Oma's German Pancakes (Pfannkuchen)

by: Gerhild Fulson  / Oma Gerhild shares easy, authentic German recipes you can trust, rooted in family tradition and featured in her cookbooks.

These German pancakes (pfannkuchen) are the ones I really love, similar to crepes, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or supper.

Published: February 27, 2017, Updated: May 10, 2025

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Lori Neff's afternoon tea set with filled German pancakes(Flinsen) and topped with whipped cream.

Pfannkuchen ... those thin, crepe-like German pancakes ... were a staple in our home growing up. Not quite as fluffy as American pancakes and a touch thicker than French crêpes, they are perfect stuffed with sweet or savory fillings. 

Top Tips for Best Results

1. Let It Rest: Resting the batter helps the gluten relax and the flour absorb the liquid.
2. Add Sparkle: Stir in sparkling water right before cooking for lighter, more delicate pancakes.
3. Swirl the Pan: Tilt the pan immediately after pouring in the batter for a thin, even layer.
4. Don’t Rush the Flip: Wait until the edges look set and bubbles form on top before flipping.

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The German pancakes shown at the top is from a recipe was sent in by Facebook fan Lori Neff, who calls them gefüllte flinsen ... filled crepes. And that filling? YUMMY! I'm including her recipe below mine!

These pfannkuchen are simple to make, using items your probably already have, flour, eggs, and milk.

You’ll find them served across Germany and in Austria and Eastern Europe where they are usually called palatschinken. Whatever you call them, they’re delicious, and I’m still making them just like I did when our boys were young, one hot pan at a time.

Filling Ideas for Pfannkuchen

Sweet Fillings:

• Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar (mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon with ¼ cup granulated sugar)
• Fruit preserves or jam (apricot, raspberry, strawberry)
• Nutella or chocolate spread
• Apple sauce or stewed fruit
• Sweetened quark or cream cheese with fruit
• Whipped cream and fresh berries

Savory Fillings:

• Ham and grated cheese (melted inside!)
• Sautéed mushrooms with onions and herbs
• Smoked salmon with cream cheese and dill
• Spinach and ricotta
• White asparagus with hollandaise
• Fried eggs and crispy bacon

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Oma's German Pancakes (Pfannkuchen)

These German pancakes (pfannkuchen) are the ones I really love, similar to crepes, perfect with sweet or savory fillings.

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Resting Time:

30 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour

Servings:

Makes 6-8 pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 g)all-purpose flour 
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk 
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar (optional)
• 1 pinch salt 
• 1½ tablespoons (22 ml) sparkling water (optional )
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, using a whisk or hand mixer whisk together flour, milk, eggs, salt, and sugar (if using) until smooth and slightly bubbly. 
2. Cover and let the batter rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.
3. After resting, stir in the sparkling water to lighten the batter.
4. Heat a nonstick skillet or crepe pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of butter and swirl to coat the pan.
5. Pour about ½ cup (120 ml) of batter into the pan and immediately tilt it to spread the batter into a thin, even layer.
6. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the bottom is golden and the edges begin to crisp. Flip and cook the second side for 1–2 more minutes.
7. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the pan as needed. Keep finished pancakes warm in a low oven if desired.
8. Serve warm with sweet or savory toppings—rolled up, folded, or stacked.

Notes/Hints:

• Don’t have German Mineralwasser? Use plain sparkling water, club soda, or seltzer. Just make sure it’s unflavored and unsweetened. Add it right before cooking for the fluffiest Pfannkuchen.
• Any leftover pancakes (without sugar) are perfect for flädlesuppe.

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Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

Recipe updated on May 10, 2025

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Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.