Nuns puff, also known as German pancakes or Dutch baby pancakes, are a delightful treat that balances the lightness of a souffle with the comforting texture of a pancake. These golden, puffy delights are perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast.
Their dramatic rise in the oven is as fun to watch as it is delicious to eat, offering a crispy edge with a tender, custardy center. Whether topped with fresh fruit, maple syrup, or powdered sugar, nuns puffs never fail to impress both in appearance and flavor.
Originating from German and Dutch baking traditions, this recipe has traveled across the globe to become a beloved classic. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients you probably already have on hand.
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both quick and impressive, nuns puff will become your new go-to. Let’s dive into the details of making this beautiful dish that’s sure to brighten up your mornings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Nuns puff is a recipe that combines simplicity with elegance. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet the result looks like it belongs in a fancy bakery.
You’ll love it because it:
- Uses basic pantry ingredients like eggs, flour, and milk.
- Requires minimal prep time but yields impressive results.
- Is versatile – perfect for sweet or savory toppings.
- Can be served as breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
- Is naturally gluten-friendly if made with alternative flours.
Plus, the golden puff itself is light, airy, and slightly crisp on the edges, making every bite a delightful experience. It’s a recipe that brings a little magic to your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup whole milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, fresh berries, or lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan (9 to 10 inches recommended)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve for powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for the puff to rise beautifully.
- Place the butter in your oven-safe skillet and put it in the oven to melt while it heats. It should be sizzling but not browned.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes works perfectly.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and swirl the melted butter to coat the bottom and sides evenly.
- Pour the batter into the hot skillet and immediately place it back in the oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes without opening the oven door. The puff will rise dramatically and turn golden brown.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it settle for a minute or two. It will deflate slightly but still remain fluffy.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, or a squeeze of lemon.
Tips & Variations
For best results, make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. This helps the batter blend smoothly and rise properly.
- Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and a beautiful crisp edge.
- Try alternative flours like almond or oat flour for gluten-free versions.
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice twist.
- For a savory twist, omit sugar and vanilla, then add herbs, cheese, or sautéed vegetables.
- Serve with a dollop of fresh salad or alongside a cup of tea for a balanced meal.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/4 recipe) |
---|---|
Calories | 220 |
Protein | 8g |
Carbohydrates | 18g |
Fat | 12g |
Saturated Fat | 7g |
Sugar | 5g |
Fiber | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
Nuns puff is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving ideas. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Classic: Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with pure maple syrup for a sweet, traditional taste.
- Fresh Fruit: Top with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a bright, tart contrast.
- Savory Style: Serve with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and a sprinkle of cheese for a brunch-worthy savory option. Check out this Active Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy and Energized Living for more savory inspiration.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream or coconut cream for extra indulgence.
Conclusion
Nuns puff is a timeless recipe that brings a touch of elegance to your breakfast or brunch table with minimal effort. Its impressive rise and delicate texture make it a crowd-pleaser that’s both fun and satisfying to make.
Whether you enjoy it sweet with fruit and syrup or savory with herbs and cheese, this versatile dish can be customized to suit your taste and mood.
Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire, perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special occasions. For more delicious and easy-to-make dishes, explore other tasty recipes like Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or discover wholesome meals in Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.
Enjoy the magic of nuns puff and happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Nuns Puff Recipe
Description: Nuns puffs are light, fluffy fried dough balls, similar to doughnuts but less sweet. They are a classic Southern treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil, fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 20g
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