
Dutch Pancakes (Pannenkoeken)
Najat
Photo by Najat
With this easy base recipe you’ll make the best Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken) that turn out perfectly every time. These are the thin, delicate pancakes traditional to the Netherlands, similar to a French crêpe, not to be confused with the thick, oven-baked “Dutch Baby” pancake.
Making the batter for Dutch pancakes
For this pancake batter you only need four ingredients: eggs, salt, milk, and all-purpose flour. Whisk the 4 eggs with the salt, then gradually add the flour and milk, stirring until smooth. Getting the batter ratio right is key to the result: batter that’s too thick gives heavy pancakes, while batter that’s too thin makes them fragile and prone to tearing. With scant 4 cups (925 ml) of milk to 3⅓ cups (400 g) of flour and 4 eggs, you get a batter that’s fluid enough to spread thin in the pan, yet sturdy enough to flip without falling apart.
Dutch Pancakes Without Sugar
These pancakes are intentionally made without sugar, since I find they actually taste better that way. If you’d like a sweeter pancake, you can add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract and ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar, but I personally leave that out. Craving something sweet anyway? Fill your pancake with powdered sugar, chocolate spread, or any other sweet topping of your choice.
How to Bake Pancakes Without Ruining the First One
My first pancake never fails, simply because I don’t start cooking until the nonstick pan is properly hot. Want a beautifully golden-brown pancake on top of that? Grease the pan well with vegetable oil (I use sunflower) or butter before pouring in the batter. That way, every pancake, starting with the very first one, cooks evenly and turns golden-brown.
More Pancake Recipes
Looking for more pancake inspiration? Try these other favorites from our kitchen:
Hearty vegetable pancakes: a savory twist packed with fresh veggies
Mini pancakes: perfect for snacking or dipping
Banana pancakes: a sweet, easy favorite
Oatmeal pancakes: a wholesome option for breakfast
Moroccan msmen (rghaif): a layered, flaky flatbread with its own pancake-like charm
Ingredients
pancake batter
extra
Tips
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start.
If you have time, let the batter rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the flour fully absorbs the liquid, giving your pancakes an even better texture.
Use a good nonstick pan.
Use two pans at once to get dinner on the table faster.
Keep cooked pancakes warm by stacking them on a plate.
Give the batter a quick stir between pancakes, since the flour can settle at the bottom while cooking.
For dairy-free pancakes: swap the milk for a plant-based alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk, these all work perfectly in this recipe.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 5 to 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 to 25 minutes
Instructions

Crack the eggs into a blender. Add the milk, flour, and salt. Blend until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.

Heat a 10-inch (25 cm) skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is properly hot, then lightly grease it with margarine, vegetable oil, or butter. Use a pastry brush if you have one, to spread the fat evenly for a nice, even texture.

Pour ⅓ cup (100 g) of batter into the pan and swirl it around so the batter spreads evenly. Cook the pancake until the top dries and the bottom is golden-brown. Flip and cook the other side until golden-brown as well.

Repeat with the remaining batter.


Veelgestelde vragen
How many people does this pancake recipe serve?
This pancake recipe makes 14 pancakes. For a typical portion for breakfast, plan on 2 to 3 pancakes per person. Cooking for fewer people? Simply adjust the quantities to a pancake recipe for 2 people or even a pancake recipe for 1 person using the portions-size adjustment option.
How long do you cook a pancake?
A pancake typically cooks for 1-2 minutes per side over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s time to flip when the top starts to look drier and the edges lift away from the pan. Cook the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes until it’s golden-brown as well.
How do you reheat a pancake?
You can reheat a pancake in a skillet over low heat, about 1 minute per side. This is my preferred method. Reheating in the oven or microwave is also an option.
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Dutch Pancakes (Pannenkoeken)
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