Paul and I are off to Amsterdam tomorrow for a weekend of marathon running (him) wandering the canals (me) and general good times (that'd be both of us). He very often chooses somewhere in the Netherlands for his fall marathon (nice, flat courses) so we've also passed through Rotterdam and Eindhoven, but it always means a stop in Amsterdam. We are beginning to know the city well, and have favourite places we go back to time and time again.
Monday morning after marathon day we almost always go to a restaurant called the Carousel Pancake House, which sits in the middle of an old fashioned carousel in a park. It's not fancy, but the menu has an extensive list of sweet and savoury pancake options (I can never decide!) and the pannekoek are dang near perfect.
Regarding Dutch pancakes, I hate to be the one to burst your bubble, but a Dutch baby isn't really Dutch. Apparently they originated in Seattle, we're inspired by a German pancake, and named by some cute kid. Which I guess explains why a gigantic pancake meant to feed four people would be referred to as a baby.
So it's not Dutch, but it is quick and easy, fun to make, and delicious to eat. Ain't nothing wrong with that. Plus you could make yourself a Dutch baby this weekend - this Dutch baby, with maple roasted apples - and pretend you're with me in Amsterdam eating legit Dutch pancakes. We're in this together, right?
This Dutch baby is made with good things - whole wheat flour, eggs, milk, and a bit of cinnamon. It's a thin batter, much like a popover or Yorkshire pudding. I like to whirl it together in my blender, but a good whisk and a bit of elbow grease will work just fine too.
You heat a cast-iron skillet or other heavy oven-proof pan in the oven until it's screaming hot, swirl a little butter around (which browns pretty much instantly) and then pour the batter in. As it bakes it puffs up magnificently, but don't get too attached to that puff, it sinks away almost the instant the pancake comes out of the oven.
A tray of cinnamony maple-kissed apples roasted alongside the Dutch baby is the perfect accompaniment.
I was gifted a bag of apples from a friend's tree, so in they went. Just a shake of cinnamon, a touch of maple syrup, and a little bit of cubed up butter, and 20 minutes later you'll have a tray of sweet and succulent melt in your mouth appley goodness to spoon over the top of your Dutch baby.
Does an Apple a day keep the doctor away? Well, they’re definitely good for your heart. Apples boast well-documented cardiovascular benefits. These benefits are associated with the water-soluble fiber (pectin) content, and the polyphenol mixture in most apples. Both total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol are decreased through regular intake of apples. Another health benefit of apple consumption is blood sugar regulation. This occurs in a number of ways, including reduction of glucose absorption, slowing down of carbohydrate digestion, stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, and stimulating insulin receptors so that more sugar flows out of our bloodstream and into our cells. Apples also appear to have anti-cancer benefits when it comes to breast, colon, and lung cancer. Apples are a good source of fiber (both soluble in the form of pectin, and insoluble), and vitamin C. The nutrients in apples are concentrated skin, so buy organic, give them a good wash, and keep the skin on whenever possible.
One year ago: DIY Vanilla Extract - start it now and it'll be perfect for December gifting!
Two years ago: Lentil Loaf
whole wheat dutch baby with maple roasted apples
Ingredients
- FOR THE MAPLE ROASTED APPLES
- 4 cups peeled and chopped apples
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- a pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon cold butter cubed
- FOR THE DUTCH BABY
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour
- a pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Set your oven to 425°F / 210°C and set your skillet in to heat with the oven.
- FOR THE APPLES
- Peel and chop your apples - you should have 4 cups of apples AFTER they have been peeled and cubed.
- Place the apples in a bowl and toss with cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and the maple syrup.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and spread the apple chunks into a single layer.
- Cut the cold butter into cubes, and sprinkle over the apples.
- Set the apples in the oven, and roast for 15-20 minutes until they are soft, saucy, and golden.
- FOR THE DUTCH BABY
- Place the eggs, milk, whole wheat pastry flour, and salt into a blender. Blend for 1 minute, until the mixture is smooth and slightly foamy.
- Remove the HOT skillet from the oven, and immediately add 2 tablespoon of butter, swirling to coat the pan as it melts.
- Pour the batter over the melted butter, and place the skillet back into the oven.
- Bake for 15 - 20 minutes until the Dutch baby is puffed and golden.
- TO FINISH
- Remove both the apples and Dutch baby from the oven.
- Spoon the apples over the top of the Dutch baby, slice into wedges, and serve with butter and maple syrup.
Notes
If you prefer, the apples can be made in advance and reheated at the last minute.
Leftover Dutch baby is great eaten cold or at room temperature the next day - not that I expect you'll have leftovers.
Cristina says
I don't know if any of the above commenters actually tried making this, but following the directions as is was a total flop for me. Also, the pancake was completely flavorless. I tried another recipe with more milk plus salt cinnamon and other spices and it was much better.
Katie Trant says
Bummer that this recipe didn't work out for you, but I'm glad you found one that you liked!
Nagi | RecipeTin Eats says
I love the name of your blog! SO COOL! This is really unique, I've never seen (or noticed) a recipe like this before. Pinning so I don't LOSE it!!
Katie Trant says
Thanks Nagi! The Dutch Baby is a really fun brunch item. I hope you give it a try!
Emma says
I have never tried a dutch baby, and I love that this recipe is whole wheat! Enjoy Amsterdam!
Katie Trant says
The whole wheat just makes it better! Such a fun breakfast to make for a weekend brunch.
Cammy says
Tomorrow morning! That is all.
Katie Trant says
Excellent! Let me know how it turns out.
Linda @ Veganosity says
This looks amazing. I love apples, and this is something I've never had. And I'm 1/2 Dutch!!!!
Katie Trant says
Well if you're half Dutch then you're basically obligated to try this out! The apples are just a bonus 😉
Josefine {The Smoothie Lover} says
This looks so delicious! I've always wanted to try dutch pancakes but for some reason I've never made it. Well, this post just got me even more hooked on making one.
Have a wonderful trip to The Netherlands! I wish it was me. If (when 😉 ) I go to Amsterdam I have to try that restaurant. It sounds awesome!
Katie Trant says
Glad this post has inspired you, and I really hope you try it out. And yes, WHEN you go to Amsterdam, check out the Carousel Pancake Restaurant... or any of the hundreds of other restaurants making great pannakoek!
Alissa says
I've never made a Dutch baby, but they've been on my "to try" list forever. This looks like a great recipe to try, and the roasted apples sound amazing. Have an awesome time in Amsterdam!!! I'm totally jealous!
Katie Trant says
They've been on my to-blog list forever too! Glad to have finally gotten around to it. And yes, awesome times are to be had for sure. Amsterdam is a fantastic city!
Dennis says
This post has me excited!! I absolutely love apple, cinnamon, maple syrup and pancakes. I see a weekend treat happening. Thanks for this! Maybe an Amsterdam marathon for me next year.
Katie Trant says
It's definitely a great weekend breakfast. And yes! You should do the Amsterdam marathon next year. Great race!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
I was just daydreaming about a Dutch Baby... it was on my list of things to make this weekend. And now I have a recipe! Thanks for sharing and have a great time in Amsterdam!
Katie Trant says
Thanks Sam! It's one of my favourite cities. I hope you enjoy your Dutch baby this weekend... such a great breakfast!