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.
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 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.
Another great thing about this recipe 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.
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.
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 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.
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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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!
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 ebelskiverTurning 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.
This post was originally published December 7, 2019 but has since been updated with more in-depth information.
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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.
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Comments
kerrisays
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!
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.
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! 🙂
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!)
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!
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 185kcal
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!
kristy wolfgang says
I have never heard of this type of danish, but looks good.
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.
aaron r says
Fresh pomegranate is really my favorite taste and texture and all of that. But, I will try almost anything.
Surprise me.
linda says
I love the fresh pomegranate.
Kim Ledford-Burley says
love all your holiday tips and recipes
Kelly Payton says
Merry Christmas! Well they are so cute , little and gluten free.
Ally says
I love the tip on turning them–I’ve never really managed it!
Toby says
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!)
Heidi B says
I love that I’ve never heard of this recipe and you make it not only look so easy but yummy!
Danielle Wood says
I love that it is gluten free
Kim Henrichs says
These are so good – I love how easy they really are to make!
Molly says
I love the sugar topping. Makes everything delicious.