Before you cook
Background Recipe story & origin
The Dutch baby pancake originated in Seattle, Washington, at Manca's Café in the early 20th century (likely 1900s-1940s). Owner Victor Manca created the dish, and his daughter reportedly named it. Despite the name, it has no Dutch connection - it may derive from 'deutsch' (German), as the dish resembles German pancakes and the apfelpfannkuchen. The Dutch baby is a large, oven-baked popover: batter of eggs, flour, milk, and butter is poured into a hot, buttered cast-iron skillet and baked at high heat. It puffs dramatically, creating a bowl shape with crispy edges and custardy center, then deflates slightly upon removal. Traditional service includes powdered sugar, lemon juice, and fruit. The dish became a brunch classic, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. It represents regional American cooking's ability to create distinctive dishes and the appeal of dramatic presentation.
Before you start Equipment you'll need
- cast iron skillet — Preheats in oven to create hot surface for dramatic puffing of Dutch baby pancake
Safety Safety & allergen notes
- Use caution with hot surfaces and oils.
- Ensure proteins are cooked to safe internal temperatures.
Non-negotiables Rules for success
-
Preheat and make batter
Place cast iron skillet in oven, preheat to 425°F. Blend eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, and salt...
-
Bake until done
Carefully remove hot skillet, add butter and swirl to coat. Pour in batter immediately. Bake 20-25 m...
Prep Get set first
About 10 min of prep
- Prepare cast iron skillet
This recipe takes about 25 minutes total.
Ingredients
Instructions
Unlock Grouped Step Actions
Plus members get tap-to-check action steps and live ingredient swaps for this recipe.
-
Preheat and make batter
Place cast iron skillet in oven, preheat to 425°F. Blend eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
-
Bake until done
Carefully remove hot skillet, add butter and swirl to coat. Pour in batter immediately. Bake 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden. Serve immediately with lemon and powdered sugar.