Hot Strawberry Jam Dutch Baby Recipe

If you’re craving a show-stopping brunch centerpiece that’s secretly effortless, this Hot Strawberry Jam Dutch Baby is calling your name. Imagine a billowy, golden oven pancake crowned with a bright, warm homemade strawberry jam — each bite is sunshine on a plate, with tangy-sweet berries melting down into a custardy, gently crisp Dutch baby base. It’s comfort food and pure joy, all baked up in one skillet.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Even though this Hot Strawberry Jam Dutch Baby looks fancy, the ingredients are all kitchen staples, each adding something magical. Every component works together to create that perfect cloudlike pancake, balanced with bright, jammy fruit.

• Fresh Strawberries (6 cups, sliced): The star! Fresh berries bring brightness and real strawberry flavor to the jam.
• Maple Syrup (⅓–½ cup): Adds just the right sweetness and a subtle depth that’s so much cozier than plain sugar.
• Lemon Juice (2 tsp): Lifts all the flavors and brings a tart, refreshing note to the jam.
• Vanilla Bean Powder or Extract: For dreamy aroma and that extra “bakery” touch in both the jam and the pancake.
• Salted Butter (4 tbsp + more for serving): Makes the Dutch baby rich while helping crisp up the pancake’s golden edges.
• Eggs (4, at room temperature): Essential for that signature puff and custardy texture.
• Whole Milk (⅔ cup, at room temperature): Adds creaminess and helps the batter bake up light and airy.
• All-Purpose Flour (⅔ cup): Just enough to create structure without weighing down the pancake.
• Kosher Salt (½ tsp): Sharpens flavors — don’t skip it!
• Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Doubles down on those cozy, toasty notes baked into every bite.

Variations

This Hot Strawberry Jam Dutch Baby is a delicious blank canvas, so don’t be afraid to mix things up. Whether you’re working around allergies or just feeling adventurous, a few tweaks can make it all your own.

• Mixed Berry Jam: Swap out some strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to create a tangier, more colorful topping.
• Chocolate Twist: Fold a handful of chocolate chips into the batter, or drizzle the finished Dutch baby with melted chocolate for a decadent brunch treat.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter — the puff and flavor are still fantastic!
• Gluten-Free Dutch Baby: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a fluffy, tender, gluten-free result.

How to Make Hot Strawberry Jam Dutch Baby

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Skillet

Start by cranking up your oven to 450° F. Choose a 10- to 12-inch cast iron skillet — it holds heat perfectly and will give your Dutch baby that signature crispy, puffed edge. Get everything measured and ready so the whole process flows smoothly once you start.

Step 2: Make the Hot Strawberry Jam

Combine the sliced strawberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla in a medium pot and set it over high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then use a spoon to gently mash the berries as they soften. Continue cooking, letting the jam bubble for 5-8 minutes, until it reduces and turns glossy and thick. Keep it warm — that syrupy jam is what will make your Hot Strawberry Jam Dutch Baby unforgettable.

Step 3: Whip Up the Batter

While your jam simmers, grab an electric mixer and whip together the eggs, milk, flour, salt, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix for about 1 minute — you want a smooth, lump-free batter. This blending is the secret to that tall, cloudlike rise in the oven!

Step 4: Melt and Brown the Butter

Place your cast iron skillet on medium heat and melt the remaining butter. Let it sizzle until it deepens into a gorgeous golden brown and starts to smell irresistibly nutty — that extra step layers wonderful flavor into your Dutch baby’s base. Working quickly, pour the batter straight into the hot skillet.

Step 5: Bake and Behold

Put the skillet in the center of your oven. Now, the hardest part: don’t open the oven door for 15 minutes! This is when the magic happens — the batter puffs up dramatically and turns golden brown on top. When it’s done, you’ll have a spectacular, bouncy pancake ready for toppings.

Step 6: Top and Serve

As soon as your Dutch baby comes out, crown it with extra pats of butter and spoon ALL that hot strawberry jam across the top. You want every inch covered in sunshine-sweet berry sauce. Add whipped cream or a dusting of confectioners’ sugar if you like — and dig in while it’s still puffed and warm.

How to Serve Hot Strawberry Jam Dutch Baby

Garnishes

The final flurry of garnish makes your Hot Strawberry Jam Dutch Baby irresistible. A generous pouf of whipped cream, scattered fresh strawberries, or a snowfall of powdered sugar all add a little extra flair and contrast — don’t be shy! Try a few fresh mint leaves or a little lemon zest for a bright finish as well.

Side Dishes

This beauty pairs well with savory breakfast sides to create a balanced brunch. Think crispy bacon, turkey sausage, or a platter of soft scrambled eggs. For a lighter touch, serve it with Greek yogurt and granola — the tangy, creamy bite plays beautifully with the hot berry topping.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, bake several small Dutch babies in mini skillets or oven-safe ramekins and pile on mini mounds of strawberry jam. Or slice the Dutch baby at the table and let everyone spoon on jam and toppings themselves — it’s interactive, fun, and guaranteed to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Hot Strawberry Jam Dutch Baby (lucky you!), let it cool completely, then refrigerate slices in an airtight container. The jam keeps beautifully — it may even get more intense after a night in the fridge!

Freezing

You can freeze the Dutch baby itself, wrapped tightly, for up to one month. For best results, freeze the jam separately so the pancake doesn’t become soggy when thawed. Thaw everything overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat Dutch baby slices in a 325°F oven until warmed through and edges crisp up, about 8-10 minutes. Warm the jam gently on the stove or in the microwave, and spoon over just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven vibe.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something pure and joyful about the Hot Strawberry Jam Dutch Baby — it’s a comfort food celebration that’s as simple as it is spectacular. Whether you’re sharing it for a lazy Sunday brunch or treating yourself to a weekday pick-me-up, don’t be surprised if this recipe becomes your new sweet tradition. Give it a try, pile on the warm berry jam, and create your own cozy magic!

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