Caramelized Apple Dutch Baby
This Caramelized Apple Dutch Baby is a delightful twist on the traditional pancake, boasting a fluffy, oven-baked structure that is both impressive and delicious. The combination of sweet, thinly sliced apples and rich brown sugar creates a beautifully caramelized layer that pairs perfectly with the airy pancake batter. This dish is perfect for brunch with family or friends, and is sure to become a new favorite. Serve it warm, dusted with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
milk
1 cup (preferably whole milk)
eggs
4 (large)
granulated sugar
3 tablespoons (for batter)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
flour
2/3 cup (all-purpose)
butter
4 tablespoons (unsalted, melted)
apples
3 (peeled and sliced thin, preferably Golden Delicious)
brown sugar
3 tablespoons (for topping)
powdered sugar
to taste (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (or 420°F for hotter ovens) to ensure the pancake puffs up perfectly.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined.
3
Gradually add in the flour, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
4
Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop, and pour it into a 9x13-inch glass baking dish, ensuring the bottom is coated evenly.
5
Layer the peeled and thinly sliced apples over the melted butter in the dish. Then, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the apples for about 10 minutes, allowing them to soften and absorb the butter.
6
Carefully remove the dish from the oven and pour the prepared batter evenly over the caramelized apples. Sprinkle the brown sugar on top of the batter for added sweetness.
7
Return the dish to the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the pancake is puffed up and golden brown around the edges.
8
Once baked, remove the Dutch Baby from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing.
9
Serve warm with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, or allow diners to sprinkle it on their servings.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Caramelized Apple Dutch Baby?
A Caramelized Apple Dutch Baby is a fluffy, oven-baked pancake with a layer of sweet, thinly sliced apples and rich brown sugar.
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
Golden Delicious apples are recommended because they are firm and sweet, but other firm baking apples can also be used.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F, or 420°F if you have a hotter oven, to ensure the pancake puffs properly.
Can I use low-fat milk for the batter?
While whole milk is preferred for a richer texture, you can use other types of milk, though it may slightly affect the fluffiness.
How many eggs are required?
This recipe requires 4 large eggs to give the Dutch Baby its characteristic airy structure.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be peeled and sliced thin before being baked in the butter.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x13-inch glass baking dish is the best size for this recipe to allow the batter to spread and puff evenly.
Why do I bake the apples before adding the batter?
Baking the apples for 10 minutes allows them to soften and absorb the butter, creating a caramelized layer.
How long does the Dutch Baby take to bake once the batter is added?
Once the batter is poured over the apples, it takes approximately 20 minutes to bake until puffed and golden brown.
What is the purpose of the brown sugar in this recipe?
Brown sugar is sprinkled on top of the batter to add sweetness and enhance the caramelization of the apples.
Is the cinnamon added to the apples or the batter?
In this recipe, the cinnamon is whisked into the batter along with the milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter, but you can use salted if that is what you have on hand.
How do I serve the Caramelized Apple Dutch Baby?
It is best served warm, dusted with a generous amount of powdered sugar.
Can I make the batter in a blender?
Yes, although the instructions say to whisk, a blender is an excellent way to ensure the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Why didn't my Dutch Baby puff up?
If it didn't puff, the oven might not have been hot enough, or the ingredients (like eggs and milk) may have been too cold.
Can I substitute all-purpose flour?
The recipe specifically calls for all-purpose flour to provide the right amount of structure for the puff.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
The 4 tablespoons of melted butter poured into the dish serve to both grease it and flavor the apples.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is specifically described as a perfect dish for brunch with family or friends.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for the batter.
Can I use a cast iron skillet?
While the recipe calls for a glass dish, a large cast iron skillet is a traditional alternative that works well for Dutch Babies.
What should I do if the batter has lumps?
Whisk continuously while gradually adding the flour to the wet ingredients to achieve a smooth consistency.
Should the Dutch Baby be eaten immediately?
Yes, it is best enjoyed warm as it will naturally deflate slightly as it cools.
Can I add other spices?
While only cinnamon is listed, nutmeg or ginger would also complement the apple flavors well.
Is it okay to leave the skins on the apples?
The recipe recommends peeling them for a softer texture, but leaving them on is a matter of personal preference.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
A 9x13 dish typically serves 4 to 6 people depending on portion sizes.
Can I use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar for the topping?
You can, but brown sugar provides a deeper, molasses-like caramel flavor that pairs better with the apples.
What if I don't have Golden Delicious apples?
You can use Granny Smith for a tarter flavor or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness and crunch.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, the apples provide some fiber, though the exact nutritional count is not specified.
Is this a dessert or a breakfast dish?
It is versatile enough to be served as both a sweet breakfast/brunch or a dessert.
Can I use almond milk?
You can substitute almond milk, but the Dutch Baby may not rise as high or be as rich as when using dairy milk.