Dutch Baby Pancakes (Finnish Pannukakku)

Pannukakku is the premier pancake of Finland. It is a wonderful dish to prepare when you're craving pancakes but don't want to spend a lot of time flipping at the griddle. Although it is called an oven-baked pancake, a pannukakku is really more like a combination of French toast, custard, crepe, and pancake. It comes out of the oven as an impressive golden crater. The crispy sides rise above the edges of the pan and the center is creamy and glistening with the melted butter. You may have seen similar recipes titled German pancake or Dutch baby. No matter what it is called, it is a delicious alternative to the average breakfast.

all-purpose flour, unbleached (50 g)
1 tsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. granulated white sugar
pinch kosher salt
4 eggs
milk (6 dL)
butter, melted (25 g)

To Serve:
jam
fresh berries
powdered sugar
whipped cream

In a big mixing bowl, put flour, baking powder, sugar and salt, whisk.

Make a well in the middle of flour mixture, put 4 eggs in the middle and whisk thoroughly.

Add milk and continue whisking until all ingredients are incorporated. Cover the bowl with cling film and let it sit for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4) and grease the base and sides of your oven dish with melted butter.

Pour the batter in the oven dish and put the dish in the oven, in the upper rack.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, until it rises a little and the surface gets golden brown.

Serve with toppings of your choice.

Makes 4-6 servings.