Orange Dutch Baby Pancake with Fresh Berries

A dutch baby pancake has to be one of the simplest dishes to prepare and it is probably one of the most impressive.  Its perfect for breakfast and brunch, or even a light dessert.  You probably have all the ingredients to make one on hand.  A good dutch baby is crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.  The key to making a good dutch baby is room temperature ingredients, a hot oven, and a hot cast iron skillet. 

Orange Dutch Baby Pancake with Fresh Berries

4 tbs butter, cut into small pieces

3 large eggs, room temperature

2/3 cup whole milk, room temperature

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbs sugar

1/4 tsp salt

2 tsp orange zest

powdered sugar, for dusting at serving

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  Place a 9 or 10 inch cast iron skillet in the oven.  Meanwhile in a blender combine the eggs, milk, flour, vanilla, sugar, salt, and the orange zest.  Blend until smooth.  The batter will be thin.  Then remove the skillet from the oven.  Add the butter and place back into the oven until the butter is melted.  Then remove the skillet from the oven and pour the batter into the hot skillet.  Place the skillet back in the oven and  bake for 18 to 25 minutes, until it is puffy and golden brown.   Serve imediately with a light dusting of powdered sugar and some fresh berries.

Make this for Mom on Mother's Day!  I'm sure this will make her day.