If you’re looking for a delightful breakfast treat that brings a perfect balance of lightness, flavor, and a touch of whimsy to your morning table, this Mini German Pancakes Recipe is just what you need. These little puffed wonders come out golden brown and irresistibly tender, with a subtle sweetness and vanilla aroma that make them absolutely unforgettable. Whether you want a weekend brunch showstopper or a quick weekday pick-me-up, this Mini German Pancakes Recipe combines simple ingredients with straightforward steps to deliver a taste that feels both classic and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mini German Pancakes Recipe is in the humble but essential ingredients that come together so beautifully, creating texture and flavor that are truly something to savor. Each component plays a key role in achieving the perfect rise, softness, and rich taste you’re after.
- 4 large eggs: Provide the structure and help the pancakes puff up delightfully in the oven.
- 120 ml milk: Adds moisture and a creamy texture that keeps the pancakes tender.
- 80 g all-purpose flour: Gives the batter its body and helps achieve that golden-brown finish.
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar: Offers a subtle sweetness that balances the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors, ensuring your pancakes aren’t flat or dull.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a gentle aroma and warmth, lifting the overall taste to a lovely sweetness.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Keeps each muffin cup greased and adds richness to the final bite.
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar: The perfect light dusting to finish your pancakes with a touch of elegance.
How to Make Mini German Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (425°F), ensuring it’s hot enough to make the pancakes puff spectacularly. While the oven warms, generously butter each cup of a 12-cup muffin tin. This little step ensures your pancakes won’t stick and gives them a wonderfully smooth, buttery base that crisps up just right.
Step 2: Whisk the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Aim for a smooth, lump-free batter by whisking thoroughly; this creates an even texture that allows the pancakes to rise evenly and form that iconic golden color.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Cups
Carefully take the hot muffin tin out of the oven—don’t forget your oven mitts! Pour the batter into each buttered cup, filling them about three-quarters full. This space is what lets the batter puff up beautifully without overflowing, giving each pancake that signature airy, cloud-like texture.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tin into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they have puffed up dramatically and turned a gorgeous golden brown. Resist the urge to open the oven too often — keeping the heat stable is key to that perfect rise and crisp edges.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
Once baked, quickly dust the Mini German Pancakes with powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This simple finishing touch adds a hint of sweetness and an elegant appearance that’s sure to impress. Serve them right away for the best experience!
How to Serve Mini German Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of these pancakes is their versatility, and garnishes can transform them from simple to spectacular. Fresh berries, a squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a dollop of whipped cream all pair fantastically, adding contrasting flavors and textures.
Side Dishes
Consider serving your Mini German Pancakes alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a savory complement. A side of fresh fruit salad or yogurt can also brighten your plate and add a refreshing balance that completes the meal delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a few Mini German Pancakes layered with spreads like Nutella or fruit preserves for a playful twist. You can also create bite-sized dessert stacks topped with ice cream or fruit compotes for an irresistible treat any time of day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Mini German Pancakes left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining texture so you can enjoy a quick breakfast later on.
Freezing
Mini German Pancakes freeze beautifully. Place cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to one month, making them ideal for convenient breakfasts any day of the week.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the pancakes in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make them soggy instead of maintaining their signature puffiness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk?
Absolutely! Whole milk is traditional, but you can substitute with almond, oat, or soy milk. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor might vary slightly depending on your choice.
What if I don’t have a 12-cup muffin tin?
You can use any muffin tin size you have, just adjust the batter amount accordingly—fill the cups about three-quarters full to get the best rise and avoid overflow.
How do I know when the pancakes are done?
They should be puffed up dramatically and golden brown around the edges. The high oven temperature helps with this quick rising and browning, so aim to bake for the full 12 to 15 minutes before checking.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to the batter?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a handful of fresh berries can great flavors. Just fold them gently into the batter before pouring into the muffin cups.
Why do German pancakes puff so much?
The steam generated from the high egg content and hot oven creates bubbles that expand rapidly, causing the pancake to puff up. Buttering the muffin cups helps create crisp edges to support this structure during baking.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Mini German Pancakes Recipe will quickly show you why it’s become such a cherished breakfast classic. Its simplicity combined with that impressive puff and irresistible flavor makes it a winner for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to delight yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this delicious experience with you!
Print
Mini German Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini German Pancakes are light, fluffy, and slightly sweet baked treats that puff up beautifully in the oven. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these individual-sized pancakes are baked in a muffin tin and dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Ingredients
For the Pancakes
- 4 large eggs
- 120 ml milk
- 80 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a 12-cup muffin tin in the oven with a small amount of butter in each cup so it melts and coats the bottom and sides.
- Mix batter: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The batter should be slightly thin but consistent.
- Fill muffin tin: Carefully remove the hot muffin tin from the oven. Pour the batter into each cup, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for the pancakes to puff up during baking.
- Bake the pancakes: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the pancakes have puffed up nicely and turn golden brown around the edges.
- Serve: Remove the mini German pancakes from the oven. Dust them generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately to enjoy their puffed, airy texture at its best.
Notes
- Serve mini German pancakes immediately as they deflate quickly after baking.
- You can add a squeeze of lemon juice or fresh berries as a topping for extra flavor.
- Ensure the muffin tin is very hot before adding batter for maximum puffiness.
- Use full-fat milk for richer flavor and better texture.
- Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet pancake.
