Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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This simple 20-minute pannenkoeken recipe highlights the Dutch pancakes' delicate texture and flavor. All they need is a sprinkling of brown sugar.

I make two versions of these tasty pancakes - one with whole-wheat flour and one with coconut flour. Both are excellent!

Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

Pannenkoeken (literally translates to pancakes) are Dutch pancakes. They are very similar to French crepes, but they are thicker and sturdier and usually served rolled up, with just a sprinkling of sugar.

Unlike "Dutch Babies", these pancakes are truly Dutch. One of my fondest childhood memories is of my Dutch-born dad standing in the kitchen, making us big, thick pannenkoeken sprinkled with lots of sugar.

Jump to:
  • Whole-Wheat Version
  • Gluten-FreeVersion
  • Expert Tip
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • Related Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card

Whole-Wheat Version

Scroll down to the recipe card for this version. My pancakes are smaller than dad's and they are made with whole-wheat flour.

Dad used to sprinkle his pancakes with white sugar, but I use brown sugar because it adds flavor in addition to sweetness.

If you use all-purpose flour, you can use just one cup of milk, since white flour absorbs less liquid. You’ll know the batter is right if it spreads easily in the skillet.

Gluten-FreeVersion

After transitioning to a low-carb and gluten-free diet, I created a gluten-free version using coconut flour. While certainly nontraditional, it's very good. Watch the video below to see how I make these pannenkoeken. Here's the detailed recipe for this version.

Ingredients

3 large eggs
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ cup (28 grams) coconut flour
Cooking oil for pan (I use avocado oil)

Pannenkoeken Instructions

  • Break the eggs into a medium bowl and lightly beat them. Add the milk and vanilla and whisk to incorporate. (Photo 1).
  • Add the coconut flour and whisk patiently until very smooth. Allow the batter to thicken for 1-2 minutes, then whisk again. (Photo 2).
  • Heat a small, 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Spray it with cooking spray or grease it with butter.
  • For each pancake, pour a scant ⅓ cup of the batter into the skillet. Swirl to spread. Cook until the top is bubbly and the bottom is set, 2-3 minutes.
  • Using a wide spatula, or two regular spatulas, as shown in the video, very carefully flip the pannekoek - it's not as sturdy as a wheat flour one so work carefully. (Photo 3).
  • Cook the second side briefly - it will be done in 30 seconds to 1 minute, then slide the pancake onto a plate. (Photo 4).
  • Spray the skillet again and continue cooking the pancakes until all the batter is gone. Pile the cooked pannenkoeken on top of each other on a plate and cover them loosely with foil to keep them warm.
  • Sprinkle each of them with sugar (or a sugar-free sweetener), roll, and serve. (Photos 5-6).
Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2)

Nutrition info

The recipe makes 6. Nutrition for 2 (pancake only, no toppings):
Calories: 210 Fat: 14g Saturated fat: 5g Carbohydrates: 10g Sugar: 12g Sodium: 127mg Fiber: 3g Protein: 10g

Expert Tip

Just like crepes, you can make this recipe in advance. Cook the entire batch, and keep them piled on a baking sheet.

Then briefly warm them in a hot oven, loosely covered with foil so they don’t dry out. Finally, sprinkle them with sugar, roll, and serve.

Recipe FAQs

What is the difference between pannenkoeken and pancakes?

Pannenkoeken are larger and thinner. They are closer to French crepes than to American pancakes, although they are thicker than crepes.

Where do pannenkoeken originate from?

They originate from the Netherlands. Their name literally translates to "Pan-Cakes."

Are Dutch pancakes served for breakfast?

They can be served for any meal. There are savory versions that can be served for lunch or even dinner. Many pannekoek restaurants in the Netherlands are open from noon until 7 or 8 pm.

They can also be served as dessert or as a snack. My dad typically made them a couple of hours after dinner, as a snack.

Serving Suggestions

Faithful to my childhood memories, the only filling I like for pannenkoeken is sugar (real or fake). But there are other tasty filling options if you'd like to experiment:

  • Chocolate hazelnut spread (homemade or store-bought)
  • Whipped cream or chocolate whipped cream
  • Blueberry compote or strawberry compote
  • Fried bananas
  • Cream cheese and jam

Storing Leftovers

You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave, covered, at 50% power.

Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (3)
  • Keto Crepes
  • Keto Hazelnut Spread
  • Almond Flour Pancakes
  • Blueberry Compote

Recipe Card

Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes)

This simple pannenkoeken recipe highlights the pancakes' delicate texture and flavor. All they need is a sprinkling of brown sugar.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Dutch

Servings: 10 pancakes

Calories: 239kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white whole-wheat flour
  • ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder gluten-free if needed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ¼ cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon melted butter for the skillet
  • ¼ cup brown sugar packed

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and baking powder.

  • In another medium bowl, beat the eggs. Add the milk, butter, and vanilla. Slowly stir in the flour mixture. Whisk to combine.

  • Heat a 6-inch skillet over medium heat for about 4 minutes. Brush it with a thin layer of butter. Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet, swirling the skillet to spread evenly. Cook until golden for 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s time to flip the pancake when the edges start separating from the skillet:

    Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (9)

  • Carefully flip the pannekoek, using two wide spatulas. Cook it for 1-2 more minutes on the second side, until golden.

  • Transfer the pannekoek to a dinner plate. Sprinkle it with brown sugar, roll it up, and serve.

Video

Notes

  • After transitioning to a low-carb, gluten-free diet, I created a gluten-free version using coconut flour. While certainly nontraditional, it's very good. The detailed recipe for this version is included in the post above.
  • You can cut the frying time in half by using 2 skillets simultaneously.
  • Just likecrepes, you can make this recipe in advance. Cook the entire batch, and keep them piled on a baking sheet. Then briefly warm them in a hot oven, loosely covered with foil so they don’t dry out. Finally, sprinkle them with sugar, roll, and serve.
  • You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave, covered, at 50% power.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 2pannenkoeken | Calories: 239kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 339mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 14g

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Disclaimers

Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

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About the Author

Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (20) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

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Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a pancake and a pannekoeken? ›

Pannenkoeken are usually larger (up to a foot in diameter) and much thinner than their American or Scotch pancake counterparts, but not as thin as crêpes. They may incorporate slices of bacon, apples, cheese, or raisins.

What is special about Dutch pancakes? ›

The Dutch pancake is large (you need XL plates for them) and very thin. Many people roll them up, topping and all before they cut them into pieces or eat them from their hand. The Dutch pancake is allmost as thin as the French crêpe. The French know some toppings: with powdered sugar, Nutella, syrup, or jam.

What is the difference between Dutch pancakes and regular pancakes? ›

What's the difference between a Dutch pancake and an American pancake? A Dutch pancake is usually larger and much thinner than the thick and fluffy American pancakes. If you order a Dutch pancake at PANCAKES Amsterdam, you will get a delicious thin pancake with a diameter of 32 centimeters.

Is a Dutch baby the same as a pannenkoeken? ›

The “Dutch Baby” was developed by Seattle restaurateur Victor Manca in the early 1900's. While the dish doesn't look like a traditional Dutch pancake known as a Pannenkoeken, it was derived from a style of German pancake.

What is another name for a Dutch baby pancake? ›

A Dutch baby pancake, sometimes called a German pancake, a Bismarck, a Dutch puff, Hooligan, or a Hootenanny, is a dish that is similar to a large Yorkshire pudding.

Why are they called Dutch baby pancakes? ›

More About the Origin

And although these pancakes are typically obtained from the German pancake dish, it's believed that one of Victor Manca's daughters coined the name Dutch baby. As you might know, the term “Dutch” was most likely her corruption of the term Deutsch, a German antonym.

What is a pancake in Dutch slang? ›

A pancake, just a typical Dutch dish. But it's also something you can call someone. An Ajax-fan (Ajax is the biggest football club in the Netherlands) made this one nationally popular in the 2000's when he called one of the most famous Dutch players, Marco van Basten, a pannenkoek.

What is the secret of amazing pancakes? ›

Tips for the Perfect Pancakes

Baking soda should be no more than six months old. Stir the batter only until the wet and dry ingredients are incorporated; overbeating will make pancakes tough and chewy instead of fluffy. No Buttermilk, No Problem!

Do Dutch eat pancakes for breakfast? ›

Pancakes, pancakes, pancakes.

They are the ultimate dish for a weekend breakfast, when Dutchies use their spare time to cook and enjoy some fresh pancakes with the family. You might have heard of French crêpes and American pancakes, but the Dutch pannenkoeken actually originated from China and Nepal.

Why do you put milk instead of water in pancakes? ›

Pancake lovers' biggest complaint when adding water instead of milk is that the flavor seems to change. Pancakes aren't as richly flavored with water. There are a few ways to improve your batter when you've used water, including: Add extra butter.

What flour substitute is best for pancakes? ›

Almond and coconut - This is the best tasting combination - most of the top-rated gluten-free pancake recipes have a blend of almond and coconut flours. They work well together because while almond flour doesn't absorb liquid well, coconut flour does, which leads to lighter, fluffier pancakes that hold together well.

Does it matter what flour you use for pancakes? ›

Sure. A LOT of pancake recipes actually recommend using self-rising flour instead of all-purpose. You probably would just not even need to add baking soda or powder in your recipe, as self-rising ALREADY has a leavening agent in it.

Why does my Dutch baby taste eggy? ›

Dutch Babies are “eggier” and taste similar to crepes or popovers. The eggs provide structure and the fat in the yolks adds richness and flavor. Sugar: Just 1 tablespoon sweetens the batter slightly and promotes beautiful browning. Vanilla extract: This adds a depth of flavor.

What is the difference between Yorkshire pudding and Dutch baby pancake? ›

To those in the know, a Dutch baby really is just a large, puffy pancake, while Yorkshire pudding is a savory side dish that has graced meat-heavy meals in England for centuries. Yet, some people tend to confuse the two as being the same, owing to a similarity of ingredients and appearance.

What do Dutch eat when a baby is born? ›

In the Netherlands, it is customary at the birth of a baby to eat muisjes on top of rusk—beschuit met muisjes (met meaning "with"); the anise in the muisjes symbolized fertility and was thought to stimulate lactation and to restore the uterus to its former size.

What's the difference between American flapjacks and pancakes? ›

In the US and Canada, pancakes and flapjacks are the same thing, but which word applies is mainly a regional difference. I know in the states we northerners are more likely to say pancake, but down south the flapjack is more likely to be the star of the breakfast table.

What are pancakes called in Mexico? ›

The small pancakes in Mexico are called "hotcakes" or "panqueques" in Spanish. They are similar to the American pancakes, but they are smaller and thinner, and sometimes they are filled with sweet or savory ingredients such as fruits, chocolate, cheese, or meat.

What do the French call their pancakes? ›

Crêpes are an ultra-thin pancake common in France that can be made sweet or savory, typically rolled or folded with a variety of fillings from jam or Nutella to ham and cheese to seafood.

What is Panokoken? ›

A Dutch pancake is very thin, almost crepe-like, but it is not made at all like a crepe. Dutch pannekoeken are made in large round frying pans so the pancake is usually at least a foot in diameter, and sometimes the toppings are cooked right inside the dough.

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