Dutch Pancakes: The Ultimate Guide to Making Authentic Pannenkoeken Recipe
Introduction
Dutch pancakes, or pannenkoeken, are thin, tender, and slightly sweet pancakes that can be enjoyed plain or with a variety of delicious toppings. This recipe guides you through making authentic pannenkoeken that are perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit (berries, bananas), whipped cream, chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine the dry ingredients.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk (or milk and lemon juice mixture), melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. A few lumps are fine; avoid overmixing.
- Step 4: Cover the batter with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Step 5: Heat a lightly buttered griddle or non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
- Step 6: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake, spacing them so they don’t touch.
- Step 7: Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set.
- Step 8: Flip the pancakes carefully with a spatula and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Press gently with the spatula to cook evenly.
- Step 9: Serve the pancakes stacked and add your favorite toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Use buttermilk for a tangier flavor and fluffier texture; homemade milk and lemon juice mixture works well as a substitute.
- To make savory pannenkoeken, omit the sugar and add chopped herbs or cheese to the batter.
- Letting the batter rest helps improve the texture and reduces lumps.
- For thinner pancakes, add a little extra milk to the batter.
Storage
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave briefly until heated through. You can also freeze pancakes separated by parchment paper and reheat directly from frozen.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
How do I prevent the pancakes from sticking to the pan?
Use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned griddle and lightly grease it with melted butter before cooking each batch. Make sure the pan is properly heated to medium before adding the batter.
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Dutch Pancakes: The Ultimate Guide to Making Authentic Pannenkoeken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 pancakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dutch Pancakes, known as Pannenkoeken, are thin, large pancakes that are slightly sweet and incredibly versatile. This recipe guides you through making authentic Dutch pancakes with a tender texture and a delicate crisp on the edges, perfect for breakfast or brunch. Serve with classic toppings like powdered sugar, fresh fruits, or maple syrup for a delicious treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh fruit (berries, bananas)
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Whisk in the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the egg, buttermilk (or the milk and lemon juice/vinegar mixture), melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are acceptable to maintain batter tenderness.
- Let the batter rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and allow the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes to improve texture and consistency.
- Heat the pan: Preheat a lightly greased griddle or non-stick frying pan over medium heat to ensure even cooking.
- Pour the batter: Ladle approximately 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot surface per pancake. Space pancakes apart to prevent merging.
- Cook the first side: Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear set and dry.
- Flip and cook the second side: Gently flip the pancakes with a spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Press lightly with the spatula to distribute heat evenly.
- Serve and enjoy: Stack pancakes and add desired toppings such as powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruits, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Using buttermilk gives the pancakes a subtle tang and helps with fluffiness, but you can substitute it with milk and lemon juice or vinegar as listed.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the pancakes light and tender.
- Resting the batter helps the flour fully hydrate and results in better texture.
- Make sure your pan is at medium heat; too hot and the pancakes will burn, too cool and they will be greasy and dense.
- Customize toppings based on your preference for sweet or savory pancakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Dutch
Keywords: Dutch pancakes, Pannenkoeken, traditional Dutch recipe, breakfast pancakes, buttermilk pancakes, sweet pancakes, easy pancake recipe

