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Cozy German Apple Pancake – Best Oktoberfest Recipe

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A puffy, golden German apple pancake with caramelized apples and crispy edges. Perfect for Oktoberfest, brunch, or a cozy dessert, this easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold)
  • 2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (2% works in a pinch)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Fresh lemon wedges (optional)
  • Maple syrup or honey (optional)
  • Crème fraîche or whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your empty 10-inch cast-iron skillet inside the oven while it preheats.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk vigorously until frothy and light, about 1 minute. Add the milk and vanilla extract, and whisk to combine. Add the flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, and salt. Whisk until smooth and no lumps remain. Set aside.
  3. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and place it on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt, swirling to coat the bottom and sides. Add the sliced apples, 3 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to coat. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples have softened slightly and sugar starts to caramelize.
  4. Spread the apples into an even layer in the skillet. Immediately pour the batter evenly over the apples. Do not stir.
  5. Transfer the skillet back to the hot oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes. Do not open the oven door for the first 15 minutes. The pancake is done when puffed dramatically over the sides, deeply golden brown, and edges are crispy. The center should be just set and slightly jiggly.
  6. Serve right away. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Room temperature eggs are key for puff. Do not open the oven door for the first 15 minutes of baking. The pancake deflates quickly, so serve immediately. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and oat or almond milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: German apple pancake, Dutch baby, apfelpfannkuchen, Oktoberfest recipe, apple pancake, cast iron skillet pancake, easy brunch recipe