Pfannkuchen (German Pancakes) - Recipes From Europe (2024)

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A Classic Pfannkuchen Recipe For Traditional German Pancakes!

Craving something sweet but feeling a little lazy? German pancakes sound like the solution for you!

Also commonly known as Pfannkuchen in German, they are easy to make in no time at all.

These thin German pancakes can be enjoyed sweet however you like: with jam, fruit, cinnamon and sugar, or with hazelnut cocoa spread!

Pfannkuchen (German Pancakes) - Recipes From Europe (1)

German pancakes have a number of other names (often dictated by region) in Germany. They are sometimes also called Eierkuchen, Palatschinken, or even Plinse.

Lisa grew up eating German pancakes and knows them as Pfannkuchen so that’s what we’re calling them.

With this recipe, you can make pancakes that are a little thinner and bigger than fluffy “North American buttermilk pancakes”.

At the same time, they are usually thicker than a thin French crepe or Hungarian Palacsinta. Here’s more on confusing names for pancakes below…

German Pancakes Vs. Dutch Baby Pancakes

Those searching for a German pancake recipe might be looking for a Dutch Baby pancake recipe so it’s important to clear the air: In our case, they are actually two different things.

Our recipe in this post is for “German Pancakes”… how pancakes are actually enjoyed in Germany.

The Dutch Baby is baked in the oven, has risen walled-sides, and is much closer to a Yorkshire pudding than a classic German pancake.

A Dutch Baby Pancake has nothing to do with Germany other than the loose connection that it was created in the US with German pancakes (this recipe) as the inspiration.

The story goes that in Seattle, the child of the restaurateur who created the recipe mispronounced “Deutsch” (the German word for “German”) and turned it into “Dutch”.

Some people call the Dutch Baby Pancake “German Pancakes” which is comical to some Germans because it really has nothing to do with Germany, nor is it eaten in Germany. Dutch Baby pancakes are an American creation.

Undoubtedly both are delicious in their own right, however, they are two creations that are quite different. So, this is not a Dutch Baby recipe… but a recipe for traditional German pancakes how they are enjoyed in Germany!

Recipe Tips/Substitutions

Before you set out to fry up some pancakes, have a quick read through these recipe tips and substitutions:

  • When making the batter, make sure to mix well so that you don’t end up with flour lumps in your pancakes.
  • In Germany, some people add sparkling water to the batter to make the pancakes a bit fluffier. If you have carbonated water on hand, you can give this a try. Just remember to add less milk in that case. If you don’t have sparkling water handy, don’t worry – we’ll use a bit of baking powder instead.
  • You can add apples to this recipe – then you’d have Apfelpfannkuchen (German Apple Pancakes).
  • We like using neutral-tasting oil in the pan but you can use butter. If you use butter, watch the heat of your pan because butter can brown quickly and that’s not what we want in this case.

How to Make Pfannkuchen – Step by Step Instructions

If you’re wondering how to make Pfannkuchen, you can find the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

For those wishing to see recipe process photos, you can find the step-by-step instructions with photos in this section.

This way, you’ll have an idea of how to tackle this recipe if you are new to making German pancakes!

First, add the flour, salt, and baking powder to a medium-sized mixing bowl.

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Now slowly pour in the milk while mixing with the normal beaters of your electric mixer or a hand whisk. Keep mixing until there are no lumps left.

Next, add the eggs and mix again. Then place a dishtowel on top of the bowl and let the mixture sit for around 15 minutes.

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Heat a little bit of oil or butter in a medium-sized frying pan.

Once hot, add one ladle of pancake batter to the pan and lightly tilt/rock the pan around so that the batter distributes evenly in the pan and doesn’t get too thick in the middle.

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Fry the pancake on medium-heat on one side until you can see bubbles forming and the pancake appears more cooked.

If it’s easy to lift the pancake with a flipper, you know it’s time to flip it.

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Flip the pancake and cook it on the other side until lightly brown.

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Remove the pancake from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Now add another ladle of dough to make the next pancake. Don’t forget to add more oil or butter, as needed.

Repeat the steps until you have used up all the batter.

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Pancakes in Germany are typically sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon or spread with jam or hazelnut cocoa spread.

You can roll your pancake up or just fold it over and eat it with a fork and knife – that’s completely up to you!

Storage Tips

We would recommend enjoying the pancakes fresh and only making as many as you need. They just taste best that way.

As such, we don’t recommend storing extra pancakes in the fridge since they tend to get hard but you can if you do end up having leftovers. Just make sure to consume them within 1-2 days.

You can reheat them in the microwave or in a pan on the stove.

FAQ

How to say pancake in German?

Pancake in German is Pfannkuchen. It is roughly pronounced like “Fan-cooH-hen”.

What’s the difference between a Dutch Baby Pancake and a German Pancake?

A Dutch Baby Pancake is an American recipe for a large, baked, rising pancake that is similar to a Yorkshire pudding recipe. A typical German pancake is a flat, pan-fried pancake similar to a crepe.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe for German pancakes, check out these other sweet and savory delights:

  • German Potato Pancakes – Our popular recipe for yummy potato goodness!
  • Kaiserschmarrn – An Austrian recipe for sweet “messed up” pancakes served with fruit compote or jam
  • Swedish Chocolate Cake – A classic recipe for Kladdkaka – a gooey chocolate cake

Pfannkuchen (German Pancakes) - Recipes From Europe (9)

Pfannkuchen (German Pancakes)

German Pancakes – or Pfannkuchen, in Gerrman – are a classic sweet treat. Made from a simple batter, these pan-fried pancakes are generally served sweet with some fruit and/or jam or with cinnamon and sugar!

4.84 from 12 votes

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Prep Time: 3 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Additional Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 38 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • a pinch of salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup milk, possibly slightly more
  • oil or butter for frying

Instructions

  • Mix the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium-sized mixing bowl.

  • Now slowly pour in the milk while mixing with the normal beaters of your electric mixer or a hand whisk. Keep mixing until there are no lumps left.

  • Add the eggs and mix again.

  • Place a dishtowel on top of the bowl and let the mixture sit for around 15 minutes.

  • Heat a little bit of oil or butter in a medium-sized frying pan. Once hot, add one ladle of pancake batter to the pan and lightly tilt/rock the pan around so that the batter distributes evenly in the pan and doesn’t get too thick in the middle.

  • Fry the pancake on medium-heat on one side until you can see bubbles forming and the pancake appears more cooked. If it’s easy to lift the pancake with a flipper, you know it’s time to flip it.

  • Flip the pancake and cook it on the other side until lightly brown. Remove the pancake from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

  • Now add another ladle of dough to make the next pancake. Don’t forget to add more oil or butter, as needed. Repeat the steps until you have used up all the batter.

  • Pancakes in Germany are typically sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon or spread with jam or hazelnut cocoa spread. You can roll your pancake up or just fold it over and eat it with a fork and knife – that’s completely up to you!

Notes

  • In Germany, people sometimes add a little bit of sparkling water to their pancakes to make them fluffy since sparkling water is very common in Germany. We don’t usually do this and know that people in North America don’t always have sparkling water on hand but you can give it a try – just remember to use less milk in that case!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 459kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 209mg | Sodium: 293mg | Fiber: 2g

This nutritional information has been estimated by an online nutrition calculator. It should only be seen as a rough calculation and not a replacement for professional dietary advice.

Course Dessert

Cuisine German

Author Recipes From Europe

Pfannkuchen (German Pancakes) - Recipes From Europe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between American and German pancakes? ›

The stateside style recipe results in a relatively flat confection with an even surface and crisp exterior. The German pancake, on the other hand, is pillowy, like a custardy cloud with caramelized edges and is usually considerably larger than the more familiar flapjack.

Why are my German pancakes not fluffy? ›

The center of a German Pancakes is supposed to be flat. If the edges are flat, then it likely is a result of either the oven or the pan not being hot enough. It the dish isn't hot, then steam won't be created when the batter is poured into the pan, and instead, the batter will set and bake evenly.

Do they eat German pancakes in Germany? ›

In Germany, Pfannkuchen are often served as a meal for breakfast or lunch and sometimes even dinner. If you're looking for savory German pancakes, try out my popular German potato pancakes (similar to Latke).

What is the history of pfannkuchen? ›

Pfannkuchen have a long history in Germany, with variations of the dish dating back to the Middle Ages. The word “Pfannkuchen” literally translates to “pancake,” and these treats are made by frying a simple dough ball of batter made of eggs, flour, milk, and sugar in a pan until golden brown.

What are European pancakes called? ›

Crêpe. Crêpes, popular in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Portugal, are made from flour, milk, and eggs. They are thin pancakes and are served with a sweet (fruit, ice cream, jam, chocolate spread, powdered sugar) or savoury filling (cheese, ham, seafood, spinach).

Which country has the best pancakes in the world? ›

Top 100 Pancakes in the World
  • Pancake. Crêpes. Brittany. France. ...
  • Pancake. Kaiserschmarrn. AUSTRIA. shutterstock. ...
  • Pancake. Jianbing. Tianjin. China. ...
  • Pancake. Bulviniai blynai. LITHUANIA. shutterstock. ...
  • Pancake. Crêpes Normande. Normandy. France. ...
  • Pancake. Crespelle alla Valdostana. Aosta Valley. ...
  • Pancake. Blini. RUSSIA. ...
  • Pancake. Jeon. SOUTH KOREA.
May 15, 2024

What is another name for German pancakes? ›

A Dutch baby pancake, sometimes called a German pancake, a Bismarck, a Dutch puff, Hooligan, or a Hootenanny, is a dish that is similar to a large Yorkshire pudding.

Does baking soda make pancakes more fluffy? ›

Pancakes and waffles typically both contain baking soda, which causes them to rise. As soon as the baking soda is combined with the wet ingredients (which contain an acidic ingredient, like often buttermilk), it starts producing carbon dioxide gas bubbles that cause the batter to rise.

Why is my German pancake dense? ›

Overmixing the batter can cause the gluten in the flour to overdevelop, leading to a dense pancake. Batter Not At Room Temperature: Ingredients that are not at room temperature can cause the batter to be too dense. Make sure all ingredients, including the eggs and milk, are at room temperature before making the batter.

What is the most famous meal in Germany? ›

Sauerbraten. Germans love their meat dishes, and Sauerbraten (meaning 'sour' or 'pickled' roast) is one of the country's national dishes. You can make a pot roast by using many different types of meat, which you marinate in wine, vinegar, spices, herbs, and then season for up to ten days.

How do they eat eggs in Germany? ›

In Germany, the soft-boiled egg is a requirement at every big Sunday breakfast. Typically, it is not considered a main dish and not eaten with an omnipresent bread roll, but stands alone in a dish of its own, like a work of art adorned only with a dash of salt. Usually the yolk - the "Eigelb" - is left runny.

Why do they call it a Dutch baby? ›

The term “Dutch baby” was coined by an American restaurateur whose use of “Dutch” was a corruption of the word “Deutsch” (“German” in German). “Baby” referred to the fact that the restaurant served miniature versions.

What is the difference between a crêpe and a palatschinken? ›

Central European palatschinken (palačeke) are thin pancakes similar to the French crêpe. The main difference between the French and Central European version of the dish is that the mixture for palatschinken can be used straight away unlike that of crepes which is suggested to be left at rest for several hours.

Which popular breakfast pastry was brought to the US by the Dutch immigrants in the 17th century? ›

The history of the doughnut itself is generally traced to Dutch immigrants in 17th- and 18th-century New York, then New Netherland, who prepared fried dough balls called olie koeken or olykoeks, which means “oil cakes.” They were similar to modern doughnuts, although they did not yet have the iconic ring shape.

What country invented pancakes? ›

The pancake's cake-y goodness has been making people happy since the dawn of man. Here are a few notable moments in the pancake's journey to greatness. 600 BC - The first recorded mention of pancakes dates back to ancient Greece and comes from a poet who described warm pancakes in one of his writings.

Why are they called German pancakes? ›

German pancakes and Dutch babies are essentially the same thing, but the dish is said to have originated in Germany, not the Netherlands. The term “Dutch baby” was coined by an American restaurateur whose use of “Dutch” was a corruption of the word “Deutsch” (“German” in German).

How are American pancakes different? ›

American pancakes are another thing altogether. The list of ingredients is longer including sugar, vanilla, baking powder, as well as baking soda combined with something acidic like buttermilk or lemon juice to make the characteristic fluffiness. And you can't stir the batter too much, it will ruin the outcome.

What is the difference between American and Dutch pancakes? ›

What's the difference between a Dutch pancake and an American pancake? A Dutch pancake is usually larger and much thinner than the thick and fluffy American pancakes. If you order a Dutch pancake at PANCAKES Amsterdam, you will get a delicious thin pancake with a diameter of 32 centimeters.

Is there a difference between IHOP and International House of pancakes? ›

Company is publicly traded under the name International House of Pancakes. Company adopts the name International Industries after it acquires numerous franchised brands, which it controls throughout the 60s. A marketing program introduces the acronym “IHOP” for the first time. The last iconic A-frame IHOP is built.

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