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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast foods » Ebelskiver Recipe

    Ebelskiver Recipe

    April 4, 2022 By Chandice | 94 Comments | Updated July 24, 2023

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    ebelskiver recipe pin

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    Ebelskivers are small Danish pancakes made in a special pan that are to-die-for! This traditional recipe is made with simple ingredients and tastes delicious dipped in jam, chocolate, or maple syrup!

    These pancake balls are especially popular around Christmas time but can be enjoyed year round! They’re the perfect sweet breakfast treat and are a bit more fun than normal pancakes.

    Ebelskivers in a girls hand

    Ebelskiver Recipe

    This ebelskiver recipe has been in the family for 4 generations! We love making these puff pancakes on Christmas morning for all the kids to enjoy. They are also great at our minimalist Christmas party.

    They like topping them with simple syrup or powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Maple syrup is another great topping or you can stuff them with applesauce or jam. If you don’t have syrup, here is a substitute for maple syrup list of 10 options.

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    These gluten free crepes, peppermint Christmas pancakes and gingerbread pancakes are other popular breakfast recipes during the holidays! There’s nothing like starting Christmas morning with something sweet and delicious.

    Another great thing about this recipe, like our gluten free pancake mix, is that the ingredients are pantry staples! Flour, eggs, buttermilk, salt, etc. are super easy ingredients that make such delicious pancakes.

    I love serving them on our pancake charcuterie board or served with our school breakfast pizza.

    What is an ebelskiver pan?

    An ebelskiver pans are usually cast iron pans but it can also be made from ceramic or another material. I prefer the cast iron as it gives the most authentic ebelskiver recipe.

    Ebelskiver recipe with powdered sugar on top in a bowl

    Is Ebelskiver mix the same as pancake mix?

    Although ebelskiver and pancakes are similar, they’re not the same thing. Ebelskiver is more of a mix between a donut and a pancake. Ebelskiver turns out fluffy and with a perfect golden brown crust while pancakes tend to be flatter.

    Bowl filled with instant pot apple crisp and pomegranates with an orange on the side

    Ebelskiver ingredients

    The base of this ebelskiver recipe is super basic! Made with staple ingredients that you probably already have in your home. This recipe is also super easy to customize with fillings and toppings!

    Eggs

    This recipe calls for 2 eggs but the egg yolks and the egg whites must be separated. The egg whites need to be beaten to get fluffy puff pancakes.

    Buttermilk

    The acid in buttermilk helps the baking soda kick in which is another reason why this dish is so fluffy! You don’t want to skip the buttermilk.

    Gluten-free all purpose flour

    I prefer to use gluten-free flour for this recipe but normal all purpose flour will work as well.

    Baking soda

    Baking soda as well as baking powder in this recipe helps the ebelskiver rise. This recipe calls for both for extra height.

    How to make Ebelsivers

    Step 1: Combine egg yolks, buttermilk, and sugar into a small bowl until Combined.

    Step 2: Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add egg yolk mixture and combine. Let mixture rest for 30 minutes.

    Step 3: Beat two egg whites in a small bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form and fold into pancake batter.

    Step by step Ebelskiver recipe photos

    Step 4: Pour batter into hot and heavily greased ebelskiver pan. Pour each cup until 3/4 full.

    Step 5: When batter starts to bubble, make quarter turns with a knitting needle or wooden skewer until a ball forms. Turn until golden and needle inserted comes out clean

    Step 6: Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with jam, chocolate, maple syrup, simple syrups, or your favorite topping.

    Pro tip: You can serve with melted butter for a savory flavored ebelskiver.

    Ebelskiver recipe with powdered sugar in a big bowl

    Expert tips and FAQs

    How to turn an ebelskiver

    Turning an ebelskiver is not as hard as it may seem! When the batter starts to bubble, make quarter turns with a wooden skewer or needle until a ball forms. Continue turning until need inserted comes out clean.

    What goes with ebelskiver?

    I like serving ebelskiver with sausage patties, bacon, or other breakfast foods. Ebelskiver also tastes great paired with fresh fruit like apple slices!

    Can you reheat ebelskivers?

    Yes! You can 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.

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    Ebelskiver Recipe

    ebelskiver recipe in a big bowl with powdered sugar
    4.92 from 36 votes
    Ebelskivers are small Danish pancakes made in a special pan that are to-die-for! This traditional recipe is made with simple ingredients and tastes delicious dipped in jam, chocolate, or maple syrup!
    PRINT RECIPE SAVE RECIPESaved!
    Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 20 minutes mins
    Resting Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time: 1 hour hr
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: Denmark
    Keyword: breakfast, ebelskiver, gluten-free
    Servings: 8 people
    Calories: 185kcal

    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

    *I recommend using a cast iron ebelskiver pan. The flavor is more authentic and they are very easy to use. 
    Pro tip: You can serve with melted butter for a savory flavored ebelskiver.
    How to turn an ebelskiver
    Turning an ebelskiver is not as hard as it may seem! When the batter starts to bubble, make quarter turns with a wooden skewer or needle until a ball forms. Continue turning until need inserted comes out clean.
    What goes with ebelskiver? 
    I like serving ebelskiver with sausage patties, bacon, or other breakfast foods. Ebelskiver also tastes great paired with fresh fruit like apple slices!
    Can you reheat ebelskivers?
    Yes! You can 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. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 292mg | Potassium: 123mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 164IU | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 1mg

    This post was originally published December 7, 2019 but has since been updated with more in-depth information.

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    Filed Under: Breakfast foods, Christmas Tagged With: breakfast, christmas, ebelskiver, hygge, Party Ideas

    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi, I'm Chandice!

    Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. kerri says

      October 14, 2020 at 3:08 pm

      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!

      Reply
    2. Amy says

      October 13, 2020 at 10:21 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        October 16, 2020 at 8:19 pm

        Thanks Amy, it is a fun recipe indeed. Especially with a cozy Hygge Christmas party!

        Reply
    3. Shelley says

      October 13, 2020 at 2:26 pm

      5 stars
      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! 🙂

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        October 16, 2020 at 8:20 pm

        Thanks Shelley, I feel honored to have a recipe in our family like this. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
    4. Kelsey vinson says

      January 01, 2020 at 3:40 am

      Never seen these before I love discovering new yummy treats to try

      Reply
    5. Cassandra D says

      January 01, 2020 at 3:22 am

      I like the addition of the 2 egg whites.

      Reply
    6. Amber Kolb says

      January 01, 2020 at 3:12 am

      I love their fluffiness! They look delicious!

      Reply
    7. Azeem Isaahaque says

      December 31, 2019 at 9:54 pm

      I love that this recipe is different & isnt hard to make

      Reply
    8. Kayla Klontz says

      December 31, 2019 at 4:28 pm

      I love that they’re gluten free!

      Reply
    9. kristy wolfgang says

      December 29, 2019 at 2:05 am

      I have never heard of this type of danish, but looks good.

      Reply
    10. heather says

      December 28, 2019 at 9:25 pm

      I have never heard of these before and I think the whole family would love them we love buttermilk.

      Reply
    11. NANCY says

      December 27, 2019 at 8:26 pm

      I like the quirky name. Definitely distinctive.

      Reply
    12. aaron r says

      December 26, 2019 at 10:45 pm

      Fresh pomegranate is really my favorite taste and texture and all of that. But, I will try almost anything.
      Surprise me.

      Reply
    13. linda says

      December 20, 2019 at 5:02 pm

      I love the fresh pomegranate.

      Reply
    14. Kim Ledford-Burley says

      December 15, 2019 at 11:58 pm

      love all your holiday tips and recipes

      Reply
    15. Kelly Payton says

      December 14, 2019 at 11:19 pm

      Merry Christmas! Well they are so cute , little and gluten free.

      Reply
    16. Ally says

      December 14, 2019 at 10:52 pm

      I love the tip on turning them–I’ve never really managed it!

      Reply
    17. Toby says

      December 14, 2019 at 10:38 pm

      I love that taught me a new word! Ebelskiver! Now I can impress friends at parties 😄 (Although I will probably pronounce it wrong, so… (I also love the ornament recipe, never would have thought that I could make something like that!)

      Reply
    18. Heidi B says

      December 14, 2019 at 8:15 pm

      I love that I’ve never heard of this recipe and you make it not only look so easy but yummy!

      Reply
      • Danielle Wood says

        December 31, 2019 at 7:35 pm

        I love that it is gluten free

        Reply
    19. Kim Henrichs says

      December 14, 2019 at 2:18 pm

      These are so good – I love how easy they really are to make!

      Reply
    20. Molly says

      December 14, 2019 at 2:02 am

      I love the sugar topping. Makes everything delicious.

      Reply
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    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi there, I’m Chandice!

    I love sharing ways to live more vivaciously! Celebrate life with us through unforgettable gluten-free recipes, easy mocktails and everyday entertaining ideas…

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