The German Pancake Family (Classic to Air Fryer!)

Healthier & Easier Sheet Pan German Pancake

This version is all about minimal fuss and easy clean-up, plus a few simple swaps to boost the nutrition! We bake a perfectly uniform, delicious slab that’s perfect for feeding a crowd

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (skim, 2%, or unsweetened almond)
• 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or light butter), divided

Directions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a standard 9×13-inch baking sheet and place the pan in the oven to melt while it preheats.
2. Make the Batter: In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, flours, oats, syrup, vanilla, and salt. Blend until the oats are mostly broken down and the batter is smooth (about 1 minute).
3. Pour and Bake: Carefully remove the hot sheet pan. Swirl the pan to distribute the melted oil. Quickly pour the batter evenly over the melted fat.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pancake is lightly puffed and golden brown around the edges.
5. Serve: Slice the large pancake into squares directly in the sheet pan. Serve warm with fresh fruit and a drizzle of extra maple syrup.

Notes and Variations

• Oat Boost: The quick oats add fiber and a wonderful texture, making this version heartier.
• Protein Power: Add 1/4 cup of cottage cheese to the blender for an extra protein punch!
• Fruit Flavor: Lay thin slices of apple or pear on the bottom of the pan before pouring in the batter for a built-in topping.

Slow Cooker Puff Pancake (The Breakfast Cake)

This transforms the German Pancake into a leisurely, “set-it-and-forget-it” breakfast cake. It comes out wonderfully custardy and moist, almost like a baked French toast casserole—perfect for a potluck.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (for a gentle rise)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing

Directions

1. Prepare the Cooker: Thoroughly grease the bottom and sides of a 6-quart slow cooker insert with butter.
2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Gradually whisk in the flour and baking powder until just combined.
3. Pour and Cook: Pour the 1/4 cup of melted butter into the bottom of the greased insert and swirl. Pour the batter directly over the melted butter.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 2 to 3 hours. It’s done when the edges look set and the center is cooked through.
5. Serve: The “pancake” will be moist and soft. Carefully scoop it out or slice it into wedges. Serve warm with warm fruit compote or syrup.

Notes and Variations

• Moisture Management: Place a clean kitchen towel under the lid before securing it to absorb excess condensation.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle the bottom of the slow cooker with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon before adding the melted butter and batter.

Instant Pot Mini German Pancakes (Pots de Pancake)

This fun, little version uses the Instant Pot to steam-bake individual, fluffy German pancakes in ramekins. They come out incredibly light, almost soufflé-like, with a custardy, pillowy texture!

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 cup water (for the Instant Pot)

Directions

1. Prepare the Batter: In a blender or bowl, combine the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, and salt. Blend or whisk until completely smooth.
2. Prep Ramekins: Use four 4-ounce or two 8-ounce oven-safe ramekins. Divide the 2 tablespoons of butter among the ramekins.
3. Melt Butter: Place the ramekins in the Instant Pot on the trivet. Use the Sauté (Less) function for 2 minutes to melt the butter. Remove the ramekins carefully.
4. Pour and Cover: Pour the batter evenly into the ramekins, over the melted butter. Cover each ramekin tightly with aluminum foil.
5. Pressure Cook: Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot liner. Place the covered ramekins back onto the trivet. Secure the lid, seal the vent, and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook (High) for 15 minutes.
6. Release and Serve: Let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes, then quickly release the remaining pressure. Serve immediately!

Notes and Variations

• The Foil is Crucial: It prevents the steam from making the tops soggy and maintains that custardy texture.
• Bright Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 1/2 teaspoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a sunny flavor.

Air Fryer German Pancake (Single Serve)

This one’s quick, fun to watch puff up, and perfect for a single-serving portion that’s ready faster than your oven can preheat! You get incredibly crispy edges and a custardy center.

Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions

1. Prepare the Batter: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, flour, sugar, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Pan: Use a small 6-inch oven-safe skillet or an air fryer-safe baking pan that fits inside your air fryer basket. Add the 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan.
3. Melt the Butter: Place the pan with the butter inside the air fryer basket. Air Fry at 400 degrees F, for 1-2 minutes until the butter is completely melted and bubbling.
4. Pour and Cook: Carefully remove the hot pan. Swirl the butter to coat the sides. Pour the batter directly into the center of the hot, buttered pan.
5. Air Fry: Immediately return the pan to the air fryer. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 8-12 minutes, or until the pancake is dramatically puffed and deeply golden brown.
6. Serve: Top immediately with powdered sugar or syrup.

Notes and Variations

• Circulation is Key: Make sure your pan leaves a little space around the edges for the air to circulate.
• Cinnamon Sugar Crust: Sprinkle a teaspoon of cinnamon-sugar mix over the batter right before placing it in the air fryer for a crunchy topping.

Original Topping & Syrup Ideas Recipes

1. Classic, Sky-High German Pancake (The Showstopper)

• Brown Butter-Sage Syrup: Butter is browned until nutty, then simmered with fresh sage leaves and maple syrup for an earthy, savory-sweet drizzle.
• Whipped Lemon-Mascarpone Cream: Mascarpone cheese whipped with a touch of heavy cream, lemon zest, and powdered sugar. It melts slowly into the warm, custardy center.
• Candied Grapefruit Segments: Tart grapefruit segments gently cooked in a light sugar syrup until translucent, offering a bright, sophisticated contrast.

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2. Healthier & Easier Sheet Pan German Pancake (The Slab)

• Chunky Peanut Butter & Banana ‘Jam’: Sautéed banana slices mashed slightly with natural peanut butter and a pinch of cinnamon.
• Golden Milk Spiced Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt stirred with turmeric, ginger, and cardamom for a creamy, probiotic, and warmly spiced topping.
• Pistachio & Date Syrup: Dates simmered and puréed into a dark, natural syrup, then topped with chopped, salty pistachios for crunch.

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3. Slow Cooker Puff Pancake (The Breakfast Cake)

• Bourbon-Pecan Praline Sauce: A rich caramel sauce made with brown sugar, butter, a splash of bourbon, and toasted pecans.
• Warm Apricot & Lavender Compote: Dried apricots and sprigs of fresh lavender simmered in simple syrup until soft and fragrant.
• Cardamom Custard Drizzle: A thin, warm vanilla custard infused with freshly crushed cardamom pods.

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4. Instant Pot Mini German Pancakes (Pots de Pancake)

• Ginger-Pear Syrup with Crystallized Ginger: Freshly grated ginger steeped in a pear nectar-based syrup, with chewy candied ginger pieces sprinkled on top.
• Black Sesame Paste Drizzle: An earthy drizzle made by blending black sesame paste with a touch of sweetener and water until smooth.
• Spicy Tomato-Bacon Relish (Savory): Diced, sautéed heirloom tomatoes mixed with crispy bacon bits, chili flake, and fresh basil.

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5. Air Fryer German Pancake (Single Serve)

• Torched Meringue Fluff: A small dollop of meringue lightly browned with a torch for a sweet, airy contrast to the pancake’s crispy edge.
• Chai Spice Coconut Cream: Full-fat coconut cream (chilled) whipped stiff with a mixture of chai spices (cinnamon, clove, ginger, pepper).
• Toasted Coconut Butter: Coconut flakes toasted until golden brown, then blended with a touch of maple syrup to create a rich, pourable butter.