Imagine a breakfast so incredible, it transforms your ordinary morning into an extraordinary culinary experience. The Caramelized Apple Dutch Baby is not just a pancake—it's a puffy, golden work of art that combines the rich, warm flavors of caramelized apples with a cloud-like texture that rises dramatically in your oven. This show-stopping dish looks like it came straight from a professional bakery, but can be crafted in your own kitchen with just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large apples, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cinnamon for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet in the oven while it heats to ensure the pan is extremely hot.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate.
- Remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and swirl to coat the entire pan, including the sides.
- Arrange the sliced apples in a decorative pattern across the bottom of the skillet. Sprinkle with a light dusting of sugar and cinnamon.
- Pour the prepared batter evenly over the apples, ensuring they remain somewhat visible on the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are puffed and golden brown and the center is set.
- While the Dutch baby is baking, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter to drizzle on top when serving.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. The pancake will slightly deflate, which is normal.
- Drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle additional cinnamon, and serve immediately while warm and puffy.
Tips
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best heat distribution and crispy edges.
- Let your batter rest for 5-10 minutes to ensure a smoother, more consistent texture.
- Preheat your skillet in the oven to guarantee a dramatic, puffy rise.
- Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best caramelization.
- Work quickly when adding batter to the hot skillet to maintain the pan's temperature.
- Don't open the oven door while baking to prevent the Dutch baby from deflating.
- Serve immediately after baking for maximum visual impact and perfect texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 145mg
