Fluffy Apple Oven Pancake: A Deliciously Easy Breakfast or Dessert
Oven pancakes, also known as Dutch babies or German pancakes, are a delightful and surprisingly easy way to start your day or finish off a meal. This recipe elevates the classic by incorporating sweet, tender apples for a warm and comforting flavor. This apple oven pancake requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy mornings or when you’re craving something special without the fuss. Forget standing over a hot stove flipping pancakes – this recipe allows the oven to do all the work, resulting in a puffed-up, golden-brown masterpiece. Let’s dive into the world of oven pancakes and create a delicious apple-infused treat.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Oven Pancake
* **Effortless Elegance:** This recipe is incredibly simple to make, yet the result is a show-stopping pancake that’s perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself.
* **Minimal Hands-On Time:** The oven does most of the work, freeing you up to prepare other parts of your meal or simply relax.
* **Warm and Comforting Flavors:** The combination of cinnamon-spiced apples and a fluffy pancake is a match made in heaven, especially on a chilly morning.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert! Add a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of indulgence.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by using different types of apples, adding nuts, or experimenting with various spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **3 large eggs:** The eggs are crucial for providing structure and lift to the pancake.
* **¾ cup milk:** Milk adds moisture and helps to create a smooth batter.
* **¾ cup all-purpose flour:** Flour provides the base for the pancake.
* **2 tablespoons granulated sugar:** Sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning.
* **½ teaspoon vanilla extract:** Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the pancake.
* **¼ teaspoon salt:** Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **2 tablespoons unsalted butter:** Butter adds richness and flavor to the pancake and helps prevent sticking.
* **2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced:** Apples are the star of the show, adding sweetness, texture, and flavor.
* **1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for the apples):** Adds additional sweetness to the apples.
* **½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the apples):** Cinnamon complements the apples perfectly and adds a warm, comforting aroma.
* **Optional toppings:** Powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, ice cream, chopped nuts
Equipment
* **Oven:** This is essential for baking the pancake.
* **10-inch oven-safe skillet:** A cast-iron skillet works best, but any oven-safe skillet will do. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can use a baking dish. Just be sure to grease it well.
* **Mixing bowl:** For whisking the batter.
* **Whisk:** For combining the ingredients.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Peeler:** For peeling the apples.
* **Knife:** For coring and slicing the apples.
* **Cutting board:** For preparing the apples.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to creating your perfect apple oven pancake:
**1. Prepare the Apples:**
* Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Aim for slices that are about ¼ inch thick. This will ensure they cook evenly and become tender in the oven.
* In a medium bowl, toss the apple slices with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This will coat the apples evenly and enhance their flavor.
**2. Prepare the Batter:**
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Be careful not to overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay.
* Ensure there are no large clumps of flour remaining. A smooth batter is key for a light and airy pancake.
**3. Melt the Butter:**
* Place the oven-safe skillet in the oven and preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). This is crucial for achieving a puffed-up pancake. The hot skillet will help the batter rise quickly.
* Once the oven is preheated and the skillet is hot, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Be extremely cautious as the skillet will be very hot. Use oven mitts!
* Add the butter to the hot skillet and let it melt completely, swirling the skillet to coat the bottom and sides. The melted butter will prevent the pancake from sticking and add a delicious flavor.
**4. Assemble and Bake:**
* Arrange the sugared and cinnamon-coated apple slices evenly in the bottom of the hot skillet. You can create a decorative pattern if you like, or simply scatter them around.
* Pour the batter over the apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
* Immediately return the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pancake is puffed up and golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
* Keep an eye on the pancake as it bakes. It should be a beautiful golden brown color with a slightly crisp edge.
**5. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the pancake cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to cut and serve.
* Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, top with whipped cream or ice cream, or sprinkle with chopped nuts. Get creative and customize it to your liking!
* Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this apple oven pancake.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Oven Pancake
* **Use a Hot Skillet:** Preheating the skillet in the oven is essential for creating a puffed-up pancake. The hot skillet helps the batter rise quickly and evenly.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough pancake. Mix the batter until just combined.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Using room temperature eggs and milk will help the batter come together more easily and result in a lighter, fluffier pancake.
* **Choose the Right Apples:** Use apples that hold their shape well when cooked, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. These varieties will provide a nice texture and flavor to the pancake.
* **Adjust Baking Time as Needed:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the pancake and adjust the baking time as needed to ensure it is cooked through and golden brown.
* **Don’t Open the Oven Door:** Avoid opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking, as this can cause the pancake to deflate.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Try adding different spices to the apples, such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom. You can also add nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the pancake.
Variations and Substitutions
* **Different Fruits:** Experiment with other fruits, such as berries, peaches, or pears.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the pancake.
* **Spices:** Try different spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, and dairy-free butter.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest to the batter for a brighter flavor.
* **Brown Sugar:** Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer, more caramel-like flavor in the apples.
* **Maple Extract:** A drop or two of maple extract to the batter can enhance the maple syrup topping.
* **Bourbon or Rum (for adults):** A tablespoon of bourbon or rum can be added to the apple mixture for a boozy kick. Be sure to cook it thoroughly.
Serving Suggestions
This apple oven pancake is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to take it to the next level:
* **Powdered Sugar:** A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
* **Maple Syrup:** A classic pairing that complements the apples perfectly.
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy and decadent touch.
* **Ice Cream:** Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like treat.
* **Chopped Nuts:** Sprinkle with chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added texture and flavor.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
* **Fresh Fruit:** Serve with a side of fresh berries or other seasonal fruit.
* **Yogurt:** A dollop of Greek yogurt adds a tangy and healthy element.
Storage Instructions
* **Leftovers:** Leftover apple oven pancake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the pancake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may become slightly soggy.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on 6 servings):
* Calories: Approximately 250-300
* Protein: 8-10 grams
* Fat: 10-12 grams
* Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Conclusion
This apple oven pancake is a delightful and easy recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The combination of warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and a fluffy, golden-brown pancake is a match made in heaven. With minimal hands-on time and simple ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and satisfying treat!
Enjoy your delicious apple oven pancake! This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients and minimal effort can result in something truly special. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and toppings to create your own signature version. Happy baking!