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Flädlesuppe (German Pancake Soup)

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Featuring thinly sliced crepes in a rich beef broth sprinkled with chopped chives, this traditional Flaedlesuppe recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a truly soul-satisfying soup!

flaedlesuppe recipe authentic German pancake soup beef broth

This soup comes from my home region of Swabia in southern Germany though it is also served in other regions, including Bavaria.  You can find it on restaurant menus and in home kitchens throughout Germany.  It’s simple to make and simply delicious.

What is Flädlesuppe?

Flädlesuppe is a simple pancake soup consisting of thinly cut strips of German pancakes (called Eierkuchen) served in a clear broth, traditionally beef broth, and typically garnished with chopped chives.  Flädlesuppe is a great way to use up leftover Eierkuchen from a previous meal.   These strips of crepe-like pancakes (similar to palatschinken) are called Flädle in Swabia where I grew up.  In other regions of Germany this soup is called Eierkuchensuppe or Pfannkuchensuppe.  Austria has a similar soup called Frittatensuppe though the Frittaten (from the Italian fritatta) are thicker than Flädle.  Switzerland likewise has a similar soup known as Flädlisuppe.

The pancake strips are placed in a soup bowl and the hot broth is ladled over the top following a sprinkling of chopped chives.

What Kind of Broth Do I Need?

Flädlesuppe is made with very simple ingredients and as such it is imperative to use quality ingredients, in particular the broth.  This soup is only as good as the broth so choose a good one.  A good homemade German beef broth is made with beef, bones, leek, carrots, onion, and celeriac (a flavor very characteristic of many German soups).  If you’re using a store-bought beef broth we recommend improving the flavor quality of the broth by simmering it with some chopped leek, carrots and celeriac for 30 minutes.  Then strain the broth and use it as directed in the recipe.

Can Flaedlesuppe Be Made in Advance?

The broth and pancakes can be made in advance but should not be assembled together until just before serving as the pancakes will become soggy.

flaedlesuppe recipe authentic German pancake soup beef broth

 

Flaedlesuppe Recipe

To make the German pancakes, in a medium-sized bowl whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, milk, and eggs until smooth.

making pancake batter

Heat a lightly-greased non-stick skillet over medium heat.   Pour a thin layer of batter over the surface, roughly the thickness of a crepe, and cook until the bottom is light brown.  Carefully flip the pancake over and cook until the other side is light brown.  Transfer the pancake to a plate.  Repeat with the remaining batter to make 4-6 pancakes (depending on the size of the pan).

making pancake

Once the pancakes are cool enough to handle, roll them up one at a time and thinly slice them in strips.

Chop the chives.

slicing pancakes and chives

Heat up the beef broth.  (If vegetarian use vegetable broth.)

Divide the pancake strips, or Flädle, between four bowls.

preparing flaedlesuppe recipe

Ladle the beef broth over the pancakes strips.

Garnish with the chopped chives.

Serve immediately.  This soup does not reheat well as the pancakes become soggy.

flaedlesuppe recipe authentic German pancake soup beef broth

Serve with a green salad for lunch or a light dinner.

Enjoy!

flaedlesuppe recipe authentic German pancake soup beef broth

For more delicious German soups be sure to try our:  

flaedlesuppe recipe authentic German pancake soup beef broth

Flädlesuppe (German Pancake Soup)

A Swabian speciality from southern Germany, Flädlesuppe is a traditional soup featuring thinly sliced crepes in a rich beef broth and sprinkled with chopped chives. This traditional recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a truly soul-satisfying soup!  
5 from 8 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Entree, Main Course, Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine German
Servings 4
Calories 190 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 cups high quality beef broth , (if using store-bought beef broth we recommend improving the flavor quality by simmering some leek, carrots, and celeriac in it for 30 minutes, then strain it and use as directed in this recipe) **Vegetarians: Use vegetable broth
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
  • chopped fresh chives for serving

Instructions
 

  • To make the pancakes, in a medium-sized bowl whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, milk, and eggs until smooth.  
    Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter.   Pour a thin layer of batter over the surface, roughly the thickness of a crepe, and cook until the bottom is light brown.  Carefully flip the pancake over and cook until the other side is light brown. Transfer the pancake to a plate.  Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing with more butter as necessary. Makes 4-6 pancakes depending on the size of the skillet.
  • Once the pancakes are cool enough to handle, roll them up tightly and slice them into thin strips.  Divide the pancake strips between four bowls.  Heat the beef broth and ladle the hot broth over the pancakes strips. Garnish with the chopped chives.  
    Serve immediately.  (The broth and pancakes can be made in advance but should not be assembled together until just before serving as the pancakes will become soggy.)

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 10gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 1178mgPotassium: 266mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 193IUCalcium: 89mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Flaedlesuppe, Pancake Soup
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

Hi, I’m Kimberly Killebrew and welcome to Daring Gourmet where you'll find delicious originals, revitalized classics, and simply downright good eats from around the world! Originally from Germany, later raised in England, world-traveled, and now living in the U.S., from my globally-influenced kitchen I invite you to tour the world through your taste buds!

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Recipe Rating




5 from 8 votes (1 rating without comment)

13 Comments

  1. This is something our adult kids always request when they come home for a few days.
    Rouladen is another request.
    Got to love German cuisine!!

  2. My Swabian Mom used to make this when we had left over German pancakes. Brings back memories. Thank you!

  3. This recipe will be a real winner with my Swabian husband. I will certainly make it when it’s a bit cooler. Too hot just now. You have already saved the day when you taught me to make my most successful Spaetzle. So I know this will go down really will. Thanks so much Kimerley

    1. Thank you for posting this recipe! Mom always made German pancakes growing up, and the leftovers became pancake soup. I watched her make it, but never got the ratios correctly. I’m stuck inside because of Covid-19, and decided to make it today. Excellent! The only change is that I used homemade chicken bone broth instead of beef. I made 10 quarts of that yesterday for holiday preparation.
      Thank you again.
      Dean