Mornings don’t get lovelier than this. A crisp oven-puffed pancake, filled with a mound of assorted fresh berries, all lightly dusted with powdered sugar. This recipe promises to please even the pickiest eater.
Special Equipment
For the pancake
- 2 extra-large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup unbleached all-purpose flour, sifted
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Spice Blend for Quick Breads
- assorted berries and powdered sugar
If you don’t have the pre-assembled spice blend: combine 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon ginger and 1/8 teaspoon allspice.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400º with the rack on the center shelf.
To make the batter
Whisk the eggs with the milk, sugar, salt and vanilla. Pour the flour over the egg mixture and, using a batter whisk or a regular whisk, combine the ingredients until no large dry pockets remain. Then, give the batter a few more brisk stirs to make the mixture come together, but don’t overwork it (small lumps will still be visible).
To preheat the dish
Place the butter in a 9 1/2 inch glass pie plate or a 10-inch well-seasoned cast iron skillet and place the pan in the preheated oven for 6 minutes, or until the butter is melted and bubbling and the pan is very hot.
To cook the pancake
Pull the rack toward you so the dish (or pan) is accessible. Working quickly, keeping the oven hot, whisk the spice blend into the hot butter. Shut the door and let this heat for 1 minute. Open the door and pour in the pancake batter (don’t worry if it seems uneven). Shut the door and bake the pancake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the sides are very high and golden and the center is irregularly puffed.
To serve
Remove from the oven and use a thin metal spatula to transfer the pancake (which will look like a giant empty pastry bowl), to a serving plate. Use a paper towel to dab off any excess melted butter in the center. Serve the pancake immediately, filled with mixed fresh berries, dusted lightly with powdered sugar.
Timing is Everything
Want to enjoy these pancakes first thing in the morning?
If you’ve made your spice blend ahead of time, you’re ahead of the game.
The night before: Measure and sift the flour. Leave the dish or pan on your work surface. Measure out the butter and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator. Assemble a bowl of assorted berries and keep chilled. Measure 1 teaspoon of the spice mix and leave this in a small covered bowl. Set the table for breakfast.