This Chocolate Puff Pancake has everything you love about a classic Puff Pancake…plus chocolate.It’s quick and easy, coming together in 30 seconds in the blender and 18 minutes in the oven.It puffs dramatically while baking (hence the name), but deflates quickly, leaving behind a rustic, rumpled, shareable pancake.It has curled edges and custard-like center that I dream about all workweek long.And chocolate. I’m not normally a chocolate for breakfast sort of gal, but this? I could get used to this. And that’s serious because I am a confirmed vanilla person.I mean, who can resist a barely-sweet chocolate pancake that you can literally fill with confectioner’s sugar, strawberries, whipped cream, and mini chocolate chips?!The delicate pancake pairs so well with the fresh berries, airy cream, and melty chocolate. It’s pretty phenomenal as far as sweet brunches go.Plus, it’s pretty.We all know pretty food tastes better. Or something.

Chocolate Puff Pancake {Dutch Baby}
makes 4-6 servings

4 large eggs
1 cup milk (not skim or fat free)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder (preferably dutch process)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
pinch of Kosher or sea salt
3 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted)

Toppings:
confectioner’s sugar
fresh berries
whipped cream
mini chocolate chips

Place a large ovenproof cast iron or stainless steel pan in a cold oven. Preheat oven to 425F.

In the bowl of a food processor or high-powered blender*, combine eggs, milk, vanilla, flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Process until smooth, scraping down the bowl as necessary. Let batter rest 10 minutes, or until large bubbles dissipate.

Once oven has reached 400F, remove the hot pan and add butter. Place pan back in the oven for 60-90 seconds, until butter has melted. Remove pan from the oven, and swirl the butter so it coats the pan. Pour in batter. Bake 18-19 minutes, until billowy. Do not open the oven door during baking.

Let pancake cool 2-5 minutes before slicing. Slice and serve immediately with toppings of choice.