Poffertjes Recipe - Little Dutch Pancakes

Hints and Tips

How to Make Poffertjes Mix

The mix for this poffertjes recipe is simple to make with flour, yeast, warm milk and eggs, just put everything together in a large jug and mix until it is lump free. Then allow it to stand for about one hour, to allow the mixture to double in size.

It doesn't really matter if you don’t warm the milk before adding it to the mixture, the batter will still double in size, but it will take a little longer. However, don’t add milk that is too hot, you could kill the yeast and will have to start again. If you have never used yeast before you might like to read my article on how to use instant yeast.

How to Make Poffertjes

When making a poffertjes recipe you will need to use a special pan, that is dimpled with shallow holes about 4 cm in diameter. By tradition a poffertjes maker is a cast iron pan. However, electric poffertjes makers are available as well.

Poffertjes Cast Iron Pan

The cast iron pans are heated over an open flame, and liberally buttered before the poffertjes mix is poured into each dimple and cooked. The heat will need to be constantly controlled to avoid burning.

Electric Poffertjes Maker

With the electric makers, since they are coated with a non-stick surface you can get away with just a light brush of butter over the surface (making the poffertjes are a little healthier to eat).

The heat is distributed by an element under the plate. Depending on the quality of the maker you may or may not get an even heat distribution. My little Dutch pancake maker has three dimples at the top never get as hot as the rest, and the pancakes from these need a little longer to brown.

How to Make Poffertjes Without a Pan

Use a frying pan

If you don’t have a poffertjes pan or don’t see the need to buy one, you could cook these, by dropping spoonfuls of batter into a well buttered and hot frying pan. Make them roughly 4 cm in diameter.

Little Dutch pancakes made this way, won’t have the same look as one’s cooked in the traditional method, but would still give you the same taste.

Use a similar pan

You could always use a similar type pan, like the Japanese takoyaki pan, Danish aebeleskiver pan, Australian gem irons or another similar dimpled pan.

The dimple size of these pans will vary both in width and depth. Some of these are not made in cast iron and are not designed for stove top cooking but rather baking, so take this into consideration if you choose to use one of these.

Use a Cake Pop Maker

An electric cake pop maker can be used. The dimples are similar in diameter, but are slightly deeper than the little Dutch pancake maker. So, you would only fill them halfway with batter, and don't close the lid when cooking.

How To Eat Poffertjes?

These fluffy mini pancakes are traditionally served hot with a generous dusting of icing sugar (powdered sugar) and butter. But there is nothing stopping you from adding your favorite pancake topping to these. My favorite way is to eat them at room temperature with jam and cream.

Can You Freeze Poffertjes?

Yes, these can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in the freezer. To freeze, place them in a single layer, onto a tray lined with baking paper, then place the tray in the freezer for several hours.

After the poffertjes have frozen on the tray, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. These can be kept in the freezer for about 3 months. Don't forget to add a label and date to the freezer bag.

How to Reheat Poffertjes?

You can use the microwave to reheat the poffertjes.  Place them in a single layer either frozen or defrosted on to microwave safe plate. Microwave them on high, in short bursts until they become hot.

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