Perfect and the Best Dutch Baby Pancake
A Dutch Baby Pancake has roots from the US. I'd call it an American "Popover" if you will. This recipe has an interesting ingredient that creates a pancake that puffs up beautifully and has crispy edges-- and is baked in a Cast-Iron Skillet. This pancake deflates within moments of being removed from the oven, and is delicious with fresh squeezed lemon juice and powdered sugar. Since I have an abundance of frozen berries, I made a compote to serve with this. This is the best recipe version I've made, so far.
Servings 4
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour 5-ounces
- ¼ cup cornstarch 1 ounce
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest plus lemon wedges for serving
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups skim milk see note below
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees. Grease 12-inch cast-iron skillet with oil, place skillet in oven, and heat until oil is shimmering, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk flour, cornstarch, lemon zest, and salt together in large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until frothy, then whisk in milk, melted butter, and vanilla until incorporated. Whisk one-third of milk mixture into flour mixture until no lumps remain. Slowly whisk in remaining milk mixture until smooth.
- Quickly pour batter into skillet and bake until Dutch baby puffs and turns golden brown (edges will be dark brown), about 20 minutes, rotating skillet halfway through baking.
- Using potholders, remove skillet from oven. Being careful of hot skillet handle, transfer Dutch baby to cutting board using spatula. Dust with sugar and slice into wedges. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
You can use whole or low-fat milk instead of skim, but the Dutch baby won't be as crisp. For a real treat, serve with an assortment of berries and lightly sweetened whipped cream.
Recipe source: Americas Test Kitchen "Cook It In Cast Iron"