Discover the culinary delight of German pancakes, known as "Pfannkuchen," a delectable treat that combines the best of both worlds - the crispy edges of a crepe and the fluffy texture of a pancake. These versatile pancakes can be enjoyed as a savory main course or a sweet dessert, making them a perfect choice for any occasion. From classic recipes to modern interpretations, this guide will take you on a journey through the world of Pfannkuchen, providing tips, techniques, and a variety of recipes to satisfy your taste buds and impress your loved ones. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a delicious adventure as we explore the art of crafting the perfect German pancake.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
APPLE PANCAKES: APFELPFANNKUCHEN
It is imperative that you use a well-seasoned omelet pan or skillet with gently sloping sides for cooking these big pancakes, otherwise they'll stick and be difficult to turn or remove. Old German hands can flip Apelpfannkuchen without batting an eye, but inexperienced cooks may have trouble. The fastest (but most difficult) method is to brown the pancakes on both sides in the skillet. Slower but practically foolproof is the broiler method (which follows) because the pancakes needn't be flipped at all. Although these pancakes aren't very sweet, they are served as dessert. Germans like them plain, but you may prefer to top them with vanilla or lemon sauce or vanilla ice cream.
Provided by Food Network
Categories dessert
Time 50m
Yield 4 (8-inch) pancakes (4 servings)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- For the pancake batter: Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a small mixing bowl and make a well in the center. Whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth in a 1-quart measure. Pour into the dry ingredients, and whisk until creamy. Cover and let stand while you prepare the apples.
- For the apple mixture: Quarter each apple, then peel, core, and slice each quarter crosswise 1/8-inch thick, letting the slices fall into a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar mixture and lemon juice and toss well. Melt the butter in a heavy 12-inch skillet over moderate heat, then let it foam up and subside. Add the apple mixture and saute 2 minutes, stirring often. Pour in the water, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook 5 minutes. Uncover, raise the heat to moderate and boil, uncovered, shaking the skillet often, for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, just until all juices boil away. Scoop the skillet mixture into a 1-quart measure and reserve.
- Preheat the oven to 150 to 200 degrees F.
- To cook the pancakes: Generously oil the bottom and sides of a well-seasoned 10-inch omelet pan or spray with nonstick vegetable cooking spray and set over moderate heat for 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat, pour in a scant 1/3 cup of the pancake batter, and tilt the pan first to 1 side, then to another, until the batter coats the bottom of the pan in a thin, even layer. Set the pan on a hot pad on the counter, then by hand, arrange 1/2 cup of the apple slices on top of the batter in the pan, distributing them as evenly as possible. Pour in another scant 1/3 cup batter, covering the apples as uniformly as possible. Tilt the pan gently to distribute the batter more evenly, if necessary.
- Set the skillet over moderate heat and cook the pancake, uncovered for 1 minute. Reduce the heat to low and cook, uncovered, 2 minutes longer, until the pancake has dried around the edge and holes begin to appear on top. Spray a small, thin-bladed spatula with the cooking spray, carefully loosen the pancake around the edge, then shake the pan over the heat several times until the pancake moves freely. Quickly spray a large, flat round plate with the cooking spray and ease the pancake onto it right side up. Using potholders to protect your fingers, invert the omelet pan on the plate, then invert once again so the pancake is in the pan uncooked side down. Set over moderate heat and cook the pancake, uncovered, for 2 minutes. Slide onto a large round, ovenproof plate, cover with foil, and set in the warm oven. Cook the remaining pancakes the same way, recoating the skillet with cooking spray before each new pancake. As each new pancake finishes cooking, slide on top of the foil-covered pancake, top with more foil and return to the warm oven. When ready to serve, slide each pancake onto a heated plate and dust with vanilla sugar.
- Broiler method: Set the broiler rack 6 to 7 inches below the heating element and preheat the broiler. Follow the basic recipe, but be sure that the omelet pan or skillet you use has a flameproof handle. As soon as a pancake has browned 3 minutes in the skillet on top of the stove, transfer to the broiler and broil 3 to 3 1/2 minutes, until nicely tipped with brown. Carefully loosen the pancake around the edge with a spatula, ease right side up onto a large round plate, cover with foil, and keep warm. Cook the 3 remaining pancakes the same way. Dust with sugar and serve.
PFANNKUCHEN (GERMAN PANCAKES)
A culinary nod to the German part of my heritage... pronounced "fan-cook-en" - there are many versions. This one is a sweet carmelized apple cake. Tastes like apple pie, for breakfast! The yield is dependant on the size of the skillet used - mine is a 10" skillet and I cut it into wedges.
Provided by Kelly Lollman
Categories Other Breakfast
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a small dish, mix together the 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 Tbs sugar to sprinkle over the apples.
- 2. In a skillet (mine is 10" cast iron), melt the butter. Core and slice the peeled apples into wedges. Saute them in the butter until softened, sprinkling with cinnamon and sugar. Reduce the heat so that the apples carmelize whilst you prepare the egg batter.
- 3. Whisk the eggs and 1/2 cup sugar together. Add the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated. Pour egg batter over the apples and cook over low heat until set up on the bottom. Move the skillet to the oven (I put the lower rack in the middle position) and cook until fully set - about 10 minutes.
- 4. Remove from the oven, turn out onto a plate or serving dish. Let sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with confectioner's sugar if desired.
BOBBY FLAY'S GERMAN PANCAKE (PFANNKUCHEN)
Enjoy with sausage and syrup for breakfast, or for dessert with ice cream and caramel sauce. Note: Calvados is a dry, apple-flavored brandy however you may use apple cider, brandy or sweet cooking wine as substitute,
Provided by Galley Wench
Categories Breakfast
Time 45m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Whisk together the eggs, sugar and salt until smooth.
- Whisk in the milk, heavy cream and vanilla extract.
- Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
- Heat butter in a 9-inch nonstick pan or a cast iron pan, until melted.
- Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon and cook until the sugar has completely melted.
- Add the apples and cook until slightly soft, about 8 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon zest.
- Pour the batter over the apples and place the pan in the oven.
- Bake until the edges are brown and puffy, about 16-18 minutes.
- Carefully invert the pancake onto a serving platter.
- Dust with confectioners' sugar and drizzle with some of the caramel sauce.
- Caramel Sauce:.
- Place sugar and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat (do not stir), swirling the pot occasionally to even out the color, until amber in color, 10 to 12 minutes.
- While the caramel is cooking, place the heavy cream and cinnamon stick in a small pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and keep warm.
- When the caramel has reached the desired color, remove the cinnamon stick from the heavy cream and slowly begin adding the warm cream to the caramel and whisk until smooth.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the brandy.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 730.8, Fat 31.6, SaturatedFat 18.8, Cholesterol 205.6, Sodium 225.3, Carbohydrate 108.8, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 90.3, Protein 7.4
Tips:
- Use a large skillet: A 10-inch skillet is the ideal size for making German pancakes. This will allow the pancakes to spread out thinly and cook evenly.
- Heat the skillet over medium heat: This will help to prevent the pancakes from sticking. If the skillet is too hot, the pancakes will brown too quickly on the outside and be undercooked on the inside.
- Pour the batter into the skillet in a thin, even layer: This will help the pancakes to cook evenly. Do not overcrowd the skillet or the pancakes will be thick and doughy.
- Cook the pancakes for 3-4 minutes per side: Or until they are golden brown. Do not flip the pancakes too soon or they will break.
- Serve the pancakes immediately: German pancakes are best served hot. You can top them with butter, syrup, powdered sugar, or fruit.
Conclusion:
German pancakes are a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch dish. They are perfect for a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a stack of fluffy, golden brown pancakes that will be sure to please everyone at the table.
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