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>