Christmas, Danish Traditions, Dessert, Holiday, Recipes

Æbleskiver (Danish Pancake Puffs/Balls)

February 2, 2022
Æbleskiver | Danish Pancake Balls | Wild West Viking

Æbleskiver (Pancake Puffs or Pancake Balls)

A Danish tradition typically enjoyed around Christmas time (but I think you can enjoy them any time of the year). These puffy Danish pancake balls are sweet delights typically served with powdered sugar and strawberry jam, although I have elevated them slightly this time with boozy strawberry coulis. Æbleskiver literally translates to apple slices, although we don't add these into the batter. You do need a special Æbleskiver pan (see below).
These are perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a sweet after dinner treat.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Danish

Equipment

  • 1 Aebleskiver pan
  • Blender
  • Sieve or fine mesh strainer

Ingredients
  

Æbleskiver

  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups flour
  • 3 eggs, yolks and whites separated.
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • powdered sugar
  • strawberry jam

Boozy Strawberry Coulis

  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 12 oz frozen strawberries, thawed
  • 1 tbsp Grand Marnier (orange liqueur)

Instructions
 

Prepare Æbleskiver

  • Beat egg yolks, add sugar, salt, buttermilk, flour, baking soda and baking powder.
  • Beat egg whites until slightly stiffened.
  • Add egg whites to flour mixture.
  • Melt butter, place Æbleskiver pan on stove on medium heat. Brush butter into each hole. Ladle mixture into each hole about ¾ full. Cook about 2 minutes, and then turn carefully over on the other side (I use a wooden tool some people use a knitting needle), trying to spill some of the mixture into the hole as you are turning to make the pancake puff a little fluffy. Continue turning until the balls turn a nice golden color and are cooked all the way through.
  • Keep warm until ready to serve.

Prepare Coulis

  • Combine sugar and water in a small sauce pot over medium heat. Stir to combine and until mixture is thickened. Remove from heat.
  • Combine frozen strawberries and sugar syrup in a blender, and blend until mixture is smooth and pureed.
  • Pour puree over sieve over a medium sized bowl. Stir and push mixture into bowl until all liquid has been pushed through.
  • Add liqueur to mixture (if wanted). Stir to combine well.
  • Store in fridge for 5-7 days or freezer for 2-3 months.
Keyword aebleskiver, Danish Christmas, Danish food, pancake balls, pancake puffs, Sweet Treats
  • Aebleskive Pan : This is the pan that I have and have used for years. You can use a cast iron pan as well, but this one is very easy to use.
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