What's an Aebleskiver and How do I Make Them

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.

They can be filled with both sweet and savory fillings. While sweet fillings are most often fruit or jam, marshmallow cream, cream cheese, pastry filings, and whipped cream can be used. Savory fillings include meats like sausage or bacon and cheese.

An Aebleskiver Pan Makes it Easy!

Spoon the batter into the cavities in the pan and turn them with a toothpick or skewer. 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 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 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 your aebleskiver for one to one and one-half minutes and then turn them with a toothpick or skewer. Cook the other side for another minute or until they are done. Place your aebleskiver on a plate and sprinkle them with powdered sugar. Serve them while they are hot.

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.