Baked pancakes

Oven-Baked Viennese Pancakes - Topfenpalatschinken

Who can resist a pancake dessert? Oven-baked Viennese pancakes, known as Topfenpalatschinken, are an excellent choice for a sweet treat, perfect for any occasion. With a fluffy texture and delicious filling, these pancakes are sure to become a favorite recipe in your home. Let's embark on a culinary adventure and discover together how to prepare them step by step!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 9 pancakes

Ingredients

- 150 g flour
- 150 ml milk
- 150 ml sparkling water
- 2 eggs
- a pinch of salt
- 300 g cottage cheese
- 4 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 200 ml heavy cream
- oil for frying
- 9 tablespoons plum jam (or any preferred jam)
- butter for greasing the baking dish
- powdered sugar for decoration

A Brief History

Pancakes have a long history, being a beloved dish in many cultures, from simple breakfasts to elaborate desserts. Topfenpalatschinken add a touch of elegance and refinement, often served in Viennese cafes. These stuffed pancakes are not only a delight but also a wonderful way to use cottage cheese, an excellent source of protein.

Preparing the Batter

1. Beat the Eggs: Start by beating the eggs in a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
2. Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour, continuously mixing to avoid lumps. It's important to achieve a smooth batter.
3. Add the Liquids: Continue mixing and gradually add the milk and sparkling water. The sparkling water will help the pancakes to be fluffier. Once you have a uniform mixture, let the batter rest for 30 minutes. This step is essential to allow the gluten to relax, resulting in more delicate pancakes.

Preparing the Filling

1. Mix the Cheese: In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the 4 egg yolks, 3 tablespoons of sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. This mixture will add a fresh note and delicious flavor to the filling.
2. Taste and Adjust: I encourage you to taste the filling and adjust the sugar or lemon juice to your liking. You may want a sweeter or more tangy flavor.

Preparing the Pancakes

1. Heat the Pan: In a non-stick pan, add half a teaspoon of oil and heat over medium heat.
2. Fry the Pancakes: Pour a portion of the batter into the pan, tilting the pan slightly to evenly cover the bottom. Fry for 1-2 minutes until the edges turn golden, then flip the pancake and fry the other side. Repeat the process until all pancakes are ready. You should get about 9 pancakes.

Filling and Baking the Pancakes

1. Fill the Pancakes: On each pancake, spread a tablespoon of plum jam and 2 teaspoons of the cheese mixture. Fold the pancake in quarters to form a square.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with butter and sprinkle a little sugar on the bottom. Place the filled pancakes in the dish.
3. Bake the Pancakes: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and bake the pancakes for 10 minutes.

Preparing the Sauce

1. Mix the Cream: In a small bowl, mix the heavy cream with the 2 egg yolks and 1 tablespoon of sugar. This sauce will add a creamy texture to the pancakes.
2. Pour Over Pancakes: After the 10 minutes of baking, remove the dish from the oven and pour the cream sauce over the pancakes. Put the dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Serving

Once the pancakes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance. These pancakes are excellent served warm, alongside herbal tea or flavorful coffee. You can also add some fresh fruits for an extra touch of freshness.

Practical Tips

- Choose Your Favorite Jam: You can experiment with different jams or preserves, such as raspberry, apricot, or even chocolate.
- Make Them in Advance: The pancakes can be prepared a few hours ahead of serving. You can wrap them up and then warm them gently in the oven before serving.
- Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with a mixture of water and flaxseeds (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg) and use plant-based milk (almond, soy, etc.) and nut cream.

Nutritional Benefits

This pancake recipe is rich in protein due to the cottage cheese and eggs. It also contains carbohydrates from the flour, providing energy. The addition of plum jam brings antioxidants and vitamins, making this dessert a healthier option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone for a creamier filling.

2. How can I make the pancakes fluffier? Make sure the batter rests sufficiently, and the sparkling water will help aerate the batter.

3. Can the pancakes be frozen? Yes, the pancakes can be frozen. Place them in an airtight container and separate them with plastic wrap to prevent sticking.

Now you are ready to surprise your family and friends with these delicious oven-baked pancakes! Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with your loved ones and make their days sweeter. Bon appétit!