German Apple Oven Pancake (Apfelpfannkuchen)

Method6 steps · about 45 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Use the author’s 10 × 13-inch ovenproof baking dish for this full batch.

2. 2

   Step 2: Whisk all six eggs with the chosen 1½ cups milk or buttermilk until frothy. Whisk in all the flour, granulated sugar and salt just until the batter is smooth. Keep the butter and optional brown sugar separate.

   Uses 6 large eggs · 1½ cups milk or buttermilk, one chosen option · 1 cup (130 g) all-purpose flour · 3 tbsp (39 g) granulated sugar for batter · ½ tsp (3 g) salt for batter

3. 3

   Step 3: Put all the ½ cup butter in the baking dish and place it in the hot oven. Watch until melted, which takes a few minutes; do not let it brown.

   Uses ½ cup (114 g) butter for the hot baking dish

4. 4

   Step 4: Peel and slice both apples if not already prepared. Using oven mitts, add all the apple slices to the dish of melted butter. Return it to the oven for about 5 minutes until the butter sizzles again; keep the apples from browning.

   Sizzle apples in melted butter · 5 minUses Both large apples, peeled and sliced · All the melted butter in the hot dish

5. 5

   Step 5: Carefully remove the hot dish and pour all the prepared batter over the warmed apples and butter. Sprinkle all the optional 2 tbsp brown sugar on top if using. Return the dish to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until deeply golden at the edges, puffed and cooked through with a custardy but set centre. Depending on the dish, the author allows another 5–10 minutes if needed; judge the colour and set centre.

   Bake the apple oven pancake · 20 minUses The complete prepared pancake batter · All the warm apple slices and butter in the dish · 2 tbsp (30 g) brown sugar on top, only if using

6. 6

   Step 6: Serve the single large pancake immediately, cutting it into portions for the author’s 4–6 people while it is hot and puffed. It naturally settles as it cools. Refrigerate any leftovers promptly; you can also enjoy the refrigerated pancake cold.

   Uses The complete baked apple oven pancake