Dessert

Apple Dutch Baby For One Recipe

Bylina Carter November 9, 2025November 9, 2025

Introduction

This Apple Dutch Baby for One is a delightful single-serving treat that’s both fluffy and flavorful. With tender baked apples and a hint of cinnamon, it makes a perfect breakfast or cozy dessert.

A golden-brown Dutch baby pancake sits in a black cast iron skillet. The pancake has a puffed, uneven surface with some crispy, curled edges showing darker brown spots. Slices of tender apple are embedded throughout, soft and slightly browned on top. The entire pancake is lightly dusted with a fine layer of white powdered sugar, giving a delicate snowy effect. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface with a hint of red fabric in the upper right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ tablespoon salted butter
1 large egg

¼ cup milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour

⅛ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 small apple, thinly sliced (about ½ cup of sliced apples)

1 teaspoon sugar
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the butter in a 6.5-inch cast iron skillet or a 5×5-inch baking dish and put it in the oven to melt as it heats.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of sugar until blended.
Step 3: Add the flour, salt, and ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon to the egg mixture and whisk until fully combined with no lumps.
Step 4: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Swirl the melted butter to coat the bottom evenly, then arrange the sliced apples in a single layer across the pan.

Step 5: Slowly pour the batter over the apples, tilting the skillet if needed to spread it evenly.
Step 6: Mix together 1 teaspoon sugar and ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
Step 7: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center has puffed up. The Dutch baby will deflate slightly as it cools.

Step 8: Serve warm directly from the skillet or transfer carefully to a plate and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
Use a tart apple variety like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, any oven-safe small baking dish will work.
Top with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup before serving for added sweetness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave before serving, although the Dutch baby is best enjoyed fresh and puffed.

How to Serve

A small black cast iron skillet holds a single layer of partially cooked golden-yellow batter with a smooth, creamy texture. On top, thin apple slices are arranged in an overlapping pattern, covered with a dusting of light brown cinnamon sugar and a drizzle of syrup that glistens. The edges of the apples have slight browning, and the skillet is set on a black trivet against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a cast iron skillet?

Yes, you can use any small oven-safe baking dish about 5×5 inches in size. Just be sure to melt the butter in it before adding the batter to prevent sticking.

What can I use instead of milk?

You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk without affecting the texture too much. Just keep it to the same amount for best results.