Pfannkuchen (German Pancake)
4 servings Our recipe is based on one by Henriette Davidis, nineteenth-century Germany’s greatest cookbook author. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg yolks (whites reserved)
- 3 tablespoons (35g) sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (60g) milk
- ¼ cup (60g) lukewarm water
- Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- (¼ teaspoon vanilla)
- ½ cup (65g) cornstarch
- 4 large egg whites
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Powdered sugar
- (Ground cinnamon)
- ⅔ cup warmed apricot or cherry preserves
Let's Prepare
Collect
Gather these ingredients — no prep needed yet.
- 4 large egg yolks (whites reserved)
- 3 tablespoons (35g) sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (60g) milk
- ¼ cup (60g) lukewarm water
- Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- (¼ teaspoon vanilla)
- ½ cup (65g) cornstarch
- 4 large egg whites
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Powdered sugar
- (Ground cinnamon)
- ⅔ cup warmed apricot or cherry preserves
Let's Cook
-
Step 1.
Whisk vigorously in a medium bowl until thickened and lemon colored, 1 to 2 minutes: 4 large egg yolks (whites reserved); 3 tablespoons (35g) sugar; ⅛ teaspoon salt
-
Step 2.
Whisk in: ¼ cup (60g) milk; ¼ cup (60g) lukewarm water; Finely grated zest of 1 lemon; (¼ teaspoon vanilla)
-
Step 3.
Add and whisk until smooth: ½ cup (65g) cornstarch
-
Step 4.
Beat until stiff but not dry: 4 large egg whites
-
Step 5.
Add to the yolk mixture, gently whisking until the whites are incorporated but not deflated; the batter should have the appearance of a light foam. Immediately melt in a 10-inch heavy ovenproof skillet, preferably nonstick, over medium heat: 3 tablespoons butter
-
Step 6.
When the bubbles subside, pour in the batter. Cook until the pancake looks golden brown on the underside when pried back from the skillet with a knife, about 2 minutes. Place the skillet in the oven and bake until the pancake has puffed and the top feels dry and set when gently touched, about 5 minutes. Immediately slide the pancake onto a serving platter and sprinkle with: Powdered sugar; (Ground cinnamon)
-
Step 7.
Serve at once, accompanied with: ⅔ cup warmed apricot or cherry preserves
