Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Pan
Place a 10 or 12-inch cast iron skillet (or an oven-safe baking dish or cake pan) on the middle rack of your oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). It is essential that the pan heats up with the oven. A hot pan is the secret to the puff.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter
While the oven and pan are preheating, prepare the batter. You can do this in a blender for the smoothest result or by hand in a bowl.

• Using a Blender: Add the room temperature eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the blender. Blend on high for about 20-30 seconds, just until the batter is smooth and slightly frothy. Scrape down the sides if needed and give it one final pulse.
• By Hand: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla until well combined and frothy. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking continuously until just combined. A few small lumps are perfectly okay—do not overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tougher, less delicate pancake.

Step 3: Melt the Butter
Once the oven has fully preheated, carefully remove the searing hot skillet using oven mitts. Place it on a heatproof surface. Add the 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. It should sizzle and melt immediately, foaming beautifully. Swirl the pan to ensure the butter coats the entire bottom and creeps up the sides.

Step 4: Pour and Bake
Immediately pour the prepared batter directly into the center of the hot, buttery pan. The butter will be pushed up the sides. Do not stir. Working quickly, place the skillet back into the oven on the middle rack.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Do not open the oven door to check on it, especially during the first 15 minutes. A sudden drop in temperature can cause your pancake to deflate prematurely. You will be able to see it puffing up dramatically through the oven window. The pancake is done when it is deeply golden brown, puffed high, and the edges are crisp.

Step 6: Serve Immediately
Using oven mitts, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. The pancake will be impressively puffed but will begin to deflate almost immediately as it cools. This is completely normal and expected! It creates the perfect shallow bowl shape. Serve right