Our traditional and authentic Ebelskivers, or small Danish pancakes recipe yields light, fluffy puffed pancakes with endless possibilities for fillings and toppings. This recipe has been a family favorite passed down through our Danish grandmothers and only requires a few simple ingredients and one special pan.
If you know me, you know I’m all about traditions. Every Christmas, I make a big batch of Ebelskiver Danish puff pancakes for the kids and they look forward to it every year.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can serve them with sweet, or savory sides and everyone can customize them with their own toppings. Perfect for picky eaters or large groups of people!
Why you’ll love these Danish pancakes
- They’re versatile: We’ve also found through making this recipe many times, that you can easily fill them with things like jam or Nutella for a fun surprise inside.
- Simple ingredients: Another great thing about this recipe, like our gluten free pancake mix, is that the ingredients are pantry staples. You can make these with regular flour or gluten free. We have tried both and they always work great.
- Authentically made: We kept grandma’s simple recipe and use an authentic ebelskiver pan which is traditionally made from cast iron with several small, round wells that create the classic fluffy, ball-shaped pancakes. While some pans are made from ceramic or another material, I find that using a cast iron pan gives it the most authentic flavor and texture.
Here are some key ingredients you need to make Danish pancakes
- Flour: I like to use all purpose gluten free flour and have found after much trial and error, that King Arthur brand works best but Bob’s Red Mill will also work. Of course, my grandma made them with regular flour in her kitchen and that works great you’re not gluten-free.
- Eggs: 2 eggs, separated. This is the key to getting them light and airy. You want to separate the eggs and whip the egg whites until they are forming peaks then gently fold them back into the batter making sure not to over mix them. We’ve had people tell us that this is what they loved most about our recipe over others and found them to be much lighter because of this step.
Let’s make grandma proud and get cooking…
- I love making these as simply as possible with just two bowl. The first will be where you mix together the dry ingredients. Or save yourself a dish and do it in a large quart measuring cup.
- The second bowl will be where you combine the wet ingredients MINUS the egg whites which come soon. Then you whisk in the dry ingredients to make a nice smooth batter.
- Here’s that amazing step to getting the fluffiness you are hoping for in these little puff pancakes. Yep, whip those egg whites good!
- Always, always fold in egg whites gently barely incorporating them into the batter to keep it light.
Now you get to use your fun pan to make the pancake rounds. Have a skewer or clean crochet hook ready for easy turning.
Need more pancake style recipes? Try these gluten free crepes or our gluten free pancakes.
More delicious breakfast ideas:
Our school breakfast pizza is a super quick way to start the day. Here are some gluten-free breakfast (20+ recipes) but I will always recommend our gluten-free breakfast casserole.
Need an EASY and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert?
Take a look at my Sheet Pan Meals and More!
NEED MORE GOODNESS? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter for great recipes, entertaining ideas and more!
Authentic Ebelskiver Recipe (from my Danish grandmother…)
Ingredients
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp Real Salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 cups powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Combine egg yolks, buttermilk, all-purpose gluten-free flour, sugar, Real Salt, baking soda and baking powder in a medium bowl until well blended
- Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes
- Beat two egg whites in a small bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form and fold into pancake batter
- Heat an Ebelskiver pan over medium heat
- Spray generously with non-stick cooking spray or put a tsp oil to each cup
- When the pan is hot, pour batter into each cup until 3/4 full
- When batter starts to bubble, make quarter turns with a needle until a ball forms
- Turn until golden and needle inserted comes out clean
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve as is or with raspberry jam
Notes
Can I make these without an ebelskiver pan?
While an ebelskiver pan is necessary for authentic ebelskiver pancakes, but you can also try using a mini muffin pan on the stove top. The results will not be the exact same, but they will be similar.How to store
To store: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container or ziplock baggie in the fridge for 2-3 days. Make sure that they’re completely cooled before storing. To reheat: Reheat these ebelskivers in the microwave, oven, or even air fryer. I like to reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes because they come out with the perfect crust.Recipe Variations:
- Apple pie: During the first quarter turn, add a small amount of cooked apple pie filling to the little pocket that forms in the batter.
- Nutella: During the first quarter turn, when that little pocket forms, add a small dollop of Nutella to the batter.
- Cinnamon and sugar: Drizzle a tiny bit of melted butter over the top of the ebelskiver and sprinkle with a cinnamon and sugar mixture.
- Ham and cheese: Once again, during that first quarter turn, add a bit of chopped ham (diced very small) and grated cheese to that little pocket of batter that forms.
Nutrition
This post was originally published December 7, 2019 but has since been updated with more in-depth information and new photos December 2024. Here is the original photo.
Heather Perine says
Had never tried to make ebelskivers..but they looked like so much fun! Definitely going to make them again 🙂
Amanda Dixon says
I made these ebelskiver over the holidays, and everyone loved them! They came out perfectly light and fluffy and were super simple — thanks for a new holiday tradition.
Rebecca says
I had never heard of these little Danish pancakes, but they looked so delicious that I had to try them. They are so good! I think we’ll be making these often!
Chandice says
Thanks Rebecca, that means so much to me to hear! 🙂
Lauren Michael Harris says
These little pancakes are so cute! I’d never heard of ebelskiver before, but by looking at the ingredients I knew we would love them. This was a fun baking day with my son!
Marisa F. Stewart says
I’ve always wanted to try these treats. We had a neighbor who gave us some as a treat but then she moved so I couldn’t get her recipe. Thank you so much. These sound exactly as what she had. I making them ASAP for my family — they loved them when she gave them to us.
Neha says
I must say those Ebelskivers look so cute and yum, I need them in my life! Loving all your festive click and that sweater of yours.
Chandice says
Thanks Neha, they are a fun family recipe passed down for generations. 🙂
Leslie says
I am totally smitten with your Ebelskiver Recipe. These look so light, fluffy, and delicious!
Chandice says
Thanks Leslie! They are super fluffy and yummy!
veenaazmanov says
Best when kids and their friends are around for a surprise snack. This is so easy and definitely quick to enjoy too.
Chandice says
Aww thanks! Definitely a great surprise snack!
Andrea says
This year now more than ever, we all really need some more hygge in our lives! Lovely post and thank you for the recipe. I’ve had these cookies but never thought I could make them on my own!
Chandice says
Hi Andrea, yes a bit of extra Hygge is what we all need. 🙂 These are actually little pancakes not cookies but I still encourage you to try them!
Beth says
I almost bought an ebleskiver pan the other day but it wasn’t cast iron. Now I’m glad I waited for your suggestion of the cast iron. They look so easy and so good!
kerri says
I actually just got an ebelskiver pan! So i’m thrilled to find an easy recipe with such great instructions that I can make my first batch with!
Amy says
Oh that looks like a whole heap of fun! i love the concept of Hygge! Really suits my style and everything looks so cozy! Your ebelskiver recipe looks delicious and while I’ve never tried it, looks very doable. Looking forward to the Christmas season.
Chandice says
Thanks Amy, it is a fun recipe indeed. Especially with a cozy Hygge Christmas party!
Shelley says
We actually own an ebelskiver pan – my husband used to make ebelskivers for my kiddos when they were little. We called them “pan balls” and they were always such a hit – I need to dust off the pan and give your recipe a try – so much more authentic than however we used to make them, no doubt! Such a sweet story of how this tradition has been passed down through your family for generations! 🙂
Chandice says
Thanks Shelley, I feel honored to have a recipe in our family like this. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Kelsey vinson says
Never seen these before I love discovering new yummy treats to try
Cassandra D says
I like the addition of the 2 egg whites.
Amber Kolb says
I love their fluffiness! They look delicious!
Azeem Isaahaque says
I love that this recipe is different & isnt hard to make
Kayla Klontz says
I love that they’re gluten free!
heather says
I have never heard of these before and I think the whole family would love them we love buttermilk.
NANCY says
I like the quirky name. Definitely distinctive.