These adorable Mini Dutch Babies are perfect to serve at an elegant brunch buffet or a cozy family brunch at home! They are a cross between a pancake and a popover, offering a crispy exterior and a custardy center that's simply irresistible. They are so easy to make with pantry ingredients! Customize them to your heart's content! We love them with pure maple syrup, berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar!
Our classic Dutch Baby is made in one pan if you are looking for a family-style recipe. Check out our Mini Pancakes or Sheet Pan Pancakes if you are looking to feed a crowd for brunch!
I love making these Mini Dutch Babies for special occasion brunches. Creating a station with toppings makes it such a fun and interactive part of the meal! These Dutch Baby pancakes can be served at Bridal and Baby Showers and make the most elegant display! I like to serve these to my boys charcuterie style and they create their favorite flavor combinations!
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What is a Dutch Baby?
Dutch babies, also known as German pancakes or Dutch puffs, are a delicious breakfast or brunch dish. These puffy, golden treats are made with a simple batter and baked in a hot oven until it rises dramatically around the edges. This creates a crispy exterior and a tender, custardy center. They're typically cooked in a cast iron pan and served straight from the oven this version uses a muffin pan for a mini version. Top them with your choice of sweet or savory ingredients!
Recipe Highlights
- Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Serve with sweet or savory toppings to make it versatile for entertaining.
- Perfect for brunch buffet tables for a crowd.
Ingredient Notes
- Unsalted butter: provides unbeatable flavor and helps create the crispy edges.
- Eggs: provide richness and contribute to the custard-like texture.
- Vanilla extract: adds aroma and delicious flavor. Vanilla bean paste is fabulous in this recipe.
- Milk (2%): use whole milk for extra richness.
- All-purpose flour: we used all-purpose flour. Feel free to use 1 to 1 gluten-free flour if you wish.
- Granulated sugar: adds a touch of sweetness.
- Salt: balances the flavors.
How to Make Mini Dutch Babies
- 1: Add all ingredients to a large bowl.
- 2: Mix the batter until smooth with no lumps.
- 3: Pour into prepared pan.
- 4: Lastly, bake mini pancakes until they are puffed and golden.
Tips for making the Best Mini Dutch Baby Pancakes
- Don't overmix the batter - this could lead to a tough texture.
- Refrain from opening the oven during baking or the Dutch babies will not rise.
- Have toppings ready and serve immediately for the best taste and texture .
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Dutch baby pancakes with sweet or savory toppings! Our favorite combinations include:
- A fresh squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of maple syrup, and topped with whipped cream.
- Berries, maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Lemon curd and blueberries. Try the lemon curd recipe from my Easy Mini Lemon Tarts!
- Salted caramel sauce and whipped cream.
- Stuffed with our Blueberry Compote and an optional drizzle of maple syrup.
- Smoked salmon, crème fraîche and fresh dill.
- Burrata and prosciutto.
- Crumbled bacon, crispy sauteed kale, and white cheddar.
- Goat cheese and sauteed mushrooms, fresh parsley.
- Pair these babies with this elegant Lavender Latte for a beautiful and special brunch!
Recipe
Mini Dutch Babies
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups milk 2 %
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Non-stick spray for muffin tin
- Pancake toppings of your choice berries, whipped cream, maple syrup etc...
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees convection or 425 degrees in a conventional oven.
- Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large microwave-safe bowl in the microwave.
- Add the eggs, vanilla, milk, flour, sugar, and salt to the bowl with the melted butter and mix with an electric mixer until there are no lumps.
- Spray a muffin tin with non-stick spray.
- Fill the muffin tins to half full.
- Bake the mini Dutch babies for 15 minutes without opening the oven. They will be puffy with crispy golden edges and a custardy center. Serve immediately garnished with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Don't overmix the batter - this could lead to a tough texture.
- Avoid opening the oven during baking to prevent the Dutch babies from deflating.
- Have toppings ready and serve immediately for the best taste and texture .
Nutrition
I hope you love these Mini Dutch Babies. If you make this recipe, leave a comment and a rating! I'd love to know how you liked it. Enjoy, xoxo!
Natalie says
I love making Dutch Babies, but I dread dragging out my cast iron skillet every time I'm craving one. This is the PERFECT solution! And, this is a breakfast recipes my kids are going to love. Plus, I can't wait to try some of the more savory options you listed - my husband will really enjoy those!
Charlotte Singh-Dhanraj says
Agreed! I find the cast iron skillet a chore sometimes. So happy that everyone in the family will enjoy them!
Braghan says
These look absolutely delightful! I can't wait to try these! I think I'll start by topping them with lemon curd and blueberries- yum!
Charlotte Singh-Dhanraj says
That is a fabulous idea! I've just updated the post to include that option! Thank you so much!