Traditional Danish Ebelskivers Recipe

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, separated
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Assorted fillings: jam, fruit, chocolate chips, or cream cheese
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks, then add the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Add the egg yolk mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
In a third bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, being careful not to overmix.
Heat your ebelskiver pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter to each well of the pan.
Fill each well of the pan about 2/3 full with batter. Add a teaspoon of your chosen filling, then add a little more batter on top to cover the filling.
Cook the ebelskivers for a few minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown. Use a skewer or fork to flip them over and cook the other side.
Once the ebelskivers are cooked throughout and golden brown on both sides, remove them from the pan.
Dust the cooked ebelskivers with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Tools for making

Ebelskiver pan - A special pan with multiple round wells used to cook the ebelskivers.
Whisk - Used to combine the dry ingredients and beat the egg yolks.
Bowl - Needed for mixing the dry ingredients, egg yolk mixture, and beaten egg whites.
Spatula - Used for flipping the ebelskivers while cooking.
Skewer or Fork - Used to flip the ebelskivers over to cook the other side.
Measuring cups and spoons - Required to accurately measure the ingredients.
Butter or oil - Used to grease the ebelskiver pan to prevent sticking.
Confectioners’ sugar sifter or shaker - Used to dust the cooked ebelskivers with powdered sugar before serving.

Recipe variations

Try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Experiment with different fillings such as nutella, peanut butter, or caramel.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm and cozy flavor.
For a savory twist, add cooked bacon, ham, or cheese to the batter.
Replace buttermilk with yogurt or sour cream for a tangy flavor.
Instead of traditional round ebelskivers, try making them in different shapes like hearts or stars using silicone molds.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Add grated lemon or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy burst of flavor.
Serve the ebelskivers with a variety of toppings like maple syrup, fruit compote, or whipped cream.

Recipe overview

Get ready to delight your taste buds with these delicious Danish pancake balls, also known as Ebelskivers. Originating from Denmark, these tender, puffy pancakes are a delightful treat and a fun twist on traditional pancakes. They're cooked in a special ebelskiver pan, which gives them their distinctive round shape. In this recipe, you'll learn how to make fluffy and light ebelskivers filled with your choice of jam, fruit, chocolate chips or cream cheese. This recipe uses simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, combined with the tang of buttermilk for a tender texture. The process involves making a light batter, adding your filling, and carefully cooking your ebelskivers until they're golden brown. Once they're done, a dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds the perfect sweet finish. Enjoy these sweet delights for breakfast, brunch, or as an anytime treat. Enjoy your cooking!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of flour? It is recommended to use all-purpose flour for this recipe as it yields the best results.
Can I substitute buttermilk with another ingredient? While buttermilk gives the best flavor and texture, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 3/4 cups of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Can I use a regular pan instead of an ebelskiver pan? An ebelskiver pan is specifically designed for making these Danish pancakes, and it is recommended for best results. However, you can try using a similar-sized round pan and flipping the pancakes using two forks or skewers.
How do I know when the ebelskivers are cooked? The bottoms should be golden brown before flipping them over. Use a skewer or fork to check if the inside is cooked – it should come out clean.
Can I make the batter ahead of time? It is best to make the batter right before cooking the ebelskivers for optimal texture. However, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately and mix them together just before cooking.
What fillings work well for ebelskivers? You can use a variety of fillings such as jam, fruit, chocolate chips, or cream cheese. Be sure to use small amounts of filling to prevent overflow during cooking.
Can I freeze leftover ebelskivers? Yes, you can freeze leftover ebelskivers. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven until warmed through.

Serving dishes and utensils

Ebelskiver pan - A special pan with round wells designed for cooking ebelskivers.
Skewer or fork - Used for flipping the ebelskivers in the pan.
Mixing bowls - Needed for whisking together the dry ingredients and mixing the wet ingredients.
Whisk - Used for combining the dry ingredients and whisking the wet ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons - To measure the ingredients accurately.
Spatula - For removing the cooked ebelskivers from the pan.
Confectioners’ sugar shaker - For dusting the finished ebelskivers with powdered sugar.

Origin stories

Ebelskivers hail from Denmark and are often associated with the holiday season and cozy family gatherings. Every Danish family has their own version of the recipe, and the fillings can range from sweet to savory. The name itself, Æbleskiver, translates to "apple slices" in Danish, as apple slices were traditionally tucked into the fluffy batter. Today, variations include fillings of jam, chocolate, or even cheese. There's a lovely Danish saying that goes - "Man skal ikke skue hunden på hårene" which means one should not judge merely by outward appearances. Just as the simple round shape of the Ebelskiver hides the delicious fillings inside, this delightful dish is a reminder to appreciate the hidden beauty in everything around us.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.