German Apple Pancake Recipe

Yvonne Ruperti

Just as good for dessert as brunch. [Photograph: Yvonne Ruperti]

This custardy European pancake, loaded with caramelized apples, is a stove-to-oven wonder that will rock your dessert...or brunch.

Why this recipe works:

Preheating the oven to a high temperature allows the pancake batter to puff.
Precooking the apples adds caramelized flavor.
Letting the pancake cool slightly in the pan before inverting onto a serving plate allows it to set.

Notes: Once the pan is removed from the oven, it's normal for the pancake to deflate.

3/4 cup (3 3/4 ounces) all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup yogurt
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
4 tablespoons (2 ounces) unsalted butter
1 pound 12 ounces (4 to 5 medium) tart cooking apples, such as Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
Powdered sugar for dusting

1.

Adjust rack to upper middle position and preheat oven to 500°F. Whisk flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, and salt in medium bowl to combine. Whisk in milk, yogurt, eggs, and vanilla until just combined; set batter aside.
2.

Stir remaining 4 tablespoons sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl. Heat butter in 10-inch non-stick oven-safe skillet over medium heat until melted. Increase heat to medium high and add apples and cinnamon-sugar to pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until apples have softened and are beginning to caramelize, 6 to 8 minutes.
3.

Remove from heat, pour batter over apples and immediately place pan in oven. Reduce heat to 425°F and bake until pancake is puffed, just set in center, and golden around the edges, about 15 minutes.
4.

Cool pan on wire rack for about 15 minutes, then carefully invert pancake onto serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.