A Finnish oven pancake
Pannukakku is a traditional Finnish oven pancake, a dessert similar to a Dutch baby pancake. It is made with milk, flour, eggs, sugar, and butter. The batter is poured into a hot skillet or baking dish and baked in the oven until golden brown and puffed up. Pannukakku is often served with lingonberry jam, whipped cream, or ice cream.
History of Pannukakku
The history of pannukakku can be traced back to the 16th century. The first known recipe for pannukakku was published in a Finnish cookbook in 1583. The pancake was originally made with rye flour, but over time, wheat flour became more common. Pannukakku was a popular dish among Finnish farmers and was often served as a breakfast or dessert.
Preparation of Pannukakku
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch skillet or baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Tips for Making Pannukakku
- For a crispier pannukakku, cook it in a cast-iron skillet.
- If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, you can use a regular baking dish. Just be sure to grease it well.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing will result in a tough pancake.
- Let the pancake cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it to set.
Variations on Pannukakku
There are many different ways to make pannukakku. Here are a few variations:
- Apple Pannukakku: Add 1 cup of chopped apples to the batter.
- Blueberry Pannukakku: Add 1 cup of blueberries to the batter.
- Cinnamon Pannukakku: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter.
- Vanilla Pannukakku: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
Serving Pannukakku
Pannukakku is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It can be served with a variety of toppings, such as:
- Lingonberry jam
- Whipped cream
- Ice cream
- Fresh fruit
- Chocolate chips
- Cinnamon sugar
Pannukakku is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you’re looking for a special treat, give pannukakku a try!