Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is crucial for creating that beautiful puff. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking pan. Spray a 9×13-inch pan or a 10.25-inch cast iron skillet with cooking spray. This ensures that your Dutch Baby won’t stick.
Next, add the cold pieces of unsalted butter to the greased pan. Set it aside while your oven reaches the desired temperature. The butter will melt and brown, adding a lovely flavor and texture.
In a high-powered blender, combine the all-purpose flour, whole milk, large eggs, egg yolk, salt, and vanilla extract. If you’re using sugar and ground cinnamon, add those too. Blend until everything is smooth—this should take about 50 seconds. If you prefer, you can refrigerate the batter at this point and bake it the next day.
Now, place the prepared pan with butter in the oven. Once the butter has melted, you can choose to brown it for extra flavor. Watch it closely, as you want it to be golden brown and nutty-smelling, not burnt!
As soon as the butter is melted or browned, pour the batter into the pan using a figure-8 pattern. This ensures even distribution, creating that signature puff.
Bake your Dutch Baby for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is puffy, golden at the edges, and no longer glossy. This is the moment you get to see the magic happen!
Once it’s done baking, dust the top with powdered sugar, slice it, and serve immediately. You can add fresh berries, whipped cream, or even caramel syrup if desired. Enjoy the delightful textures and flavors!
If you want to make the optional caramel syrup, combine butter, brown sugar, cream, and salt in a heavy-bottomed pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 5 to 8 minutes until thickened and bubbly. Stir in the vanilla extract once it’s off the heat and drizzle it over your Dutch Baby.
Now, sit back and relish the compliments coming your way as you serve this impressive dish to family and friends!