The Finnish words lettu and pannukakku both translate as *pancake*, but have different meanings. Pannukakku is the type of pancake baked in an oven, my favorite way to make pancakes. Lettu, the kind we're all more familiar with, is the stovetop kind made in a frying pan or griddle. I think of them as the high-maintenance, demanding kind. You have to be with them every step of the way to make sure you flip them at exactly the right moment. They're the kind where the second batch never ever looks like the first batch.
Baked pancakes are by far my favorite. You mix up the batter, slide an oven-proof skillet into a hot oven to melt a knob of butter, and then pour the batter in before sliding it back into the oven. That's it. It can bake away while you clean up the kitchen, do a crossword puzzle, or walk the dog. And it flips out of the pan as easy as, well, a pancake. In fact, you can pull it out all in one piece by loosening it around the edges with a sharp knife, and then pulling it up with your fingers.
This Finnish pancake reminds me of a cross between a quiche and a pancake. It's softer, like a quiche, but it tastes like a pancake. Finnish pancakes are usually sweet, smeared with preserves, and often rolled up. I'm trying to reduce the sugar in my diet, so I took a savory path, but tried to be true to its Finnish roots by adding a little sour cream and dill to the batter, and topping it with smoked salmon.
It was breakfast this morning for us, but this would be a terrific for a brunch, lunch or dinner with a salad too. Just make sure you make it. It's super easy, can be ready in about 30 minutes, and is absolutely delicious.
If you try it, take a photo and post it on Instagram!! Be sure to use #wimpyvegetarian and tag me – I'd love to see how it turns for you too!!
Cook's Tips
If you don't have self-rising flour, use general all-purpose flour.
High Altitude Tips
This recipe calls for 1/2 cup self-rising flour at sea level, and I recommend removing 1 1/2 teaspoons of that amount for baking at 6500 feet.
The baking time at high altitude will be closer to the suggested 25 minutes.
Savory Finnish Baked Pancakes (Pannukakku) with Smoked Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cups 2% milk
- 1/2 cup self-rising flour take out 1 1/2 teaspoon of the flour for baking at 6500' altitude
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon light sour cream
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh dill
- 7 twists of freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup smoked salmon or more, according to preferences
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400˚ F.
- Combine the eggs, milk, flour, salt, sour cream, dill, and pepper together in a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly.
- Place the butter in an oven-proof skillet that measures 8 1/2 inches across its bottom, and slide it into the preheated oven. When the butter is melted, and just beginning to bubble (about 5 minutes), remove the skillet, and carefully pour the batter over the butter. Return the skillet to the oven. Bake until cooked all the way through, and the top is lightly browned, about 20 - 25 minutes.
- Using a sharp knife, separate the edge of the pancake from the sides of the pan. Raise the pancake using a spatula or your fingers, and place on a plate. Slice into pieces, and top with the smoked salmon.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Want more BRUNCH ideas?? Go check out my Wimpy Vegetarian Breakfast & Brunch board on Pinterest!!
Karen says
That looks delicious. I love taking the savory route, and smoked salmon on this sounds fantastic!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
Thanks so much Karen! They were incredibly good, I have to admit. And soooo easy.
Pam @ The Bread She Bakes says
Looks fabulous and just like the type of pancake I’m after! Great option for weekend brunching!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
You’re so right! Perfect for brunch!!!
Julie says
This was my first attempt at a baked pancake and am sold! My husband would adore your salmon version. I’m dining with you and the vegetarian version! It is definitely a beautiful dish.
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
Thanks so much Julie! This was my first attempt at it, and I just loved the result. I’m making it again this weekend 🙂
Ansh says
That is one delicious looking pancake!! And with salmon – I am sold !
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
It was amazing, Ansh. I’ve never really had a pancake quite like this before, and now I’m hooked!
Wendy Klik says
Oh my….I just love this recipe. The possibilities with this base are endless. I think the smoked salmon edition is marvelous.
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
Thanks so much Wendy!! It was a huge hit here, and now these Finnish pancakes will be part of my regular rotation!
Mayuri Patel says
Never baked pancakes before as you may know there are many Indian pancakes but none are baked. I’m going to try this one as a brunch option but with some veggie topping. Great recipe Susan.
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
Thanks so much Mayuri! I loved the topic this month, and had a lot of fun trying something new. Thanks so much for hosting us this month!
Pavani says
That is one delicious looking breakfast/ brunch. Looks soooo delicious.
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
It was such a fun topic this month! Thanks so much!
Holly says
Yes, I agree, this looks ideal for ANY meal of the day. I like the idea of baking a pancake in the oven but have yet to try it. Will do so soon!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
If you try it, let me know!!! I’d love to hear how it goes for you!
Smruti@HerbivoreCucina says
The dish is totally indulgent. I tried a baked version this month but it was a sweet version. I would LOVE to try a savory version!!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
And now I want to try a sweet version 🙂 Thanks so much!
Cindy L. Kerschner says
Great choice to make a savory brunch!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
We were on the same page this month with these Finnish pancakes. I love that you took the sweet route – I want to do that next time!
SallyBR says
Absolutely in love with this recipe!
I much prefer a savory type of pancake and this one looks amazing!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
Thanks so much Sally!!! I’m planning on making it again for dinner tomorrow night. I love sweets, but savory pancakes are a special love of mine :-).
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
Looks wonderfully flavorful!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
Thanks so much Megan!! They were so so good. And so easy!!
fabiola@notjustbaked says
This is my kind of cooking. Salmon and cast iron, yes please!
Shilpi says
This looks delicious.
mjskitchen says
This is different. I love it! And that finishing touch of salmon is just perfect.
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
Thank you so much!! I got exposed to baked pancakes in culinary school, and never looked back!