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Best German Apple Pancake for Two: Easy Showstopper Brunch

german apple pancake for two - featured image

This Best German Apple Pancake for Two is the kind of dish that makes you look like a kitchen wizard without needing a culinary degree. It’s perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch when you want to impress someone special, or honestly, just yourself.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Maple syrup, for drizzling (optional)
  • Fresh lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your 10-inch cast iron skillet inside the oven while it preheats.
  2. Core and slice your apples into thin wedges, about 1/4-inch thick. In a small bowl, toss the apple slices with 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg (if using). Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs until frothy and light, about 30 seconds. Add the 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and whisk to combine. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking constantly until the batter is smooth and thin, like heavy cream.
  4. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Place it on a heat-safe surface. Add the 3 tablespoons of butter to the hot skillet; it should melt and sizzle immediately. Swirl to coat the bottom evenly. Add the apple mixture in a single layer. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, undisturbed, until the apples start to soften and the sugar begins to caramelize. Stir gently and cook for another minute.
  5. Immediately pour the batter evenly over the apples. Do not stir. Transfer the skillet back to the oven immediately.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the pancake is puffed up dramatically around the edges and golden brown. The center should be set and slightly jiggly. Do not open the oven door during the first 15 minutes.
  7. Serve immediately. Dust generously with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup if desired, and serve with a lemon wedge. Serve directly from the skillet.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial for the puff. Do not overmix the batter. The hot skillet is essential for the dramatic puff. Resist opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and oat milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: German apple pancake, Dutch baby, brunch for two, apple pancake, cast iron skillet pancake, easy brunch recipe