Aebleskiver — Danish round filled pancakes
Æbleskiver are Danish ball-shaped pancakes cooked in a specialty pan with hemispherical wells — the cook rotates each ball as it cooks to give it the round shape. Traditionally filled with a piece of apple (æble); modern versions are usually plain.
i. Origin & history
Æbleskiver have been eaten in Denmark since at least the 17th century. They are particularly associated with Christmas, eaten with glögg (mulled wine) at advent gatherings.
ii. Ingredients
Makes 4 servings · scroll the side panel to adjust
- 250 g plain flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cardamom
- Pinch salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 eggs, separated
- 400 ml buttermilk
- 60 g unsalted butter, melted
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 60 g butter for the pan
- Icing sugar and raspberry jam to serve
iii. Method
- Whisk flour, baking powder, cardamom, salt, sugar. Beat in yolks, buttermilk, melted butter and zest.
- Whip whites to stiff peaks; fold into batter.
- Heat an æbleskiver pan; place a small piece of butter in each well.
- Fill each well two-thirds. Cook 90 sec until the bottom is set.
- Using a wooden skewer, turn each ball a quarter-turn to expose the wet side. Continue every 30 seconds, rotating to form perfect spheres.
- Cook 4-5 min total. Dust with icing sugar; serve with jam.
iv. Tips & common mistakes
- Use the freshest ingredients you can. The recipe relies on them.
- Read the method through first. Several steps must be ready in advance.
- Season patiently. Sweetness and salt are tuned at the end, not the start.
v. Variations
Apple-filled æbleskiver include a chunk of apple in the centre — the traditional version. Jam-filled use raspberry. Modern æbleskiver use Nutella, banana, or savoury fillings.
vi. Common questions
What is aebleskiver?
Aebleskiver is danish round filled pancakes, from scandinavian cuisine. Traditionally filled with a piece of apple (æble); modern versions are usually plain
Where is aebleskiver from?
Aebleskiver is from the scandinavian dessert tradition; the recipe and history are detailed above.
How long does aebleskiver keep?
See the storage note in the Quick facts panel: Eat fresh.