Danish Æbleskiver Pancake Balls with Jam
Airy Danish pancake balls cooked in a special pan and served with jam and icing sugar.
Æbleskiver are Danish round pancake balls often enjoyed during the Christmas season. A special dimpled pan helps form their shape, while whipped egg whites make the batter airy. The source lists a Danish-style milk and egg batter but leaves out the important method for turning each pancake. Fill the greased wells partway, let the edges set, then rotate each ball with a skewer so uncooked batter flows into the cavity. Cook until evenly golden and set inside. Serve hot with jam and a light dusting of icing sugar. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cardamom and salt in a bowl. Whisk yolks with milk, melted butter and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until combined. Beat egg whites to soft peaks. Fold gently into batter.
Recipe card
Danish Æbleskiver Pancake Balls with Jam
Equipment: Knife, cutting board, measuring spoons, large skillet or saucepan
Ingredients
Instructions
Mix dry ingredients
Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cardamom and salt in a bowl.
Make batter
Whisk yolks with milk, melted butter and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until combined.
Whip whites
Beat egg whites to soft peaks. Fold gently into batter.
Heat pan
Heat æbleskiver pan over medium-low heat and lightly butter each well.
Cook and turn
Fill wells about three-quarters full. When edges set, use a skewer to turn each partly cooked pancake about a quarter-turn; continue turning as it cooks into a ball.
Finish
Cook until golden all around and centre is set, about 4 to 6 minutes total. Serve warm with jam and icing sugar.
How to tell when it is ready
The ingredients are tender and evenly cooked; use a food thermometer where indicated.
Tips
- Measure ingredients before starting.
- Use the visual doneness cues as well as the timing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning near the end.
- Let the dish rest briefly before serving.
Troubleshooting
- If the mixture is too thick, add liquid a little at a time.
- If browning too quickly, lower the heat and cover loosely.
Substitutions
- Use a similar neutral cooking oil.
- Choose a suitable dairy-free alternative where practical.
Variations
- Adjust herbs and spices to taste.
- Add seasonal vegetables that suit the cooking time.
Serving suggestions
- Serve with raspberry jam.
- Offer icing sugar and lemon curd.
- Pair with hot cocoa.
- Set out several fruit preserves.
Make ahead
Prepare components ahead where practical. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat until hot throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in a covered container and use within 3 days. Reheat gently until hot throughout.
Food safety
Contains eggs, dairy and gluten. Keep batter chilled if not cooking immediately; cook pieces fully and serve fresh.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare this ahead?
Prepare components as described, chill promptly and finish shortly before serving.
How should I store danish æbleskiver pancake balls?
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in a covered container and use within 3 days. Reheat gently until hot throughout.
Serve with raspberry jam. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
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