Authentic Ebelskiver Recipe (from my Danish grandmother...)

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Ebelskivers are small Danish pancakes made in a special pan that hard to beat! This traditional and authentic recipe yields light, fluffy puffed pancakes with endless possibilities for fillings and toppings. Made with simple ingredients, it’s no wonder this recipe has been a family favorite for years on end.

Authentic Ebelskivers on a plate with powdered sugar

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

Family favorite: This ebelskiver recipe has been in the family for 4 generations! I love making these puff pancakes at Christmas time or on a lazy Sunday morning for all the kids to enjoy. They are also great at our traditional minimalist Christmas party.
They’re versatile: I love topping them with simple syrup or powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Maple syrup is another great topping or you can get creative with other variations.
Simple ingredients: 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.

What is an ebelskiver pan?

An ebelskiver pan is a unique kitchen tool specifically designed for these pancakes and similar dishes. They’re 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 love using a cast iron as it gives it the most authentic flavor and texture.

Authentic Ebelskivers in an ebelskiver pan

What you need to make Danish pancakes

Flour: I like to use all purpose gluten free flour, but you can use regular flour if you’re not gluten-free.
Buttermilk
Eggs: 2 eggs, separated.
Other: The classic baking ingredients like baking soda, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and sugar.

How to Make Ebelskivers:

Combine: Combine egg yolks, buttermilk, and sugar into a small bowl until well mixed.

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

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

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

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

Serve: Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with jam, chocolate, maple syrup, simple syrups, or your favorite topping. Serve with melted butter for a more savory ebelskiver.

How to store mini pancakes

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.

Can I use regular pancake mix?

While pancake mix can be used, it will not give you the same light and fluffy texture that this specific ebelskiver batter will. Ebelskiver is more of a mix between a donut and a pancake, with a thicker texture designed to hold up when turned in the pan.

How do I prevent the batter from sticking?

Heavily grease each pan before adding the batter. Butter, olive oil, or another neutral tasting oil works best. Cast irons especially need to be greased before using as they’re prone to sticking.

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.

What fillings work best?

I like to use strawberry or raspberry jam, Nutella, peanut butter, or icing for a sweet version. If you like savory foods, you can fill with ham and cheese, bacon, sausage, etc.

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.

More delicious breakfast ideas:

Need more pancake recipes? Try these gluten free crepes, peppermint Christmas pancakes, gingerbread pancakes, gluten free pancakes (fluffy, homestyle), and this pancake charcuterie board.

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