I can’t remember the first time I stumbled upon this recipe, but one thing is for sure I have been holding on to it for this very occasion…. I mean could there be any more perfect way to celebrate your half-Dutch husband’s birthday?
Also worth the wait? The giant Dutch Puff (apparently, it’s other name) that emerges from the oven after it’s done baking. Light, yet still slightly crunchy, the height this baby gets is all from the eggs (all three of them) in the batter. Another interesting fact: the batter has not a drop of sugar, which means your topping of choice has got to be amazing to compliment the flavour. Icing sugar is the norm, but how can you resist all the fruit that is in season right this second.
These beautiful concord grapes were one such splurge. I had full intention of making this with apples, totally on-trend for the season, but then…. well…. concord grapes!! Have you eaten them? They are the exact sweet spot where your childhood and adult life intersect, somehow reminiscent of both PB&J and edible wine all in one tiny little purple globe. 
Dutch Baby Pancake with Spiced Concord Grape Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A puffy Dutch baby pancake, light and crunchy, is the perfect vessel for a warm spiced concord grape sauce. Inspired by Hummingbird High.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (473 ml) concord grapes
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 orange, juice only
- 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- pinch of ground cloves
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 2/3 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 orange, zest only
- 2/3 cup spelt flour
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 6 Tbsp butter
Instructions
- For Concord Grape Syrup
- In a medium saucepan, heat grapes, maple syrup, orange juice, and spices over low heat until grapes have released their juices (about 30 minutes).
- Allow to cool. Remove cinnamon sticks and star anise. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve and discard any solids.
- For Dutch Baby
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C), with the cast iron skillet placed in the middle rack.
- In a bowl of a stand mixer (or using a whisk), beat eggs until pale yellow and frothy. Add milk, vanilla, and orange zest; mix to combine. Add flour, spices, and salt. Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and runny.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and add butter. Carefully swirl it around the bottom and sides of the pan until all the butter is melted. Add batter and place the skillet back in the oven.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until golden.
- Serve with concord grape syrup and orange slices.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter in the Dutch baby batter.
- If concord grapes are unavailable, substitute with other dark-colored grapes like blackberries or blueberries, adjusting sweetness as needed.
- Store leftover Dutch baby in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a low oven or on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 150
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Dutch baby pancake not puff up properly?
The two most common reasons are a pan that was not hot enough when the batter went in, and batter that was cold from the refrigerator. Use a cast iron or oven-safe skillet, heat it in the oven while the oven preheats, and let your eggs come to room temperature before mixing the batter.
How ripe should the Concord grapes be for the spiced sauce?
Fully ripe Concord grapes with deep purple skin and a strong, musky fragrance give the best flavor and natural sweetness in the sauce. Under-ripe grapes can be quite tart, so you may need to adjust sugar quantities depending on the batch.
Can I make the Concord grape sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the spiced grape sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and actually tastes better after a day as the spices mellow into the fruit. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat before serving over the freshly baked Dutch baby.
