Fluffy, Golden, and Amazingly Simple
A Hootenanny (also known as a German pancake or Dutch baby) is a magical, puffed-up oven pancake that’s golden and crispy on the edges with a custardy center. It’s made from simple pantry ingredients and baked in butter for a rich, irresistible breakfast or brunch that looks impressive—but is incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients for Hootenanny Pancake
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
How to Make a Hootenanny Pancake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and put it in the oven while it heats to melt the butter. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a blender (or bowl with whisk), combine eggs, flour, milk, salt, and vanilla if using. Blend until smooth and frothy—about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Bake the Hootenanny
Pour the batter into the hot, buttery baking dish. Immediately return to the oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Don’t open the oven door while baking—it needs steady heat to puff up properly.
How to Serve Hootenanny Pancakes
- Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup
- Top with fresh berries, banana slices, or whipped cream
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a spoonful of jam
- Serve savory with bacon, cheese, or sautéed mushrooms
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses basic ingredients you already have
- Takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish
- Fun and dramatic puff in the oven
- Light, airy texture with rich buttery flavor
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or brinner
Tips & Variations
- Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version
- Make it cinnamon-sugar by sprinkling the batter before baking
- Swap the flour for gluten-free blend to make it GF
- Bake in a cast-iron skillet for extra crispy edges
- Double the recipe and use two pans for a crowd
Storage and Reheating
- Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days
- Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to bring back crispiness
Final Thoughts
A Hootenanny Pancake is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward breakfast. With just eggs, flour, milk, and butter, you get a golden, puffy dish that feels like a celebration. Whether sweet or savory, this oven-baked delight is sure to become a family favorite.
Print
Hootenanny Pancake: The Puffiest, Easiest Oven-Baked Breakfast
Ingredients
6 tablespoons butter
6 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place the butter in a 9×13 baking dish and let it melt in the oven while you mix the batter. Keep an eye on it to prevent browning, but work quickly to avoid cooling the pan.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg until frothy.
4. Gradually add the flour and mix until fully combined.
5. Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish without stirring.
6. Bake for 25 minutes or until the center is firm and the edges are golden brown.
7. Cut into 8 pieces and enjoy with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar.