baked custard pancake
This pancake is so good. In fact, it is more like a custard than cake and a wonderful breakfast delight. It puffs up nicely in the oven and then as you let it set, it absorbs all of the butter, sugar, and cinnamon that is on the bottom layer. You can sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top, or even a drizzle of honey or syrup but, I find this wonderfully sweet (although not overpowering) as it is and really does not need it.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Your guests will never guess how easy this baked custard pancake is to make. It's amazing and filled with bits of apples in every bite that are coated with sugar and spices. At first glance, this may look like a Dutch baby but it's different. The texture is creamy but firm enough to hold its shape. A fabulous breakfast to serve a crowd and a delicious way to start a holiday. We opted to serve with a little extra cinnamon and sugar. Powdered sugar or even a touch of maple syrup would be a delicious choice.
Ingredients
- 2-3 medium apples, your favorite
- 4 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter (little shy of 1/3)
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar (light works as well)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 5 large eggs
- - powdered or cinnamon sugar to serve (optional)
How To Make baked custard pancake
-
Step 1I highly recommend that you prepare and measure all ingredients and place them into small bowls so you can just grab the bowl and dump as you go. This saves on confusion and ensures that you have all ingredients necessary. Heat the oven to 400°F.
-
Step 2Peel, core, and quarter the apples. Then cut them in half again to make 8 thick slices per apple. Then cut each of the slices in halves or thirds. You should have about 3 cups of chopped apples. Place these in a small bowl and set them aside.
-
Step 3In another small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of sugar with the cinnamon and ginger and set aside. Measure out your brown sugar and set aside to grab by placing it into a small bowl and loosen it up so it is easier to sprinkle.
-
Step 4Measure out milk into a one-cup measuring cup and grab your flour, salt, eggs, vanilla, and nutmeg.
-
Step 5Cut the butter into chunks and place them in a deep cast iron skillet or 8x8-inch baking dish. Put the skillet or baking dish in the oven for 3-4 minutes, or until the butter is melted.
-
Step 6Take the pan out of the oven and sprinkle the 1/3 cup brown sugar over the melted butter.
-
Step 7Carefully arrange the apples on top of the brown sugar and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the apples. Put the pan back in the oven to caramelize the apples and sugar. This should take 7-9 minutes while you prepare the cake/custard mixture.
-
Step 8Whisk the flour with the remaining tablespoon of sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly with a large wire whisk to beat out any lumps.
-
Step 9When the flour is smoothly incorporated into the milk, beat in the vanilla and the eggs one by one. Beat by hand for 2 minutes, or until foamy.
-
Step 10Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
-
Step 11By now the sugar should be bubbling around the apples (about 7-8 minutes or so).
-
Step 12Take the pan out of the oven and pour the batter over the apples. Bake for about 20 more minutes or until the center is set and sides are lightly browned.
-
Step 13The pancake will puff up dramatically but fall after a few minutes after you take it out of the oven so do not be alarmed if you see it fall, it's supposed to happen. Allow to cool on a wire rack for 7-10 minutes before cutting.
-
Step 14You can cut this "pie style" into 8 servings. If you want, serve with powdered sugar or more cinnamon sugar.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!