How to Make Aebleskiver – A Must-Try Danish Breakfast Recipe

A few months ago, I was thrifting and happened upon this really cool looking solid cast iron Aebleskiver pan, but I didn’t know that’s what it was at the time. I just knew that for $!0, this heavy pan was made for a purpose and well constructed. And at that price, I couldn’t pass it up.

Fast forward, I’ve been trying hard to expand my cooking skills. Lately, I haven’t really tried many new recipes (hello 2 toddlers 3 and under) but I wanted to change that. I dusted off this Aebleskiver pan and got to work learning what it was for, and trying a new recipe.

Let me tell you, this Danish breakfast dish is going to be your new family favorite, and there are so many different variations you can make! Let’s get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Aebleskiver

1. What is aebleskiver?
Aebleskiver (also spelled æbleskiver) are traditional Danish pancake balls made in a special pan with round cavities. They’re soft, fluffy, and often served with powdered sugar, jam, or syrup.

2. Do I need a special pan to make aebleskiver?
Yes, you’ll need an aebleskiver pan, which is similar to a takoyaki pan or a cast iron pan with round wells. It helps shape the batter into perfect balls.

3. What does aebleskiver taste like?
Aebleskiver taste like fluffy pancakes with a slightly crispy outer layer. They’re mildly sweet and often enhanced with fillings like jam, apples, or chocolate.

4. Can I make aebleskiver without buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice (1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes). This gives a similar tang and helps activate baking soda.

5. Are aebleskiver served for breakfast or dessert?
Traditionally, they’re a holiday treat in Denmark, often served around Christmas, but they make a fantastic breakfast, brunch, or sweet snack any time of year.

6. How do you flip aebleskiver while cooking?
Use a skewer, knitting needle, or chopstick to gently rotate the balls as they cook. Start turning when the edges are set and continue rotating to cook evenly on all sides.

7. Can you freeze aebleskiver?
Yes! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

8. What are some popular aebleskiver fillings?
Popular fillings include apple slices, jam, Nutella, chocolate chips, or sweet cream cheese. You can also make savory versions with cheese or ham.

Easy Homemade Aebleskiver Recipe (Danish Pancake Balls)

This aebleskiver recipe was surprisingly easy to put together—and so much fun to make! These little Danish pancake balls are light, fluffy, and totally customizable with your favorite fillings. Whether you’re a first-time maker or just looking for a cozy weekend breakfast idea, I’ve got you covered.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 cups buttermilk* (see note for substitution)

• 3 egg yolks

• 3 egg whites

• 4 tbsp melted butter (plus more for greasing pan)

• Optional: fillings like jam, Nutella, or diced apples

No buttermilk? You can substitute with 2 cups of heavy cream + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 10 minutes—this is what I used and it worked perfectly!

Instructions:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk (or buttermilk substitute), egg yolks, and melted butter. (Pro tip: don’t forget your butter in the microwave like I did—oops!)

3. Whip the Egg Whites:
   Place the 3 egg whites in a stand mixer or use a hand mixer. Whip until stiff peaks form—this takes about 2 minutes. You can do this by hand if needed—just a little workout!

4. Combine Wet and Dry:
   Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Then gently fold in the whipped egg whites. A few fluffy clumps are totally fine—you don’t want to overmix.

5. Heat the Aebleskiver Pan:
   Warm up your aebleskiver pan over medium heat. Make sure it’s not too hot—I learned that the hard way. Add a little butter or oil to each well to prevent sticking.

6. Cook the Aebleskiver:
   Spoon the batter into each well, filling about ¾ full. If you’re adding a filling (like jam or Nutella), drop a small spoonful in the center, then cover with a little more batter.

7. Flip Like a Pro:
   After about 1–2 minutes, use skewers, knitting needles, or even two forks (my go-to!) to gently turn each aebleskiver a quarter-turn at a time to form a ball. Continue turning until all sides are golden brown and cooked through.

8. Cool & Serve:
   Remove the aebleskiver from the pan and let them cool slightly—if you can wait! Serve warm with powdered sugar, syrup, or fruit preserves.

Tips for Perfect Aebleskiver:

• Don’t overfill the pan—it makes flipping trickier.

• Fillings are optional but so fun! Try mini chocolate chips, apple cinnamon, or raspberry jam.

• If you’re new to flipping, take your time—it gets easier with each batch.