
Danish Aebleskiver Pancake Balls
What are Aebleskiver?
Aebleskiver (pronounced EH-bleh-skEE-ver) are a classic Danish treat, often enjoyed during the Christmas season but delicious any time of year. The name literally translates to 'apple slices,' though modern aebleskiver rarely contain apples. They are spherical pancakes cooked in a special pan with hemispherical molds, giving them their distinctive round shape.
Aebleskiver History
The exact origins of aebleskiver are debated, but some stories suggest they were created by Viking warriors who, after losing a battle, scrambled to cook pancakes using their dented shields. The resulting oddly shaped pancakes evolved into the aebleskiver we know today. Regardless of the true story, aebleskiver have been a beloved part of Danish culinary tradition for centuries.
Cooking Techniques
The key to perfect aebleskiver lies in the pan and the technique. A special aebleskiver pan, with its characteristic round molds, is essential. The batter is poured into the molds, and as the aebleskiver cook, they are rotated with skewers or forks to create a perfectly round shape. The result is a light, airy pancake ball that's a delight to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for greasing the pan
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Jam or syrup, for serving
Instructions
- 1.Prepare the batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg yolks, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
- 2.Whip the egg whites
In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
- 3.Cook the aebleskiver
Heat an aebleskiver pan over medium heat. Grease each mold with vegetable oil. Pour batter into each mold, filling about 2/3 full. As the bottoms begin to set (about 2-3 minutes), use a skewer or fork to rotate the aebleskiver 90 degrees. Add a little more batter if needed to help form a round shape. Continue rotating until the aebleskiver are golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes total.
- 4.Serve
Remove the aebleskiver from the pan and dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately with your favorite jam or syrup.
Nutritional Information
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Aebleskiver pan
- Skewers or forks
Tips
- Don't overmix the batter, as this will result in tough aebleskiver.
- Make sure the aebleskiver pan is hot before adding the batter.
- Use a light hand when rotating the aebleskiver to avoid deflating them.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Try Our AI Features
Reverse Engineer Any Recipe
Just snap or upload a picture of a dish, and our AI will create the complete recipe for you.
Identify RecipeCreate Custom Recipes
Take a photo of your ingredients, and let AI create a personalized recipe just for you.
Create RecipeYou Might Also Like

Classic Honey Bread
A sweet and comforting honey bread, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. This recipe yields a moist and flavorful loaf with a delightful honey aroma.

Golden Mini Waffles Recipe
These mini waffles are perfect for a quick and easy breakfast or brunch. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they're sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes Recipe
Enjoy tangy and fluffy sourdough pancakes for a delicious breakfast or brunch. This recipe uses sourdough discard or starter for a unique flavor and light texture.

Southern Tomato Gravy with Buttermilk Biscuits
A comforting Southern classic featuring a rich tomato gravy served over flaky, homemade buttermilk biscuits. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

Get Weekly Recipes
Join our community for exclusive recipes and cooking tips