There’s something magical about a Dutch Baby Pancake as it emerges from the oven, puffed to impressive heights with golden, crispy edges and a tender, custard-like center. This Orange Cardamom Dutch Baby takes the classic to new heights with fragrant cardamom and bright citrus notes that dance on your taste buds. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or an impressive brunch centerpiece, this pancake combines simplicity with dramatic presentation—all while requiring minimal effort from you.
Unlike traditional pancakes that demand your constant attention at the stovetop, this Dutch Baby bakes entirely in the oven. The batter comes together in minutes with ingredients you likely have on hand. As it bakes, the kitchen fills with an intoxicating aroma of warm cardamom and zesty orange that will lure everyone to the table. The result is a showstopping breakfast that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, your blender did most of the work!
The beauty of Dutch Baby pancakes lies in their versatility. While German in origin (despite the “Dutch” in the name), these dramatic, puffy pancakes have become a beloved American breakfast staple. The orange and cardamom pairing in this recipe offers a sophisticated twist on the classic, with the warm, complex spice of cardamom perfectly complementing the bright, citrusy notes of fresh orange. The pancake itself has a texture unlike any other breakfast treat—crisp at the edges, yet tender and slightly custardy toward the center.
For those unfamiliar with cardamom, it’s a spice with a distinct aromatic flavor that’s simultaneously warm, sweet, and slightly resinous. Often used in Scandinavian and Middle Eastern baking, it pairs wonderfully with citrus. If you’re new to cooking with cardamom, this recipe offers a perfect introduction—the amount used is enough to intrigue the palate without overwhelming the dish.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 teaspoons orange zest (from 1 large orange)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- For serving: Fresh orange segments, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and/or a dollop of whipped cream
Equipment Needed
- 10-inch cast iron skillet (or oven-safe skillet)
- Blender or food processor
- Microplane or zester
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. This step is crucial for achieving that impressive rise!
2. Prepare your batter. In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, salt, ground cardamom, and orange zest. Blend on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and frothy. The batter should be thin, similar to heavy cream in consistency. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes while your pan heats up.
3. Prepare the pan. When the oven and skillet are hot, carefully remove the skillet using oven mitts (it will be very hot!). Add the butter to the hot pan and swirl it around as it melts, coating the bottom and sides of the pan. The butter should sizzle and begin to brown slightly, but don’t let it burn.
4. Pour and bake. Working quickly, give your batter one final whisk or pulse in the blender, then pour it into the hot, buttered skillet. Immediately return the skillet to the oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the Dutch baby is dramatically puffed and the edges are golden brown and crisp. The center should be set but still have a slight jiggle.
5. Serve immediately. The Dutch baby will begin to deflate as soon as it comes out of the oven—this is completely normal! Dust with powdered sugar, add fresh orange segments, and serve with maple syrup or honey. For an extra indulgent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream lightly scented with additional cardamom or orange zest.
Tips for Dutch Baby Success
The secret to a dramatically puffed Dutch baby lies in a few key techniques. First, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature—cold eggs and milk will prevent your pancake from reaching its full height potential. Second, the preheated skillet is non-negotiable. That initial blast of heat is what creates the steam that makes the pancake rise and form those beautiful crispy edges. Finally, resist the temptation to open the oven door during baking, as this can cause your Dutch baby to deflate prematurely.
The cardamom flavor in this recipe is noticeable but not overwhelming. If you’re a cardamom enthusiast, feel free to increase to 1 1/2 teaspoons. Conversely, if you’re serving cardamom novices, you might want to reduce to 1/2 teaspoon for a more subtle flavor profile. The orange zest provides a wonderful freshness, but you could also experiment with other citrus like blood orange or even grapefruit for variations on this theme.
Make It Your Own
This Orange Cardamom Dutch Baby is delicious as written, but part of the joy of this recipe is how adaptable it can be. For a more decadent version, try adding a teaspoon of Grand Marnier or Cointreau to the batter. To make it more substantial for a family brunch, serve it alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage—the savory-sweet contrast is absolutely divine. You could also turn this into a dessert by topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm honey.
While Dutch babies are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they’re at their most dramatic and crispy, any leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated briefly in a hot oven to crisp up again. However, they’re so delicious that leftovers are rarely an issue!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beyond its impressive appearance and delightful flavor combination, this Orange Cardamom Dutch Baby is incredibly practical. It requires minimal active cooking time, dirties very few dishes, and serves multiple people at once—making it perfect for both lazy weekend breakfasts and special occasion brunches. The straightforward technique means even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results, while the sophisticated flavor profile will impress even the most discerning food enthusiasts at your table.
So the next time you’re looking to elevate your breakfast game without spending hours in the kitchen, reach for this recipe. With its perfect balance of bright citrus, warm spice, and that uniquely satisfying Dutch baby texture, it’s bound to become a new favorite in your breakfast repertoire. Happy baking!