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.

Aebleskiver pans come in two varieties—cast iron and cast aluminum. In order to cook properly, an aebleskiver pan must be heavy to hold heat. Nothing holds the heat better than cast iron. The disadvantage to cast iron is that it has 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 will be happy with either type of pan. The dedicated cook might appreciate the cooking qualities of the cast iron pan while the hurried, more casual cook might appreciate the carefree qualities and attractive good looks of an aluminum pan.

How to Make Aebleskiver

A holiday in Denmark often begins with a breakfast of these puffy little pastries. Traditionally, they are made with an apple filling or served with applesauce (hence their name). Like other great pastries, wonderful variations have evolved. You'll love aebleskiver with jam fillings and cream cheese fillings.

Grease your aebleskiver pan with a little butter putting a dab in each cavity. (About every third batch, do it again.) Heat the pan over medium heat until it is hot. Using a ladle, measure, or scoop, fill each cavity one-third full with batter. Add a small amount of filling to each. Cover with an additional measure of batter.

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.

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.