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Writer's pictureBarth Bakery

German Apple Pancake (Apfelpfannkuchen)

Updated: Nov 28, 2022

Called Apfelpfannkuchen in German, this huge light and airy puff pancake is nothing like ordinary American pancakes. This custardy soufflé-like European pancake (also known as a Dutch baby) is made from a very eggy batter that is poured over caramelized cinnamon-sugar apples in a cast iron pan and baked until puffy and golden brown. With a buttery, caramely topping, this wonderfully impressive pancake doesn't require any syrup.


Originally published 10/08/2016; Updated 11/08/2020


Light and Airy German Apple Pancake with Caramelized Apples
Custard Souffle-like German Apple Pancake
Eggy Cast Iron German Apple Pancake

Be sure to eat this warm right out of the oven because the eggs will

deflate at the pancake cools.


Ingredients

Apples

  • 1 cup tart cooking apples (like Granny Smith), peeled and thinly sliced

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar, divided

  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg

  • ¼ cup salted butter, cubed

  • ¼ cup light brown sugar

German Puff Pancake

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

  • Confectioners' sugar, for dusting (optional)


Directions

Apples

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. In a small bowl, toss the apple slices with 2 tablespoons sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg; set aside.

  3. Put the butter in a deep cast iron skillet or an 8x8-inch baking dish. Place the skillet or baking dish in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes to melt the butter.

  4. Take the dish out of the oven and evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the melted butter. Evenly distribute the apple slices on top of the brown sugar, and gently pour in any liquid. Put the dish back in the oven to keep warm while you make the batter.

German Puff Pancake

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and salt. Slowly whisk in the milk, and continue whisking until no lumps remain.

  2. Add in the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition until the eggs are incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract.

  3. Take the dish out of the oven, and pour the batter over the apples. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the center is set , the apples are tender, and the edges are lightly browned. Dust with confectioners' sugar (optional), then cut and serve immediately.


Barth Bakery (Barth Bäckerei) was started around 1933 by my great-grandfather, Gustav Hermann Barth, who was a Master Baker (Bäeckermeister) in Trebnitz, Niederschlesien, Germany. For that reason, we’ve started a small collection of recipes for classic German sweet treats.


Fall's favorite fruit isn't only meant for pie! Check out these other delicious apple recipes:

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Alex Haliabarda
Alex Haliabarda
4 days ago

 On a recent visit to Subway, my gift card was not properly processed at the register, leaving me frustrated. I reach out subway customer support to resolve the issue. The customer service staff quickly identified the problem, restored my card, and even offered a small credit for the inconvenience.

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