Chocolate Chip Dutch Baby

Anytime I’m planning a brunch menu, a Dutch baby comes to mind. While a classic batch of buttermilk pancakes never disappoints, there’s something special and impressive about the large format and tall sides of a Dutch baby—plus there is no flipping required. This chocolate chip Dutch baby is the latest Sunday brunch recipe to be a smash hit at my table.

If you’re unfamiliar, a Dutch baby is a big puffed pancake baked in a preheated dish in the oven, similar to German pancakes. It’s believed that the term Dutch baby was coined by the daughter of a restaurant owner who mispronounced “Deutsch” (which means German) as “Dutch” when serving them. From that moment on, the name stuck, and the rest is history.

Like a classic Dutch baby pancake recipe, this chocolaty version begins with a simple base of flour, eggs and half-and-half. Then, the batter is poured into a hot skillet with freshly melted butter and topped with a sweet mixture of brown sugar and mini chocolate chips. As it bakes, the sides of the Dutch baby rise tall above the rim of the skillet until golden and crisp, while the center stays thin and custardy. Top it with maple syrup and more butter, confectioners’ sugar and berries, or just enjoy it as is.

Chocolate Chip Dutch Baby Ingredients

• Miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• Brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Half-and-half
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cinnamon
• Butter
• Maple syrup (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the topping

Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, combine the chocolate chips and brown sugar. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the batter for the Dutch baby

In another small bowl, beat the flour, eggs, cream, nutmeg and cinnamon until smooth.

Step 3: Heat a skillet with butter

Place the butter in a 9-inch pie plate or an 8-inch cast-iron skillet. Set in the oven until the butter is melted, about four minutes.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t skip this crucial step. When the batter hits the hot pan, the liquid immediately turns to steam, resulting in rapid expansion and the Dutch baby’s signature dramatic rise.

Step 4: Pour in the batter and bake

Carefully pour in the batter.

Sprinkle with the chocolate chip mixture. Bake until the top edge is golden brown, 13 to 15 minutes. Serve immediately, with syrup and butter if desired.

Editor’s Tip: The pancake will deflate slightly after it comes out of the oven (but still taste delicious), so have plates and toppings ready so you can eat it right away.

How to Store Chocolate Chip Dutch Baby

A chocolate chip Dutch baby pancake is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight food storage container in the refrigerator for two to three days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until warm. The edges will stay soft, like a classic tender pancake, but still be delicious.

Chocolate Chip Dutch Baby Tips

Why didn’t my chocolate chip Dutch baby rise?

If your chocolate chip Dutch baby didn’t rise well, it’s likely that your oven and/or skillet were not hot enough. For best results, take the time to preheat the pan and make sure the butter is sizzling but not burnt. Overmixing the batter is another factor that can impact the rise of a Dutch baby. Like our best ever pancakes, mix just until no dry patches remain so the gluten doesn’t become overdeveloped.

Should you rest the batter for a Dutch baby?

While not essential, resting the Dutch baby batter is helpful (a secret for bakery-style muffins too) because it allows the flour to hydrate and relax for a tall rise and tender texture. All you have to do is make the batter and let it stand at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before pouring it into the hot, buttered skillet.

Is a Dutch baby the same as a popover?

A Dutch baby and a popover, also known as Yorkshire pudding, are similar but different. Both start with the same ingredients and rely on hot, greased pans to achieve their unique puffy appearance and crispy exterior. However, popovers are usually individually sized, made in a popover pan or muffin tin, and served with a hearty dinner, like pot roast. A Dutch baby is usually served for breakfast or brunch with sweet toppings. But you can make a savory Dutch baby, so don’t feel restricted if you want breakfast for dinner.

What can you serve with a chocolate chip Dutch baby?

You can serve a chocolate chip Dutch baby with any of your favorite brunch and breakfast sides. A colorful honey-lime berry salad and crispy oven-baked bacon would make a well-rounded meal. If you want something more filling, pair it with another cast-iron skillet breakfast recipe or a hearty bake, like this bacon and asparagus frittata.