Carefully invert the pancake onto a serving platter, revealing the caramelized apple layer on top.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately with maple syrup on the side for those desiring extra sweetness.
Notes
- Choose a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for the best non-stick surface and even heat distribution during baking.
- Slice apples uniformly to ensure consistent caramelization and an even cooking experience throughout the pancake.
- Whisk batter thoroughly to eliminate flour lumps, creating a smooth, silky texture that rises beautifully in the oven.
- Experiment with alternative flours like almond or gluten-free blends for those with dietary restrictions, adjusting liquid ratios as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg