Molly Sims seems to have it all. While it may not seem like it, the actress, model and mom to three children is just like us. She once struggle with cozy, winter breakfasts for her and her family that still packed in nutrients. We caught up with her this month to get some tips and a delicious apple dutch pancake recipe.
Does is your favorite winter breakfast?
Molly: One of my favorite morning meals during the winter season is a hearty bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar and berries. My kids and I love this because it’s simple, but keeps us full and going until our next meal. 
What is your go-to breakfast recipe when you need to be warmed through and through?
Molly: I have a wonderful Apple Dutch Pancake recipe that I love to make for my family during the winter. It’s a traditional baked German pancake with the perfect combination of apples and cinnamon. I always make the dish using fairlife 2% ultra-filtered milk because it has 50% more protein than conventional milk, making it not only delicious, but a healthy way for me and my family to start the day. The extra protein also helps the batter hold up—so this delicate pancake doesn’t fall during baking and keeps its creamy consistency. I love to serve this dish and cuddle up against the fire with a warm cup of hot chocolate.
What is you best breakfast for servings a crowd?
Molly: When I cook for a crowd, I always look for dishes that can be made easily in advance. This relieves the stress of cooking in real time and allows the hostess to enjoy the meal with friends and family as well. One of my go-to’s is an egg white muffin frittata paired with mixed berries, bacon and a grapefruit salad. Another fun and easy crowd pleasing breakfast is a build your own yogurt bowl bar. I like to serve Greek yogurt and then provide my guests with a variety of toppings including berries, granola, coconut flakes, nuts, etc.
Any other winter nutrition tips? Especially for kids?
Molly: Find a dish that your entire family loves, but also gives them the nutrients they need for the day ahead—like the Apple Dutch Baby Pancake recipe. This one-dish meal is a recipe my whole family can enjoy, including my son Brooks who is lactose intolerant. All of my kids have various nutritional needs, but fairlife ultra filtered milk really does check all the boxes. It is lactose free, gives them protein, has 50% less sugar (we all know kids could use less of that!) and has 30% more calcium to keep them growing strong not year round!
Apple Dutch Pancake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Apple Dutch Pancake is a traditional German baked pancake featuring caramelized apples and a hint of cinnamon, perfect for cozy winter mornings.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup fairlife 2% ultra-filtered milk
- 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 3 teaspoons sugar, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, divided (optional)
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC) with the rack in the middle position.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until they are light and frothy.
- Add the fairlife ultra-filtered milk, flour, a pinch of kosher salt, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon of cardamom (if using) to the eggs. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- In a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apple, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/8 teaspoon of cardamom (if using), and the cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the batter over the apples in the skillet. Immediately transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pancake is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pancake cool slightly. It will deflate as it cools.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup, if desired.
Notes
Use fairlife ultra-filtered milk for a higher protein content and to accommodate lactose intolerance. The pancake is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven. Serve with hot chocolate for a cozy winter breakfast. Consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 150
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to use fairlife 2% ultra-filtered milk in the Apple Dutch Pancake?
Using fairlife 2% ultra-filtered milk adds 50% more protein than conventional milk, which helps the pancake batter hold its structure during baking and contributes to a creamy consistency.
What type of apples work best for the Apple Dutch Pancake?
For the best flavor and texture, use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold up well during baking and complement the cinnamon.
How can I ensure my Apple Dutch Pancake rises properly in the oven?
Make sure to preheat your oven and cast iron skillet thoroughly before adding the batter, as the hot surface helps create steam that lifts the pancake while baking.
The apple dutch pancake looks mouth watering! Just loved the post. Thanks you so much for sharing this with me!!