Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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This simple 20-minute pannenkoeken recipe highlights the Dutch pancakes' delicate texture and flavor. All they need is a sprinkling of brown sugar.

I make two versions of these tasty pancakes - one with whole-wheat flour and one with coconut flour. Both are excellent!

Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

Pannenkoeken (literally translates to pancakes) are Dutch pancakes. They are very similar to French crepes, but they are thicker and sturdier and usually served rolled up, with just a sprinkling of sugar.

Unlike "Dutch Babies", these pancakes are truly Dutch. One of my fondest childhood memories is of my Dutch-born dad standing in the kitchen, making us big, thick pannenkoeken sprinkled with lots of sugar.

Jump to:
  • Whole-Wheat Version
  • Gluten-FreeVersion
  • Expert Tip
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • Related Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card

Whole-Wheat Version

Scroll down to the recipe card for this version. My pancakes are smaller than dad's and they are made with whole-wheat flour.

Dad used to sprinkle his pancakes with white sugar, but I use brown sugar because it adds flavor in addition to sweetness.

If you use all-purpose flour, you can use just one cup of milk, since white flour absorbs less liquid. You’ll know the batter is right if it spreads easily in the skillet.

Gluten-FreeVersion

After transitioning to a low-carb and gluten-free diet, I created a gluten-free version using coconut flour. While certainly nontraditional, it's very good. Watch the video below to see how I make these pannenkoeken. Here's the detailed recipe for this version.

Ingredients

3 large eggs
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ cup (28 grams) coconut flour
Cooking oil for pan (I use avocado oil)

Pannenkoeken Instructions

  • Break the eggs into a medium bowl and lightly beat them. Add the milk and vanilla and whisk to incorporate. (Photo 1).
  • Add the coconut flour and whisk patiently until very smooth. Allow the batter to thicken for 1-2 minutes, then whisk again. (Photo 2).
  • Heat a small, 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Spray it with cooking spray or grease it with butter.
  • For each pancake, pour a scant ⅓ cup of the batter into the skillet. Swirl to spread. Cook until the top is bubbly and the bottom is set, 2-3 minutes.
  • Using a wide spatula, or two regular spatulas, as shown in the video, very carefully flip the pannekoek - it's not as sturdy as a wheat flour one so work carefully. (Photo 3).
  • Cook the second side briefly - it will be done in 30 seconds to 1 minute, then slide the pancake onto a plate. (Photo 4).
  • Spray the skillet again and continue cooking the pancakes until all the batter is gone. Pile the cooked pannenkoeken on top of each other on a plate and cover them loosely with foil to keep them warm.
  • Sprinkle each of them with sugar (or a sugar-free sweetener), roll, and serve. (Photos 5-6).
Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2)

Nutrition info

The recipe makes 6. Nutrition for 2 (pancake only, no toppings):
Calories: 210 Fat: 14g Saturated fat: 5g Carbohydrates: 10g Sugar: 12g Sodium: 127mg Fiber: 3g Protein: 10g

Expert Tip

Just like crepes, you can make this recipe in advance. Cook the entire batch, and keep them piled on a baking sheet.

Then briefly warm them in a hot oven, loosely covered with foil so they don’t dry out. Finally, sprinkle them with sugar, roll, and serve.

Recipe FAQs

What is the difference between pannenkoeken and pancakes?

Pannenkoeken are larger and thinner. They are closer to French crepes than to American pancakes, although they are thicker than crepes.

Where do pannenkoeken originate from?

They originate from the Netherlands. Their name literally translates to "Pan-Cakes."

Are Dutch pancakes served for breakfast?

They can be served for any meal. There are savory versions that can be served for lunch or even dinner. Many pannekoek restaurants in the Netherlands are open from noon until 7 or 8 pm.

They can also be served as dessert or as a snack. My dad typically made them a couple of hours after dinner, as a snack.

Serving Suggestions

Faithful to my childhood memories, the only filling I like for pannenkoeken is sugar (real or fake). But there are other tasty filling options if you'd like to experiment:

  • Chocolate hazelnut spread (homemade or store-bought)
  • Whipped cream or chocolate whipped cream
  • Blueberry compote or strawberry compote
  • Fried bananas
  • Cream cheese and jam

Storing Leftovers

You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave, covered, at 50% power.

Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (3)
  • Keto Crepes
  • Keto Hazelnut Spread
  • Almond Flour Pancakes
  • Blueberry Compote

Recipe Card

Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (8)

4.93 from 82 votes

Print Recipe

Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes)

This simple pannenkoeken recipe highlights the pancakes' delicate texture and flavor. All they need is a sprinkling of brown sugar.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Dutch

Servings: 10 pancakes

Calories: 239kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white whole-wheat flour
  • ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder gluten-free if needed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ¼ cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon melted butter for the skillet
  • ¼ cup brown sugar packed

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and baking powder.

  • In another medium bowl, beat the eggs. Add the milk, butter, and vanilla. Slowly stir in the flour mixture. Whisk to combine.

  • Heat a 6-inch skillet over medium heat for about 4 minutes. Brush it with a thin layer of butter. Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet, swirling the skillet to spread evenly. Cook until golden for 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s time to flip the pancake when the edges start separating from the skillet:

    Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (9)

  • Carefully flip the pannekoek, using two wide spatulas. Cook it for 1-2 more minutes on the second side, until golden.

  • Transfer the pannekoek to a dinner plate. Sprinkle it with brown sugar, roll it up, and serve.

Video

Notes

  • After transitioning to a low-carb, gluten-free diet, I created a gluten-free version using coconut flour. While certainly nontraditional, it's very good. The detailed recipe for this version is included in the post above.
  • You can cut the frying time in half by using 2 skillets simultaneously.
  • Just likecrepes, you can make this recipe in advance. Cook the entire batch, and keep them piled on a baking sheet. Then briefly warm them in a hot oven, loosely covered with foil so they don’t dry out. Finally, sprinkle them with sugar, roll, and serve.
  • You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave, covered, at 50% power.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 2pannenkoeken | Calories: 239kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 339mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 14g

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Most of our recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read our Terms of Use carefully before using any of our recipes.

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About the Author

Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (20) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

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Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between a Dutch baby and a pannekoek? ›

Both Netherlands-style Pannenkoeken and Dutch Baby pancakes make a wonderful breakfast option as the batter can be made the night before and, in the case of the Dutch Baby, the pancake is baked in the oven, making it a relatively hands-off recipe.

What is special about Dutch pancakes? ›

A Dutch pancake is usually larger and much thinner than the thick and fluffy American pancakes. If you order a Dutch pancake at PANCAKES Amsterdam, you will get a delicious thin pancake with a diameter of 32 centimeters. Pancakes are made of basic ingredients, namely flour, milk, salt, and eggs.

What is the difference between pannekoeken and Crepes? ›

Pannenkoeken are usually larger (up to a foot in diameter) and much thinner than their American or Scotch pancake counterparts, but not as thin as crêpes. They may incorporate slices of bacon, apples, cheese, or raisins.

What is the nutritional information of Dutch pancake? ›

Nutritional Info: Per serving: About 1/2 pancake, 400 calories (200 from fat), 23g total fat, 11g saturated fat, 465mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 32g carbohydrates (1g dietary fiber, 6g sugar), 17g protein.

What does pannenkoeken mean in English? ›

Literally translated “pannenkoek” is the Dutch word for pancake. A pannenkoek is a delicious crepe with a variety of ingredients cooked right into the batter, making this not your average North American pancake.

Is a German pancake the same as a pannekoek? ›

Folks tend to use the two names, German pancake and pannekoeken, interchangeably. But a German pancake is made in a casserole dish or baking pan, not a specialty pan as used for pannekoeken. A pannekoeken rises in a giant bowl. Typically, but not always, the fruit is loaded in after the pannekoeken comes from the oven.

What is the difference between Dutch pancakes and regular pancakes? ›

Another difference is how each is made. Curious Cuisiniere explains that pannenkoek (pannenkoeken when speaking in plurals) is much bigger than its American cousin. They are said to be pan-sized, about 32 centimeters (a little over 12 inches) in diameter, and a little thicker than the French crepe.

What is the difference between Yorkshire pudding and Dutch baby pancake? ›

A Dutch baby is very similar to a Yorkshire pudding, with a few differences: the Yorkshire pudding is more likely to be baked in individual servings, the pan is usually greased with beef drippings, and the result is rarely sweet. Dutch babies are larger, use butter rather than beef fat, and are frequently sweet.

What is the difference between Dutch and French pancakes? ›

What is the difference between Dutch pancakes called "pannenkoeken" and other similar dishes like French crepes or American pancakes? They are all made with the same batter (flour, eggs, milk, butter and salt). The only difference really lays in size and thickness.

Are crepes healthier than pancakes? ›

Because they are thin, they have fewer calories, fat, and sugar. If you are looking for protein-rich food, fill them with Greek yogurt or nut butter. This is the reason why healthy food businesses absolutely love these versatile delicacies.

What are three types of pancakes? ›

15 Types of Pancake Recipes from Across the Globe
  • French Crêpes. French crêpes are well known in the UK and are officially made in a crêpe pan to form a thin pancake. ...
  • American-Style Pancakes. ...
  • Scotch Pancakes. ...
  • Indonesian Serabi. ...
  • Russian Blinis. ...
  • Moroccan Msem*n. ...
  • Danish Aebleskiver. ...
  • Irish Boxty.

What is the difference between a blintz and a blini? ›

Blini are thin pancakes made with buckwheat flour, not to be confused with blintzes, which are thinner, like crepes. PUBLISHED: April 25, 2017 at 1:00 a.m. | UPDATED: August 19, 2021 at 4:00 a.m. “Pigeons,” blinis and blintzes.

What are the healthiest pancakes to eat? ›

Top 20 healthy pancake recipes
  • Banana oat pancakes.
  • Buckwheat crêpe madames.
  • Easy pancakes.
  • Spinach & tuna pancakes.
  • Coconut & banana pancakes.
  • Keto pancakes.
  • Easy protein pancakes.
  • Spinach crespolini.

Can a pancake be healthy? ›

First, you can make them with whole grains, like whole-wheat flour, which will add heart-healthy filling fiber. You can also add healthy toppings, like yogurt, nuts and fruit, to boost protein, vitamins and fiber to transform pancakes into a nutritious breakfast that will help you stay full through the morning.

Are protein pancakes healthy for you? ›

Protein pancakes are often seen as a healthier option than regular pancakes. This is because protein pancakes tend to be made with healthier ingredients, such as protein powder, oats, and egg whites. In contrast, regular pancakes are often made with refined flour, sugar, and butter.

What do Dutch baby pancakes taste like? ›

Dutch Baby Pancakes taste like Crepes but in pancake. form. The batter puffs up to form a billowy crust with a. custard-like center.

Why are poffertjes important to the Netherlands? ›

The Dutch have been enjoying these bite-sized beauties since at least the 1700s, serving them at weddings, birthday parties, and other festive occasions. They are also a popular street food, sold from stalls on city streets and at outdoor festivals. Legend has it that poffertjes may even be divine in origin.

What is the difference between poffertjes and pancakes? ›

Poffertjes are actually a kind of Dutch mini pancakes, but they are more fluffy. Most children love them, but they are also a tasty snack for adults. The poffertjes are baked in a special poffertjes pan, here they are baked delicious brown, cooked and crispy, but they still remain soft and airy.

What is a pancake in Dutch slang? ›

A pancake, just a typical Dutch dish. But it's also something you can call someone. An Ajax-fan (Ajax is the biggest football club in the Netherlands) made this one nationally popular in the 2000's when he called one of the most famous Dutch players, Marco van Basten, a pannenkoek.

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