Lemon Ricotta Dutch Baby with Spiced Pears and Maple Crème Fraîche

Imagine a giant, golden popover that puffs up in the oven, filling your kitchen with a warm, buttery aroma. That’s the magic of a Dutch baby, and this version gets a creamy twist from ricotta and fresh lemon zest. It’s the perfect canvas for a cozy topping of pears simmered with cinnamon and nutmeg, then finished with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of maple crème fraîche.

Whether you’re serving it for a special breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or even a unique dessert, this Dutch baby is sure to impress. The contrast of the crisp, puffy edges with the tender, custard-like center is irresistible. Top it all off with crunchy pecans for a delightful texture in every bite.

Log in to save recipes and build weekly shopping lists.

Ingredients

1 LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 Bartlett PearView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 FlourView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 Ricotta CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 EggsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6.75 MilkView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 CinnamonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 NutmegView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 Brown SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 Crème FraîcheView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 Maple SyrupView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 PecansView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

salt (to taste)View ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Let all ingredients come to room temperature. Wash and dry the produce. Zest the lemon and cut it into quarters. Peel, halve, and core the pears; dice them into ½-inch pieces.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to a medium ovenproof skillet. Once the oven is preheated, place the skillet on the middle rack and heat until the butter melts and starts to bubble. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ricotta, half of the lemon zest, 3 eggs, ½ cup milk, 1 tablespoon white sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth. (Save the remaining egg and milk for another use.)
4. Once the butter has melted, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and swirl to coat the bottom evenly. Pour in the batter. Bake on the middle rack until puffed and golden, 20–25 minutes.
5. While the Dutch baby bakes, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced pears, cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar, ½ cup water, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine, then cover. Cook until the pears are tender, 8–10 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
6. Uncover and cook until the liquid thickens and becomes syrupy, 1–3 minutes more. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of butter until melted. If the liquid seems too thick, stir in a splash more water. Keep covered until ready to serve.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the crème fraîche and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Reserve the remaining maple syrup for drizzling.
8. Top the baked Dutch baby with the spiced pears, dollops of maple crème fraîche, and pecans. Drizzle with the remaining maple syrup. Serve directly from the skillet, or cut into wedges and divide among plates.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Medium ovenproof skillet (10-12 inch)

AmazonShop popular Medium ovenproof skillet (10-12 inch) on AmazonView on Amazon

Large mixing bowl

Winco , 8-Quart, Stainless Steel (MXB-800Q)View on AmazonFox Run Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, 10.75 Quart Capacity Large Metal BowlView on AmazonUmite Chef Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids Set, 8PCS Stainless Steel Nesting Bowls with Grater Attachments, Non-Slip Bottoms, 5, 4, 3.5, 2, 1.5QT for Mixing & ServingView on Amazon

Whisk

NileHome Stainless Steel Whisk Set 8" 10" 12" Kitchen Whisk Balloon Whisk Kitchen Wisk Wire Whisks for Cooking, Whisking, Blending, Beating, Stirring-3 Pack…View on AmazonOXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon WhiskView on AmazonNileHome Silicone Whisk Set 8" 10" Kitchen Whisk Kitchen Wisk Wire Whisks for Cooking, Whisking, Blending, Beating, Stirring-BlackView on Amazon

Medium pot with lid

SENSARTE Nonstick Saucepan with Lid, 1.5 Quarts Small Pot with Swiss Granite Coating, Stay-cool Handle, Multipurpose Handy Sauce Pot Small Kitchen Cooking Pot, Induction Comptable, PFOA FreeView on AmazonCuisinart 1.5 Quart Sauce Pan with Cover, Stainless Steel Pot with Lid, Small Kitchen Pots, Dishwasher Safe, Compatible with Induction, Electric, Gas Cooktops, Oven Safe Saucepan, Cool Grip HandlesView on AmazonCAROTE 2QT & 2.5QT Sauce Pan Sets with Lid & Ladle Cooking Pots Nonstick Saucepans Cookware Set Small Kitchen Pot, Induction Comptable, Easy to Clean, PFOA FREE (Green)View on Amazon

Small bowl

Kaytee Stoneware Ceramic Pet Hamster Bowl, Brown, 3-InchView on AmazonDipping Bowls, Soy Sauce Dish Ceramic, 3 OZ Small Serving Bowls for Side Dishes Vintage Blue Stylish Design, Set of 6 Mini Appetizer Plates for Condiment Sushi Ketchup BBQ Party, 4 InchView on AmazonFarielyn-X 3.5in 4oz Small Glass Bowls, Mini Glass Containers, Ramekins, Prep, Pinch Bowl, Stackable Condiment Containers, for Prep, Dips, Nuts, Snacks, Candy Meal Prep Bowls, Dessert BowlsView on Amazon

Chef's knife

imarku Japanese Chef Knife - Sharp Kitchen Knife 8 Inch Chef's Knives HC Steel Paring Knife, Unique Gifts for Men and Women, Gifts for Mom or Dad, Kitchen Gadgets with Gift Box, Fathers GiftsView on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife, 8 Inch - Swiss Army Kitchen Knife, High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade, Non-Slip Fibrox Handle, Dishwasher Safe, BlackView on AmazonPAUDIN Chef Knife, 8 Inch High Carbon Stainless Steel Sharp Kitchen Knife with Ergonomic Handle, Gift Box for Family & RestaurantView on Amazon

Cutting board

Astercook Deep-Carbonized Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen with Wood Storage Stand, Reversible Charcuterie & Chopping Boards with Juice Grooves and Easy-Grip Handles, Fathers Day Gift for MenView on AmazonZeawec 3-Piece Set Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen - Crack-Resistant Wood Chopping Boards with Deep Juice Grooves, Pre-Oiled Butcher Block for Meat, Vegetables & Cheese, CarbonizedView on AmazonTitanium Cutting Board for Kitchen, Cutting Board Double Sided Food Grade, Pure Titanium/PP, Easy to Clean Large Size 15”×10.3”View on Amazon

Zester or microplane

AmazonShop popular Zester or microplane on AmazonView on Amazon

Measuring cups and spoons

TILUCK Measuring Cups & Spoons Set, Stackable Cups and Spoons, Nesting Measure Cups with Stainless Steel Handle, Kitchen Gadgets for Cooking & Baking (Black)View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons Set, Cups and Spoons,Kitchen Gadgets for Cooking & Baking (10)View on AmazonTILUCK Measuring Cups & Spoons Set, Stackable Cups and Spoons, Nesting Measure Cups with Stainless Steel Handle, Kitchen Gadgets for Cooking & Baking (Blue)View on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pear?

Yes, any firm but ripe pear will work. Bosc or Anjou pears are good alternatives.

Can I make the Dutch baby ahead of time?

Dutch babies are best served fresh from the oven, as they deflate quickly. You can prepare the batter and pear topping in advance, then bake just before serving.

Can I substitute the crème fraîche?

You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk to thin it out, though the flavor will be slightly different.