6 Dutch Baby Pancake Recipes for an Extra-Special Breakfast or Brunch

Closer to a popover or a Yorkshire pudding than a typical flapjack, these oven-baked treats are the best start to the day.

classic dutch baby topped with berries and cream — Credit: Lennart Weibull

You might already be a fan of the crisp, custardy, puffy delights of a Dutch baby pancake, or you might be utterly surprised that a "pancake" recipe would call for oven time. Either way, this family hit and party classic never fails to impress with its huge, bubbly rise and golden color—and with very few ingredients and no flipping, Dutch baby pancakes are shockingly easy to make.

In reality, the Dutch baby is less like a pancake and a lot more like a large version of a Yorkshire pudding or a popover. Baked in the oven in a cast iron skillet, this breakfast hero is equally appealing in both savory and sweet incarnations, which means you can decorate it with everything from apple slices to smoked salmon. Just be camera-ready when this puffy dish comes steaming out of the oven. It can deflate quickly!

01 of 06

Martha's Dutch Baby Pancake

Martha's Dutch baby recipe calls for the usual flour, milk, eggs, and salt, plus the fragrant and slightly spicy addition of nutmeg. You don't need to blend the mix or use clarified butter (which is often the standard) in this old-fashioned, delicious recipe, which is best served with jelly, jam, or marmalade.

View Recipe

02 of 06

Classic Dutch Baby

Dutch baby pancake topped with mixed berries and cream set in a pan with accompaniments — Jacob Fox

This super-smooth, blended Dutch baby calls on vanilla extract for extra flavor; be sure to preheat your skillet until it's piping-hot before you add the batter. Yogurt, fresh fruit, whipped cream, and warm maple syrup complement this dish's golden crust.

View Recipe

03 of 06

Apple-Cardamom Brown-Butter Dutch Baby

Coat your skillet with brown butter and lay down a single layer of apples before adding your batter. That's the magic formula for a crispy bottom and an apple-forward delight. Sprinkle the top with cardamom sugar and serve with sour cream (plus the remaining sugar).

View Recipe

04 of 06

Dutch Baby With Apples and Honey

Top this Dutch baby with a Granny Smith apple, sugar, and cinnamon mixture. Serve it with honey or syrup for a sweet Rosh Hashanah brunch.

View Recipe

05 of 06

Dutch Baby With Smoked Salmon and Capers

A classic Dutch baby with only the savory elements is an ideal base for succulent smoked salmon, tangy sour cream, and salty capers.

View Recipe

06 of 06

Blueberry Dutch Baby Pancakes

This recipe makes four individual Dutch baby pancakes that are baked in small cast iron skillets. Topped with blueberries and dusted with icing sugar, they'll make for a memorable breakfast.

View Recipe