There is another version of German pancakes, other than a “Dutch Baby“. In my home, these German Pancakes are comfort food. My mother, who was born and raised in Southern Germany (Bavaria) served these pancakes to us. Now, my own son enjoys memories of his “Oma” serving these to him, when he was a little kid. Traditionally, we liked to fill the the pancakes with strawberry jam. Sometimes, I use homemade lemon curd or I just dust them with powdered sugar and lemon juice. They are inexpensive and quick to make, and these remind me of my childhood. (I make extra pancakes, because they reheat so well in the microwave.)
A few days ago, my son reminded me how much he misses his grandmother, and how he associates German “pfannkuchen” (pancakes) with fond memories of her. I realized I hadn’t made these in a very long time– they are so basic and simple, yet they are truly very “comforting”.My Mother “Gretl” and her Mother (my Grandmother), photographed by me in Bad Reichenhall, Bavaria–both have passed on , but their love of cooking is now in my hands
My mother, who was born and raised in Southern Germany (Bavaria) served these pancakes to her three kids. Sometimes, my mother would chop the cooked pancakes into tiny bite sized pies– right into the pan. This is called “schmarn”– loosely translated “junk”, but it when used in Bavarian it translates into “nonsense”. We loved pouring pancakes syrup all over “schmarn”.
Overall, the pancakes, folded in half and filled with strawberry jam is our very favorite.
I’ve developed my own version of rolling the pancakes, more like a crepe. Sometimes, I like to add fresh squeezed lemon juice and powdered sugar. This morning, I used the rest of the lemon curd that I had made . Wow! Happy memories. I thought I’d share a few of mine with all of you:
I hope that you give these a try. My mother would have been pleased to know that you did!
German Pancakes (Pfannkuchen)
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Unsalted butter for the skillet
Instructions
- Heat a skillet (I prefer a non-stick)to medium heat. Melt about 2 teaspoons of butter until melted. Add enough batter so that the skillet is coated, but not really thick Cook until golden brown; flip over and finish cooking.
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of desired filling– apple sauce, preserves or lemon curd.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- You can also opt to add fresh lemon juice and butter, and then powdered sugar.
Notes
3 cups all-purpose flour
Culinarywannabe says
Oh my goodness, so sweet of you to share your pictures and memories with us! I especially love the wedding pictures.
Stephanie says
Wow, those look extraordinary. I love recipe that bring up memories of family members, those are the best kind of dishes 🙂
Stacey Snacks says
Deb,
I love that new print feature.
How did you do that????
Chef Fresco says
What a sweet story to go with your dish! I have a good friend that now lives in Germany (I went to her wedding last summer). I loved the food there!
Pam says
They look delicious – filled with lemon curd makes them perfect.
Love the old pictures of your family.
Donna-FFW says
LOVE your photographs and stories. The pancakes look absolutely marvelous! The lemon curd must take it over the top.
aleta meadowlark says
Your mother may very well have been the cutest woman I’ve ever seen. And I’m pretty sure I’m not exaggerating, too.
I will DEFINITELY have to try your recipe for these, I just love breakfast food. Thanks for telling me about it!
OvenDelights says
Crepes are my all time favorite! Last night I actually had them for dinner! I was to lazy to go out for take out and being friday my fridge was really empty! So I used the ingredients I had on hand to come up with dinner. Needless to say they were yummy! I try this recipe next time I have the craving. One more thing……love those family pics, what a wonderfull memory!
Silvia Martins says
My mom was from Bavaria as well. My mother and my Oma used to make these pancakes. Leftovers were rolled and cut into thin noodle like strips. The strips were tossed into a warm broth and became a delicious pancake soup. Sounds crazy but oh so delicious.
Debby says
Actually that soup doesn’t sound crazy, at all! Pfannkuchensuppe is one of my favorite comfort soups. Whenever we travel to Bavaria, it’s one of the first dishes I order. So delicious!