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Czech Palačinky: Flat Pancakes like Crêpes Perfect for Dessert or Breakfast

Czech Palačinkys are simple thin pancakes made primarily of flour, eggs, and milk. They are commonly filled with jam or Nutella, rolled, and topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or ice cream and fresh fruit. Though not traditional, they can also be eaten with savory fillings like meat and cheese.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Resting Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Czech
Keyword: Czech palačinky, European crepes, flat pancakes, dessert, street food, thin pancake
Servings: 15 palačinkys
Author: Summer

Ingredients

  • 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour fluffed, scooped, and leveled off if using a measuring cup
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 585 ml (2¼ cups + 1½ tbsp) milk whole milk preferred
  • 2 large eggs 100-120 g total = 50-60 g each
  • 14 g (1 tbsp) butter melted
  • 1-2 tbsp neutral oil canola, avocado, grapeseed, etc. for cooking in skillet

Optional Sweet Batter Mix-ins

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon zest orange, or lime zest (about ½ small fruit)

Optional Sweet Filling & Topping Ingredients

    Sweet Fillings:

    • fruit preserves/jam like plum, apricot, cherry, strawberry, or Nutella (hazelnut spread)

    Sweet Toppings:

    • seasonal fresh fruit like plums, apricots, strawberries, blueberries, etc., whipped topping, ice cream, powdered sugar, cocoa powder

    While Not Traditionally Czech: You May Enjoy These Optional Savory Filling & Topping Ingredients

      Savory Fillings (Think of an Omelet):

      • sauteed spinach, sauteed grape/cherry tomatoes, scallions, garlic, chopped ham, grated/crumbled cheese (like garlic & herb or goat), chopped bacon, chopped fresh herbs

      Savory Toppings:

      • grated or crumbled cheese, plain yogurt, sour cream, chopped fresh herbs, chopped fresh tomatoes

      Instructions

      • In a large bowl, sift flour. Whisk in salt and set aside.
      • In a large measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together, milk and eggs.
      • Make a well in the center of the flour and gradually pour in the milk mixture. Use a whisk and begin blending the mixture. Stop and pour in the melted butter and continue blending until very smooth.
        TIPS: The batter should resemble the thickness of heavy whipping cream (thicker than French crêpe batter and thinner than American pancake batter). If mixture seems too thin, add more flour (1 tbsp at a time and whisk in between additions). If mixture seems too thick, add more milk (1 tbsp at a time and whisk in between additions), Mixing the butter after adding the dairy and eggs prevents the cold milk from solidifying the butter.
      • Allow the batter to rest for 30 minutes to an hour. You can also store it covered in the fridge overnight.
        TIP: While not necessary, allowing the batter to rest gives a little time for the gluten to develop resulting in a slightly stretchy and sturdy palačinky.
      • Heat a 10-inch, non-stick skillet on medium-high heat.
        TIP: The skillet is hot enough when a splatter of water sizzles in the skillet.
      • Once the skillet is heated lower the heat to medium and use a pastry brush to lightly brush oil to cover the inside skillet bottom.
      • Stir or whisk the batter as it likely separated while resting. Remove the skillet from the heat and use a measuring cup or ladle to pour in ¼-⅓ cup of batter. Rotate the pan in a circular motion to spread the batter to the edges of the pan to create a 10- inch circle.
        TIPS: The palačinky will be thicker than a French crêpe but thinner than an American pancake. It’s important to swirl the batter around as soon as you place it in the pan as the batter will begin cooking immediately where it sits in the pan.
      • Return pan to burner and allow the batter to cook 2-3 minutes until brown on the edges. Use a spatula and flip to cook on the backside for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
      • Remove the palačinky from the pan and place it on a plate or platter to cool. Stack them as they cook.
        TIP: Place a sheet of foil on the plate under the palačinkys to keep them warm and place a sheet over the top. You may also store the palačinkys on a heat-proof plate in the oven until all are cooked.
      • Repeat with remaining batter by brushing oil in the skillet for each and continue to cook the palačinkys until all are cooked.
        TIP: Use a paper towel to wipe out batter splatters in between each palačinky as needed.

      Assembly Directions:

      • Spread a thin layer of desired filling on one side of each palačinky leaving a 1-inch border. Roll up each like a cigar or fold into triangles like the French crêpe. Add desired toppings. Serve and enjoy!

      Video

      Notes

      Make ahead:
      -You can make the batter the day before, cover it and refrigerate until ready to cook the batter. Be sure to stir the batter before you add it to the skillet.
      Storing:
      -For cooked, unfilled palačinkys, place them in a large zip-top bag or container and freeze. If freezing, consider separating each with wax paper as they will stick. If frozen, remove desired amount to thaw on the counter for about 30 minutes. Heat in the microwave just until warm. Fill and top as desired.