Mini Dutch Baby Pancakes are light, fluffy, and irresistibly charming individual pancakes baked in a muffin tin. These oven-baked delights puff up beautifully, creating a golden, crisp edge with a soft, custardy center. Made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, milk, sugar, and vanilla, they’re perfect for breakfast or brunch and especially fun to serve during holidays or special family mornings.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s quick, fuss-free, and turns out perfectly every time. The batter comes together in minutes with just a blender, and baking them in a muffin tin means I don’t have to hover over a stove. They look fancy but are incredibly simple to make. I also enjoy how customizable they are—whether I top them with fruit, syrup, or powdered sugar, they always taste amazing.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the muffin tin
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a muffin tin inside the oven while it preheats to get it hot.
- In a blender, mix together the flour, milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
- Carefully remove the hot muffin tin from the oven and lightly grease each cup with butter or non-stick spray.
- Pour the batter into the muffin cups, filling each one about halfway full.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the Dutch babies are puffed up and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. They will deflate a bit as they sit.
- Serve warm with toppings like powdered sugar, fresh berries, or maple syrup.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 12 mini Dutch baby pancakes. The prep time is around 10 minutes, and the baking time is 15 to 18 minutes, for a total of about 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
I like to change things up depending on the occasion or what I have in the kitchen:
- Add a few berries or thin apple slices to each muffin cup before baking.
- For a savory twist, skip the sugar and vanilla, and stir in shredded cheese or herbs.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Try different extracts like almond or lemon for subtle flavor changes.
Storage/Reheating
After they cool, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well—just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 30–45 seconds until heated through.
FAQs
How do I get my Dutch baby pancakes to puff up?
The key is a very hot oven and a hot muffin tin. The steam created by the batter in a hot environment causes the dramatic puffing.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, I can blend the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. I let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before baking.
What kind of toppings go well with these?
I like them with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, maple syrup, or even a dollop of whipped cream. They’re also great with lemon curd or jam.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, I can substitute the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk. Just know that the texture might change slightly, and they may not puff up quite as much.
Why did mine collapse after coming out of the oven?
That’s normal. They puff up dramatically in the oven but deflate a bit as they cool. It’s just part of their charm.
Conclusion
These Mini Dutch Baby Pancakes are a playful, delicious twist on a classic breakfast dish. I love how easy they are to prepare, how beautifully they bake up, and how fun they are to customize. Whether I’m making them for a holiday breakfast or just a cozy morning at home, they always bring smiles to the table.
Print
Mini Dutch Baby Pancakes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini Dutch Baby Pancakes are light, airy, and oven-baked in a muffin tin, creating perfectly portioned treats ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They puff beautifully in the oven and can be customized with sweet or savory toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole or 2% milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a muffin tin in the oven to heat up.
- In a blender, combine the flour, milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
- Carefully remove the hot muffin tin from the oven and lightly grease each cup with butter or non-stick spray.
- Pour the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about halfway.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pancakes are puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. They will deflate a bit as they cool.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Preheating the muffin tin helps the pancakes puff better and prevents sticking.
- The batter can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Customize with fruits, spices, or savory additions like cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg