Dutch Baby with Fresh Berries Recipe

Learn how to make this impressive, puffy homemade Dutch Baby pancake with the best fresh berry topping. This easy baking recipe creates a dramatically risen, custard-like center with crispy edges—perfect for weekend brunches or special breakfasts. Master the simple technique for a foolproof pancake that's guaranteed to wow your family!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">125g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 large eggs, at room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml whole milk, at room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g unsalted butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp powdered sugar, for dusting</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Maple syrup, for serving (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">25cm (10-inch) cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Blender or food processor</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine-mesh sieve</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Place your cast-iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 220°C (425°F). The hot skillet is crucial for a dramatic rise—it causes the batter to start cooking immediately upon contact, creating steam that helps the pancake puff.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>While the oven preheats, add the flour, eggs, milk, vanilla, salt, and sugar to a blender. Blend on high for 30-45 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and frothy. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate fully.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>When the oven and skillet are fully preheated, carefully remove the skillet (remember, it's extremely hot!). Add the butter to the hot pan and swirl until completely melted and bubbling, but not browned. The butter should coat the entire surface and sides of the pan.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Working quickly, pour the batter into the center of the hot, buttered skillet. Immediately return the skillet to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the Dutch baby is dramatically puffed and deeply golden brown around the edges. Avoid opening the oven during baking as temperature changes can affect the rise.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>While the Dutch baby bakes, prepare your berries. If using strawberries, hull and slice them. For larger blackberries, you may want to halve them. Keep blueberries and raspberries whole.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Once baked, immediately remove the Dutch baby from the oven—you'll notice it's dramatically puffed up with a golden exterior. It will begin to deflate slightly within a minute or two, forming a perfect crater for your toppings—this is completely normal and expected!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Quickly dust with powdered sugar through a fine-mesh sieve, then fill the center with your prepared fresh berries. For a special touch, you can warm some maple syrup to serve alongside. Slice and serve immediately while still warm.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Dutch Baby with Fresh Berries Recipe?

The key ingredients include all-purpose flour, eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, salt, sugar, unsalted butter, mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), powdered sugar for dusting, and optional maple syrup for serving.

How to cook Dutch Baby with Fresh Berries Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Dutch Baby with Fresh Berries Recipe by preheating a cast-iron skillet, blending the batter ingredients until smooth, pouring the batter into the hot buttered skillet, baking until dramatically puffed (18-20 minutes at 220°C), and finishing with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Why doesn't my pancake puff up properly in the oven?

For a dramatic puff, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, your oven is fully preheated, the skillet is very hot before adding batter, and avoid opening the oven during baking. The initial heat shock creates steam that causes the characteristic rise.

Can I make a savoury version of this puffy oven pancake?

Absolutely! Create a savoury version by omitting the sugar, adding herbs like thyme or chives to the batter, and topping with sautéed mushrooms, caramelised onions, crispy bacon, or grated cheese instead of berries. Finish with fresh herbs and a dollop of crème fraîche.

What's the difference between a Dutch Baby and a regular pancake?

A Dutch Baby is oven-baked rather than cooked on the stovetop, contains more eggs creating a custard-like interior, puffs dramatically during baking, and has a unique cratered shape perfect for toppings. The texture is lighter and airier than traditional pancakes.

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