If you’ve ever wished for a breakfast treat that’s both delightfully crispy and irresistibly fluffy, then this Crispy, Fluffy Oven-Baked Skillet Pancake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine a golden-brown pancake with light, airy pockets inside and a slightly crisp edge that simply melts in your mouth. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors, creamy vanilla undertones with just a whisper of sweetness, all baked to perfection in your oven. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving a cozy weekend brunch, this pancake delivers on taste and presentation with impressive ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in making your Crispy, Fluffy Oven-Baked Skillet Pancake Recipe a true standout. From the eggs that provide structure and lift, to the butter that adds richness and a glossy crust, every element works together to create a harmonious flavor and texture you’ll love.
- 3 large eggs: The backbone of the pancake, giving it stability and a light, airy crumb.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the necessary body and a tender bite.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness, helping the batter blend smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to enhance the flavor without overwhelming it.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant note that rounds out the taste beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a crispy, golden crust and keeps the pancake luscious.
- Optional toppings (powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup, whipped cream): Gorgeous finishing touches that add color, flavor, and a little extra fun.
How to Make Crispy, Fluffy Oven-Baked Skillet Pancake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Skillet
Start by heating your oven to a high temperature of 425°F (220°C), then place your 10-inch cast iron skillet inside. This step is crucial because a hot skillet helps create that wonderful crispy edge that defines this pancake. Letting the skillet heat up fully ensures your butter sizzles upon contact, setting the stage for a perfect crust.
Step 2: Blend the Batter
While your skillet is getting hot, grab a blender and combine the eggs, flour, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend the mixture until completely smooth, about 20 to 30 seconds. This quick blending not only mixes the ingredients uniformly but also adds air to the batter, a secret behind the fluffiness you’re aiming for in your pancake.
Step 3: Butter the Skillet and Pour the Batter
Carefully remove the scorching-hot skillet from the oven and immediately add the unsalted butter. Swirl it around the bottom and sides until it melts and coats the entire pan. This sizzling butter creates a golden, crispy barrier between the batter and the skillet, making sure your pancake releases easily and looks stunning when served. Pour your smooth batter right into this buttery haven, then quickly place it back in the oven – no hesitation here, because that heat is the magic.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the pancake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll watch it puff up dramatically, filling your oven with an enticing aroma. The edges will turn a gorgeous golden brown, while the center sets into a tender cloud of goodness. Once done, let it rest for a minute or two outside the oven; this brief pause helps the texture settle and makes slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Crispy, Fluffy Oven-Baked Skillet Pancake Recipe
Garnishes
This pancake is a blank canvas that welcomes your favorite toppings with open arms. Dusting it lightly with powdered sugar adds elegance and a touch of sweetness without overpowering the delicate vanilla flavor. Fresh berries provide bursts of color and refreshing tartness, while maple syrup drizzled generously creates the classic sweet finish. For an extra indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream offers creamy lightness that complements the crispy and fluffy textures.
Side Dishes
When you want to turn this pancake into a fuller meal, consider pairing it with crispy bacon or breakfast sausages to contrast the softness with some savory crunch. A side of fresh fruit salad brightens the plate with natural sweetness and juices that balance the rich pancake. For a brunch twist, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon to keep things fresh and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation pop by serving the pancake right in the skillet for that rustic, homemade feel. You can also slice it into wedges and stack them on a warm plate to show off its fluffy height and golden edges. For a fun twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of fruit compote on top. Personalizing each serving with a small ramekin of maple syrup or honey on the side invites everyone to tailor the sweetness to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The pancake holds its texture surprisingly well, making it a great option for a quick breakfast the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pancake slices can last up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To bring your leftover Crispy, Fluffy Oven-Baked Skillet Pancake Recipe back to life, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This method revitalizes the crispiness and warms the fluffy interior evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that beautiful texture, as it can make the pancake soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a non-cast iron skillet for this recipe?
While a cast iron skillet is ideal for even heating and a crisp crust, you can use another oven-safe skillet. Just be sure it can handle high temperatures and preheat it thoroughly for the best results.
Is this pancake gluten-free?
This particular recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but results might vary slightly in texture.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter. The pancake will still come out crispy and fluffy with a lovely flavor.
What’s the secret to the pancake puffing up so much?
The high oven temperature combined with the hot, buttered skillet causes the batter to rise dramatically. Also, blending the batter aerates it, contributing to the puffiness once baked.
How do I prevent the pancake from sticking to the skillet?
Preheating the skillet and adding plenty of melted butter before pouring the batter are key steps. This creates a lubricated surface that helps the pancake release easily once cooked.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about pulling a warm, perfectly puffed, Crispy, Fluffy Oven-Baked Skillet Pancake Recipe fresh from the oven—and sharing it with loved ones. It’s effortless to make, wonderfully versatile, and hits that sweet spot between crispy edges and tender inside. If you haven’t tried baking a pancake this way before, now is the perfect time. Trust me, once you do, it will quickly become a cherished breakfast staple in your home.
Print
Crispy, Fluffy Oven-Baked Skillet Pancake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crispy, Fluffy Oven-Baked Skillet Pancake is a delightful breakfast treat featuring a golden, puffed pancake made effortlessly in a hot cast iron skillet. The batter, blended smoothly with eggs, milk, and vanilla, is baked to perfection in the oven, resulting in a crisp exterior and a light, airy interior. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream for a satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
For the Pancake Batter
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Skillet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet inside the oven to heat up while you prepare the batter. This ensures the skillet is very hot, which helps create the crispy edges.
- Prepare the Batter: In a blender, combine the eggs, all-purpose flour, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, about 20 to 30 seconds, to create a light batter.
- Add Butter to the Skillet: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet, swirling it around to coat the bottom and sides evenly as it melts.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the prepared batter into the hot, butter-coated skillet immediately to catch the sizzle. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the pancake puffs up, the edges turn golden brown, and the center is set.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the pancake to rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm with your favorite toppings such as powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) and use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter.
- This pancake is best enjoyed fresh from the oven for optimal crispiness and fluffiness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to maintain texture.
