Pfannkuchen (German Pancakes)

4.67 from 3 votes

These pfannkuchen are a quick and easy German-style breakfast. These pancakes are light, delicious, and go great with your favorite jam!

Prep Time5

Cook Time12

Total Time19

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: German

Servings: pancakes

Calories: 176kcal

Whisk the dry ingredients; flour, sugar, and salt into a medium bowl until combined.
In another small bowl, vigorously whisk eggs then add milk and vanilla. Whisk until incorporated.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients while whisking until the batter is smooth. Use a strainer to remove any remaining lumps.
Melt ½ tablespoon butter in a 10" or 12" skillet. Pour a quarter of the batter into the center of the pan then tilt the pan to make the pancake thinner and larger.
Cook over low heat, shaking every now and then to see if it has detached from the pan. This will indicate when it's time to flip the pancake. Once ready, flip the pancake with a spatula and cook for another 30 to 60 seconds on the other side. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Calories are for pancakes without any toppings.
The batter should be enough to make four pancakes.
To get the pancakes as thin as possible, pour the batter in the center of the pan, then tilt the pan to spread it. I found it was much harder if you try to distribute the batter around the pan while pouring.
Although pfannkuchen are better when they're fresh, you can store leftover pancakes in an airtight container and consume within a couple of days.
Leftover pancakes can be reheated for 20 seconds or so in the microwave or reheated in a skillet.
A few tablespoons of browned butter can be added to the pancake batter if you want to make the pancakes even tastier!