Skillet Strawberry Pancake: A Deliciously Easy Breakfast or Brunch Recipe
Skillet pancakes, also known as Dutch babies or German pancakes, are a delightful and surprisingly simple way to make a large, fluffy pancake in the oven. This recipe elevates the classic skillet pancake by incorporating fresh, juicy strawberries, creating a vibrant and flavorful breakfast or brunch that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself. The beauty of a skillet pancake lies in its ease of preparation – no flipping required! Just whisk together the batter, pour it into a hot skillet, top with strawberries, and bake until golden brown and puffed up. Let’s dive into the details of creating this show-stopping dish.
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Strawberry Pancake
* **Easy and Convenient:** The oven does most of the work. No more standing over a hot griddle flipping individual pancakes.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The puffed-up, golden-brown pancake, studded with bright red strawberries, is visually stunning.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of the fluffy pancake batter, the sweet and slightly tart strawberries, and a dusting of powdered sugar is simply irresistible.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with different fruits, spices, or toppings.
* **Feeds a Crowd:** A single skillet pancake is enough to serve several people, making it perfect for brunch gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious skillet strawberry pancake:
* **All-Purpose Flour:** The base of our pancake batter, providing structure and texture. You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
* **Granulated Sugar:** Adds sweetness and helps to create a golden-brown crust.
* **Baking Powder:** The leavening agent that helps the pancake rise and become fluffy.
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Eggs:** Provide richness, structure, and binding to the batter.
* **Milk:** Adds moisture and helps to create a smooth batter. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even a plant-based milk alternative.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Adds a touch of warm, comforting flavor.
* **Melted Butter:** Adds richness and flavor to the batter and helps to prevent the pancake from sticking to the skillet.
* **Fresh Strawberries:** The star of the show! Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor. Hull and slice them before adding them to the pancake.
* **Powdered Sugar (optional):** For dusting on top of the finished pancake for added sweetness and visual appeal.
* **Maple Syrup (optional):** For drizzling over the pancake for extra flavor and sweetness.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
* **Flour:** As mentioned, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free pancake. You could also try using whole wheat flour for a slightly denser and nuttier pancake, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid.
* **Milk:** Any type of milk will work in this recipe. Plant-based milks like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk are all good options.
* **Fruit:** Feel free to substitute the strawberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. You could also use sliced peaches, apples, or bananas.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter for a warm and spicy flavor.
* **Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Try adding whipped cream, chocolate chips, nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Equipment Needed
* **Oven:** Essential for baking the pancake.
* **10-inch Oven-Safe Skillet:** A cast iron skillet is ideal, but any oven-safe skillet will work. Make sure your skillet is well-seasoned or greased to prevent the pancake from sticking.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For mixing the batter.
* **Whisk:** For whisking the ingredients together.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring of ingredients.
* **Spatula:** For serving the pancake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the skillet strawberry pancake! Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results:
**Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Skillet**
* Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
* Place the oven-safe skillet in the oven while it preheats. This is crucial for creating the puffed-up texture of the pancake. The hot skillet helps to immediately cook the bottom of the pancake batter, causing it to rise.
**Step 2: Prepare the Batter**
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
* In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough pancake. A few lumps are okay.
**Step 3: Assemble the Pancake**
* Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Use oven mitts to protect your hands!
* Pour the pancake batter into the hot skillet.
* Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the top of the batter. Gently press the strawberries into the batter to ensure they stay in place during baking.
**Step 4: Bake the Pancake**
* Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pancake is puffed up and golden brown. The edges of the pancake should be nicely browned, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
* Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pancake cool slightly before serving.
* Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
* Slice the pancake into wedges and serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings.
Tips for Success
* **Use a Hot Skillet:** Preheating the skillet in the oven is essential for creating a puffed-up pancake. Make sure the skillet is very hot before pouring in the batter.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing the batter can result in a tough pancake. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. A few lumps are okay.
* **Use Fresh Strawberries:** Fresh, ripe strawberries will provide the best flavor.
* **Bake Until Golden Brown:** Bake the pancake until it is puffed up and golden brown. The edges should be nicely browned, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
* **Let Cool Slightly Before Serving:** Letting the pancake cool slightly before serving will allow it to set up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet strawberry pancake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:
* **Maple Syrup:** A classic pancake topping.
* **Whipped Cream:** Adds a touch of indulgence.
* **Fresh Berries:** Enhance the strawberry flavor with additional fresh berries.
* **Chocolate Chips:** A fun and delicious addition for chocolate lovers.
* **Nuts:** Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a nice crunch.
* **Lemon Zest:** A sprinkle of lemon zest brightens up the flavors.
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** Turn it into a dessert by topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage Instructions
* **Leftovers:** Store leftover skillet strawberry pancake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 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.
Skillet Strawberry Pancake Recipe
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20-25 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 large eggs
* 1 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
* Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
* Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 10-inch oven-safe skillet in the oven while it preheats.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Pour the pancake batter into the hot skillet.
6. Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the top of the batter.
7. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pancake is puffed up and golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
8. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pancake cool slightly before serving.
9. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Slice and serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 5-8g
* Cholesterol: 75-100mg
* Sodium: 200-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Sugar: 15-20g
* Protein: 5-7g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*
Enjoy Your Skillet Strawberry Pancake!
This skillet strawberry pancake is a delightful and easy way to enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch. The combination of the fluffy pancake, sweet strawberries, and a dusting of powdered sugar is sure to be a hit with everyone. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a memorable culinary experience! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fruits, spices, and toppings to create your own unique version of this classic dish. Happy baking!