What's an Aebleskiver?

Danish aebleskiver (sometimes called "ebleskiver") are one of the few pastries that you can make on the stovetop—that doesn't require baking—and that you don't have to fry. They are made with a simple batter, are often filled, and usually dusted with sugar. They are easy to make and the varieties are endless.

You can fill your aebleskivers with jam, cream cheese, marshmallow cream, whipped cream, or savory fillings like cheese and sausage.

An Aebleskiver Pan Makes it Easy!

It requires a specialty pan to make aebleskiver, one with half-round cavities to accommodate the pastries. Batter is spooned into these cavities, and when cooked on one side, they are turned with toothpicks or a skewer to cook on the other side. We'll tell you how below.

You can use either a cast iron or aluminum aebleskiver pan. Aebleskiver require pans must hold their heat well to cook properly and cast iron is perfect. Cast iron does have to be seasoned and kept dry to keep from rusting.

We have tested both cast iron and nonstick aluminum pans in our test kitchen. The aluminum pans that we tested (and that we sell) are thick and heavy enough to hold their heat well. A nonstick surface on aluminum pans is recommended to make the aebleskiver easier to turn.

You can choose either type of pan and it will work well. A cook that works often with cast iron, appreciates it, and knows how to care for cast iron, will be happiest with a cast iron pan. A more casual cook might appreciate the carefree qualities and attractive good looks of an aluminum pan.

How to Make Aebleskiver

The "aeble" in aebleskiver means "apple." Traditionally for holidays in Denmark, aebleskiver are filled with applesauce or slices of sautéed apples. At least in this country, we use many fillings. In our test kitchen, we have made chocolate aebleskiver, filled with melted chocolate, drizzled with chocolate sauce, and topped with whipped cream for luscious desserts. (We produce a chocolate aebleskiver mix.) Jam fillings are very common but jam and cream cheese makes a great filling.

Grease your aebleskiver pan with a spray dispenser or with butter. (Spray your pan again as needed or put a dab of butter in each cavity occasionally.) Heat the pan over medium heat. When hot, fill each cup one-third full with batter. Add a small amount of filling to each. Cover with an additional one-third batter. A larger cookie scoop works well to cleanly drop the batter into the cups.

Cook for one to one and one-half minutes before turning. (You can turn your aebleskiver with a toothpick or skewer.) Cook for another minute or until done. Remove your aebleskiver to a plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve them warm.

The easiest way to learn how to make aebleskiver is to do it so let's turn to a recipe:

Classic Aebleskiver Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose or cake flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 large eggs
2 cups buttermilk
filling of your choice
powdered sugar

Directions

1. Mix together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
2. Separate the eggs, the yolks from the whites. Set the yolks aside. Beat the egg whites until light and fluffy and soft peaks form.
3. Add the egg yolks and the buttermilk to the flour mixture and stir until combined. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
4. Grease your aebleskiver pan with oil or butter and again as needed. Heat the pan over medium heat. When hot, fill each cup one-third full with batter. Add a small amount of filling to each. Cover with additional batter.
5. Cook for one to one and one-half minutes before turning. (You can turn your aebleskiver with a toothpick or skewer.) Cook for another minute or until done. Remove to a plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve warm.

What do I fill my aebleskivers with?

Almost anything. Fill your aebleskivers with jam or jelly, whipped cream, pastry, cream, applesauce, and much more. Some people fill their aebleskivers with savoring fillings like bacon and cheese or pepperoni, cheese, and marinara. One of our favorites is a corn bread aebleskiver (made with a mix) with a cube of melted cheddar cheese in the center and served with raspberry jalapeño jam. The cornbread and cheese is a great combination and jam packs a little heat.

If you would like to fill your aebleskiver with pastry cream, whipped cream, or marshmallow cream, do it after they are cooked. Fill a pastry bag or decorator set with your cream filling. Use a star tip or long tip to inject filling into the center of your aebleskiver. You'll be able to feel the aebleskiver puff as they fill.