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This single serving Apple Dutch baby is a light, oven-baked pancake filled with warm cinnamon apples. It’s made with simple ingredients and bakes up golden and puffy in a small skillet or baking dish.

a mini apple dutch baby in a small cast iron skillet next to a red napkin and a bowl of fried apples.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy: Made with simple ingredients and steps.
  • Quick: Ready in about 20 minutes.
  • Single Serving: Perfectly portioned with no waste.
  • Scales Easily: Double the recipe and use a 9-inch skillet to serve two.

This Apple Dutch baby is one of my favorite breakfast recipes to make when I want something warm, comforting, and a little special.

The pancake puffs up beautifully in the oven, wrapping around tender cinnamon apples, and the edges turn golden and crisp. It looks impressive but comes together with just a few basic ingredients.

Looking for more single serving recipes using one apple? Try our quick apple pie oatmeal, single serve applesauce, one apple dumpling, or a small apple cobbler.

joanie's signature.

Ingredients

butter, milk, an apple, egg, vanilla, cinnamon, flour and sugar on a wooden cutting board in a kitchen.

If you have leftover ingredients from this small apple Dutch baby recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder. See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

  • Butter: Greases the skillet for a golden, crisp edge. Use salted or unsalted.
  • Egg: One large egg adds structure and moisture.
  • Milk: Use any cow’s milk. Almond milk works as a dairy-free option.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour is best. Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed.
  • Sliced Apple: Use one medium apple (Gala, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp). Extra apples? Try them in small apple cake recipe, single serve apple crisp, and apple fritters for one.
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Recipe Variations

This apple Dutch baby is easy to customize with different fruits and flavors. Try one of these simple variations:

  • Blueberry Dutch Baby: Replace the apple with a handful of fresh blueberries.
  • Peach Dutch Baby: Use thinly sliced peaches in place of apples.
  • Ham and Cheese Dutch Baby: For a savory version, use ham and cheese instead of fruit.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Only: Skip the fruit and bake a plain Dutch baby, then top with a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar after baking.

How To Make An Apple Dutch Baby

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a single serve apple Dutch baby. See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set 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 preheats.

Tip: A baking dish with high sides works just as well as a skillet. While the skillet gives slightly crisper edges, both will puff up beautifully. Be sure to preheat the butter to prevent sticking.

  1. Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vanilla, and sugar. For an extra smooth batter, use a blender.
egg, milk, and sugar whisked together in a mixing bowl.
  1. Add Dry Ingredients: Whisk in the flour, salt, and cinnamon until fully combined.
dutch baby batter in a mixing bowl.
  1. Add Apples to Skillet: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Swirl the butter to coat the bottom, then evenly arrange the sliced apples in the pan.
melted butter in a cast iron skillet next to a skillet filled with sliced apples.
  1. Add the Batter: Slowly pour the batter over the apples. Tilt the skillet or dish slightly if needed to spread it evenly.
pancake batter poured over sliced apples in a cast iron skillet.
  1. Add Topping: Mix the cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle over the batter.
cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top of an unbaked apple dutch baby.
  1. Bake: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is puffed. The Dutch baby will deflate slightly as it cools. Serve warm directly from the skillet or transfer to a plate.
an apple dutch baby puffed up just out of the oven.

Expert Tips

  • Blend for Smooth Batter: Whisk well or use a blender to eliminate lumps.
  • Preheat the Pan: A hot skillet or dish helps the Dutch baby rise properly.
  • Use the Right Size: Stick to a 6.5-inch cast iron skillet or a 5×5-inch baking dish. Larger pans will spread the batter too thin.
  • Check for Oven Safety: If using a baking dish, be sure it’s safe to use at 400°F.

Topping Suggestions

This small Apple Dutch baby is delicious as-is, but these toppings add extra flavor and texture:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a Dutch baby ahead of time?

Dutch babies are best served fresh, straight from the oven. They deflate as they cool and are less impressive when reheated.

Do I need a cast iron skillet to make a Dutch baby?

No, a 5×5-inch oven-safe baking dish works just as well. Just make sure it’s safe at 400°F.

Why didn’t my Dutch baby puff up?

The skillet or baking dish may not have been hot enough, or the batter wasn’t blended smoothly. Make sure to preheat the pan and mix the batter well.

How do I know when a Dutch baby is done?

The edges should be golden and crisp, and the center should be puffed and set. The Dutch baby will deflate as it cools.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Double the ingredients and use a 9-inch skillet.

More Single Serving Breakfast Recipes

If you love this small Apple Dutch Baby, try these other single serving breakfast recipes – perfect for a great start to your day with no leftovers!

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

If you’ve tried this mini Apple Dutch Baby recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!


Cooking For One Made Easy
Because you’re worth it

Apple Dutch Baby For One

5 from 14 votes
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
This Apple Dutch Baby is a light, puffy pancake baked with sweet cinnamon apples. Made in a small skillet or baking dish, it's perfect for a single serving breakfast or brunch.

Equipment

Ingredients 
 

  • ½ tablespoon salted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 small apple – thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup of sliced apples)

For the Topping

  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Instructions 

  • Set the oven to 400°F. Place the butter in a 6.5-inch cast iron skillet or 5×5-inch baking dish and put it in the oven to melt as it preheats.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vanilla, and sugar.
  • Whisk in the flour, salt, and cinnamon until fully combined.
  • Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Swirl the butter to coat the bottom, then evenly arrange the sliced apples in the pan.
  • Slowly pour the batter over the apples. Tilt the skillet or dish slightly if needed to spread it evenly.
  • Mix together 1 teaspoon of sugar and ⅛ teaspoon of cinnamon, then sprinkle over the batter.
  • Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is puffed. The Dutch baby will deflate slightly as it cools. Serve warm directly from the skillet or transfer to a plate.

Notes

  • Blend for Smooth Batter: Whisk well or use a blender to eliminate lumps.
  • Preheat the Pan: A hot skillet or dish helps the Dutch baby rise properly.
  • Use the Right Size: Stick to a 6.5-inch cast iron skillet or a 5×5-inch baking dish. Larger pans will spread the batter too thin.
  • Check for Oven Safety: If using a baking dish, be sure it’s safe to use at 400°F.
 
 
If doubling this recipe, use a use a 9-inch cast iron skillet or an 8×8-inch baking dish. These sizes allow the batter to spread properly while still puffing up as it bakes. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 365kcal, Carbohydrates: 56g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 202mg, Sodium: 440mg, Potassium: 359mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 27g, Vitamin A: 650IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 118mg, Iron: 3mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Welcome!

I’m Joanie, chef, author of The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook, and creator of One Dish Kitchen. With 10+ years of experience developing single serving and small batch recipes, I’m passionate about making cooking for one simple and enjoyable. So glad you’re here!

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5 from 14 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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24 Comments

  1. Jenny says:

    This looks like a great recipe. I see that it can be doubled. If I do double it, to serve for 2 people, what size skillet or baking dish should I use?

    Thanks!

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      If doubling the recipe, I suggest using an 8 inch skillet.

  2. Susan says:

    Hubby & I tried the Apple Dutch Baby this morning; quick & easy, recipe was prepped & ready before the oven was even up to temp.
    But the best part… it fits into our Weight Watchers plan topped with a little low fat yogurt & sugar free syrup – delicious! This will be on our regular rotation.

  3. Stephanie says:

    Oh, so good!

  4. Sha says:

    I just made the Apple Dutch Baby. It was so easy and delicious!!!! I had some heavy cream so I made fresh whipped topping. Loved it!!!

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Wonderful! I’m so happy you enjoyed it.