German Pear Pancake

This light and airy German-style pancake is traditionally made with apples, but Bosc pears are a delicious variation. Puffy right out of the oven, the pancake will deflate a bit by the time you slice it.

• 1 large firm-ripe Bosc pear, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
• 1 large lemon, finely grated to yield 1/2 Tbs. zest, squeezed to yield 2 Tbs. juice
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 3 oz. (2/3 cup) all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 oz. (3 Tbs.) unsalted butter, cut into 3 slices
• 3 to 4 Tbs. confectioners’ sugar, for garnish
• Crème fraîche (optional)

Tip:

Thick, heavy cast-iron skillets distribute heat evenly to produce a
well-browned, nicely textured crust on baked goods. In a comparative
tasting of this pancake recipe in the Fine Cooking test kitchen, the one baked in cast iron had a crust clearly superior to the one baked in stainless steel.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F.

In a medium bowl, toss the pear slices with the lemon juice and set aside.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with an electric hand mixer on high speed until thick and frothy, about 3 minutes. Add the milk, granulated sugar, vanilla, salt, and lemon zest and mix on low speed until combined. Sift in the flour and mix on low speed until combined (don’t worry if there are lumps).

Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat until hot, about 2 minutes. Add the butter, and when it begins to foam, add the pear slices, quickly turning them to coat with the butter, and arranging them in a single layer. Pour the batter evenly over the pears  and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake until the pancake is set in the middle, the sides have risen, and the bottom is nicely browned, about 20 minutes.

Sprinkle the pancake with the confectioners’ sugar. Serve immediately with a dollop of crème fraîche, if using.