These Finnish pancakes are made in the oven and are perfect for serving a crowd. They’re perfect for topping with all kinds of delicious ingredients to customize your breakfast to be precisely how you like it. These pancakes are fluffy and have a similar method to making a Dutch baby. The batter is poured into a preheated pan in the oven, where it puffs up and crackles beautifully. These pancakes are absolutely delicious topped with strawberries, blueberries, powdered sugar, or maple syrup – but the topping possibilities are endless.

These pancakes are super easy to make, especially compared to making regular pancakes. They have five ingredients that can all get mixed in one bowl for quick and easy clean-up. And no need to stand over a hot griddle making pancake after pancake – Finnish pancakes bake in one pan all at the same time. They’re excellent for serving a crowd, and everyone can pick their own toppings for breakfast that will please even the pickiest of palates.
These pancakes are just the start of a fabulous breakfast. Try serving them with thick, rich homemade hot chocolate for a luxurious and warm way to start the day. They’re also great with a perfect poached egg or serve them alone with a dollop of homemade strawberry jam. Whatever you decide to put on top of your Finnish breakfast, these pancakes are yummy and a fun new twist on a classic American favorite.
What are Finnish Pancakes?
Finnish Pancakes, also known as “pannukakku” in Finnish, are a traditional dish from Finland that falls somewhere between a pancake and a custard. These delightful treats have a unique texture and flavor, making them a beloved favorite in Finnish households for generations. Unlike the thin pancakes famous in other European countries, Finnish pannukakku are thicker and more substantial. They have a fluffy, custard-like consistency with a golden-brown crust around the edges. The key to achieving this delightful texture lies in the baking process, which is similar to the more well-known Dutch baby.
Why You’ll Love Finnish Pancakes
- Quick and easy: With just one bowl and one pan, these Finnish oven pancakes come together in a flash. No need to stand over a griddle flipping flapjacks – these baked pancakes don’t need to be babysat.
- A new take on a classic favorite: Everybody loved pancakes, but this Finnish breakfast recipe is an exciting twist on a breakfast staple.
- Endlessly customizable: Sweet or savory, simple or complex, these pancakes hold up to a huge variety of toppings and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients for Finnish Pancakes
- Flour
- Eggs
- Milk
- Sugar
- Salt
Helpful Tools
How to Make Finnish Pancakes
Step 1: Preheat the pan.
Place the butter in a 9×13 baking dish and place in a preheated oven. The butter will melt and slightly bubble.
Step 2: Make the batter.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs together. Add the flour, milk, salt, and sugar and mix until the batter is combined thoroughly. It will be much thinner than the pancake batter you might be used to – this is okay! This technique requires a very thin batter.
Step 3: Bake the pancakes.
Remove the pan from the oven and slowly pour the batter into the dish. Bake the pancake until golden brown around the edges and bubbling up. Let the pancakes cool for just a minute before slicing and serving with your desired toppings.
Substitutions for Finnish Pancakes
Milk – You can use any non-dairy milk you prefer in place of regular milk.
Butter- You can substitute coconut oil or non-dairy butter for regular butter.
Recipe Variations
There are infinite combinations of toppings to enjoy on these pancakes. Here are some different ideas:
- Bistro Lunch: Top your pancake with slices of prosciutto, balsamic glaze, walnuts, and a handful of fresh arugula.
- The Classic: Top your pancake simply with a pat of butter, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup.
- Berries and cream: Top your pancakes with sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and a dusting of powdered sugar before topping them with a generous amount of homemade whipped cream.
- Bacon, egg, and cheese: Top your pancake with a few strips of crispy bacon, a fried egg, and a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a savory pancake.
- Bella Nutella: Top the pancake with sliced strawberries and bananas, plus a generous drizzle of Nutella. Top with chopped hazelnuts for crunch.
Tips for Making Perfect Finnish Pancakes
- Make sure your baking dish is adequately preheated and the butter is melted and sizzling before pouring in the batter. This helps achieve that lovely golden crust.
- Whisk the batter until it’s thin and smooth, ensuring a consistent texture in your pancakes.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. The pancakes should be golden brown and bubbling around the edges when they’re done.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pancakes warm with a cup of coffee for the perfect breakfast or brunch.
The savory toppings would make this recipe great for lunch or dinner. Pair them with a side salad for a complete meal.
FAQ
You can use honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup in the batter.
While Finnish pancakes are traditionally served sweet, you can experiment with savory toppings if you’re feeling adventurous.
Absolutely! A fork works just fine for mixing the batter, or you can make the batter in the jar of a blender.
These pancakes are versatile and can be enjoyed as a delightful dessert option. Try serving with a scoop of ice cream, sprinkles, and a cherry for a pancake sundae.
Other Unique Pancake Recipes to Try
Red Velvet Stuffed Mini Pancakes
These bite-sized pancakes are red velvet flavored and filled with cream cheese frosting!
Delicious pancakes with matcha powder. Top them with cream cheese glaze and fresh strawberries for an extra special touch!
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Pancakes
Pumpkin pancakes with a swirl of cheesecake baked right in!
Represent your favorite Hogwarts house! Add decorations like chocolate Harry Potter glasses, striped candy stars and coordinating whipped cream for an extra special touch.
A great use for leftover eggnog and to bring some holiday cheer to your breakfast!

Finnish Pancakes
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ tsp salt
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- your desired toppings
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Place the butter in a 9×13 baking dish and place it in the oven. The butter will melt and slightly bubble.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs together. Add the flour, milk, salt and sugar and mix until the batter is thin.
- Remove the pan from the oven and slowly pour the batter into the dish directly on top of the butter. Do not mix the batter into the butter.
- Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown around the edges and bubbling up.
- Serve with whipped cream, fresh fruit, maple syrup or anything you like!
Video
Notes
Storage Directions
In the fridge – Store any leftover Finnish Pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. In the freezer – To freeze the pancakes, layer them with parchment paper and place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. How to reheat – Simply warm the pancakes in the microwave or pop them in the toaster oven for a quick and convenient breakfast.Nutrition
