Easy German Crepe Recipe – How To Make Authentic Pfannkuchen
If you are looking for something sweet and delicious then you have to try this German Crepe Recipe. So easy to make and can be served with your favorite toppings. Make a batch for breakfast, brunch, or a tasty sweet dessert. They will fast become your favorite breakfast recipe.Â
When it comes to something sweet that I know is going to hit the spot I always make a batch of German crepes (or these waffles, if I have sourdough discard Ineed to use up). They are so easy to make and work with so many different toppings that it is one of those recipes that will appeal to the whole family. The best part is you don’t need a big long list of ingredients to make these crepes, and they can be cooked in batches or made in minutes. If you enjoy trying different European-style pancakes, you might want to also give sourdough Kaiserschmarrn a go!
German crepes/pancakes have a few different names which are usually dictated by the region of Germany in which they are made. These crepes can be referred to as Eierkuchen, Palatschinken, or even Plinse. The consistency and overall appearance of a German pancake are slightly different from that of a North American buttermilk pancake or a French crepe. American pancakes are thick and fluffy whereas a French crepe is thin and more delicate. These German pancakes are a cross between the two. If you end up searching for a German pancake some of the results may bring up Dutch Baby pancakes, which are often mistaken for being German. It is important to highlight that there are some major differences between the two pancakes.
German crepes vs Dutch Pancakes
Dutch pancakes are often mistaken for German crepes because of the similarity in ingredients and texture. But one of the major differences is how the pancakes are cooked. German crepes are cooked in a frying pan, much like many other pancake varieties from around the world. You will flip them when they are ready and enjoy them straight from the pan.
Dutch pancakes are a baked pancake and have well-risen sides that you pour batter into a baking sheet. A Dutch Baby pancake has a loose connection to traditional German pancakes thanks to an American restauranteur mispronouncing the word Dutch. But to refer to them as German pancakes is something that many Germans do not appreciate as they are not widely eaten in Germany and are very much an American creation.
Why you will love this Authentic German Crepe Recipe
- Super easy to make – You can whip up this German pancake recipe in minutes for a delicious breakfast or weekend brunch.
- Family-friendly – You can serve them with a variety of different toppings including fresh fruit and jam. They will fast become one of your favorite breakfasts and perfect for special occasions.
- Taste amazing – These crepes taste delicious and can also be used in savory dishes.
- Simple ingredients – The thin German pancakes only need a few basic ingredients to make them.
Ingredients
- Eggs and Milk – Used to help dissolve the dry ingredients and bind the ingredients together.
- All-purpose flour – The main ingredient that helps to create the structure that we know and love from a traditional pancake recipe.
- Baking powder – This is a secret ingredient that not all pancake recipes have but the baking powder is used to help create a fluffy texture.
- Salt – A pinch of salt helps to balance out the flavors.
- Oil or butter – This will be used to cook the crepes in the frying pan. Butter or oil will work, you could even use coconut oil if you wish but just be mindful that it will impact the flavor.
How to make German Crepes
Step 1
Gather all of your ingredients together and then add your dry ingredients (Flour, baking powder, and salt) to a mixing bowl.
Step 2
Once you have your dry ingredients in a bowl slowly add the milk and mix in between. You can use an electric mixer or a hand whisk for this. Keep mixing until the pancake batter is smooth.Â
Step 3
Now you need to add the eggs. Mix until everything has combined. Place a dishtowel over the top of the bowl and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes.
Step 4
Heat a little bit of oil or butter in a frying pan. Once the pan is hot, add one ladle of pancake mixture to the pan. Gently move the pan around until the batter has spread evenly.Â
Step 5
Fry the pancake on medium heat on one side until you can see bubbles forming and the pancake appears to be cooked at the edges. You can check by lifting the pancake slightly to see if the bottom has cooked.
Step 6
When ready, flip the pancake over to cook the other side until it is golden brown. Remove the pancake and set aside while you cook another pancake.
Step 7
Add another thin layer of batter to the pan adding more butter or oil if needed. Repeat until you no longer have any pancake mixture. Then add your favorite topping on top of the German pancake and serve.
Tips for the best results
Cooking pancakes may seem easy, but there are a few things that you need to remember when making these delicious German crepes.
- Don’t forget the baking powder as this is essential to get the right texture for these pancakes.
- Make sure the pancake mixture is mixed well to ensure there are no lumps and you have a smooth pancake batter. It will make a thin batter.
- Don’t be tempted to add more batter to the frying pan. A ladle is enough and make sure it is spread evenly.
- Keep freshly made German pancakes in the oven (on warm or the lowest setting) until you’ve made enough to serve all your family/guestsÂ
What to serve with the German Crepes
- Chocolate spread
- Cinnamon sugar
- Lemon juice and sugar
- Jam or any fruit preserve
- Fresh fruit; raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, etc
- Whipped cream
- Ice cream
- Chocolate or caramel sauce
- Maple syrup
- Peanut butter
- powdered sugar
Variations
- Add carbonated water: In Germany, some like to add carbonated or sparkling water to their pancake mixture. This is a great way to get that bubbly and fluffy texture you want. Use this instead of baking powder.
- Add apples to the pancakes: Did you know you could add apples to the pancake mixture? You could add some apple puree or finely chopped apple.
- Add other fruit: If you love fruit you can add this to the pancake mixture. Chopped fresh berries will taste amazing with this easy breakfast.
- Oil: I think a neutral-tasting oil is best but butter will work for cooking the pancakes. Just keep an eye on butter because it can go brown quickly which will affect the taste and the appearance of the crepes. You could use coconut oil if you wish but this will add flavor.Â
- Add a teaspoons vanilla extract or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice into the batter
How to Store German Crepes
These individual pancakes are best enjoyed as soon as they are made. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The longer they are left, the harder they will become.
You can freeze these pancakes individually and let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Heat them up in the microwave or in a frying pan on the stiver for a few minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
What are the main differences in pancake recipes?
Pancakes and crepes are widely seen as different things around the world. These German crepes are thinner than American-style pancakes but not as thin as French crepes or a pancake you may find people make in the UK. The main difference for traditional pancakes is the leavened ingredient, in this case, the addition of baking powder. The more baking powder, or in some cases sparkling water, used, the more fluffy pancakes you will make. Giving you that range from a very flat pancake to something thick and fluffy.
Can you make these German crepes gluten-free?
You can! Just use your preferred gluten-free flour. Be mindful that the texture may change a little but baking powder is gluten-free so that will help to give you a fluffy pancake.
Why is a Dutch Baby Pancake associated with Germany?
This is largely because of a mispronunciation of the word Dutch in America when a restaurant made something similar. They are in fact very different as Dutch babies pancake has well-risen edges and resembles a Yorkshire Pudding.
Easy German Crepe Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup Whole Milk 180 grams
- 1 cup all-purpose flour 120 grams
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder (aluminim free)
- 1 pinch Sea Salt
- Fat for Frying
Instructions
- Gather all of your ingredients together and then add your dry ingredients (Flour, baking powder, and salt) to a mixing bowl.
- Once you have your dry ingredients in a bowl slowly add the milk and mix in between. You can use an electric mixer or a hand whisk for this. Keep mixing until the pancake batter is smooth.
- Now you need to add the eggs. Mix until everything has combined. Place a dishtowel over the top of the bowl and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes.
- Heat a little bit of oil or butter in a frying pan. Once the pan is hot, add one ladle of pancake mixture to the pan. Gently move the pan around until the batter has spread evenly.
- Fry the pancake on medium heat on one side until you can see bubbles forming and the pancake appears to be cooked at the edges. You can check by lifting the pancake slightly to see if the bottom has cooked.
- When ready, flip the pancake over to cook the other side until it is golden brown. Remove the pancake and set aside while you cook another pancake.
- Add another thin layer of batter to the pan adding more butter or oil if needed. Repeat until you no longer have any pancake mixture. Then add your favorite topping on top of the German pancake and serve.
