Jam-Filled Ebelskivers (Danish Pancake Balls)

Golden, fluffy, and filled with sweet raspberry jam, Jam-Filled Ebelskivers (or Aebleskivers) are a delightful Danish treat. These round pancake balls have a crisp golden exterior and a soft, airy inside, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Traditionally made in a cast-iron aebleskiver pan, these Danish-style pancakes are easier to make than you think—especially with my foolproof recipe!

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish
• Kid-Friendly: Fun to eat and perfect for little hands
• Great for Gatherings: A unique breakfast or dessert option for special occasions

Taste & Texture

• Crispy on the outside while staying light and fluffy inside
• The warm, gooey jam center makes every bite extra indulgent
• Slightly sweet but not overpowering, making them a great base for additional toppings

Dietary Attributes

• Vegetarian-friendly
• Can be made gluten-free with a simple flour swap
• No artificial additives—just simple, wholesome ingredients

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 eggs, separated
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons butter, cubed
• Cooking spray
• 2 cups raspberry jam (or any preferred filling)

Notes on Quality

For the fluffiest ebelskivers, use fresh buttermilk instead of milk with vinegar. It adds richness and helps the batter rise beautifully. When choosing jam, go for fruit preserves with minimal added sugar for the best flavor.

Possible Substitutions

• Flour: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
• Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and let sit for 10 minutes
• Jam: Try different fillings like Nutella, apple butter, or lemon curd for variety

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Prep the Pan – Spray a cast iron aebleskiver pan with buttered cooking spray and preheat over medium-low heat.
• Mix Dry Ingredients – In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar. Set aside.
• Prepare Wet Ingredients – Separate egg whites from yolks. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, buttermilk, and melted butter.
• Beat Egg Whites – Lightly beat the egg whites until frothy but not stiff.
• Combine Ingredients – Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the beaten egg whites gently to keep the batter light and airy.
• Fill the Pan – Pour batter into each aebleskiver cup until ⅔ full.

• Add the Filling – Drop a teaspoon of raspberry jam into the center of each pancake ball.
• Flip and Cook – Once the batter starts pulling away from the edges, use a fork or knitting needle to gently flip the ebelskivers. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
• Serve Warm – Remove from the pan and serve immediately with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or extra jam.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Use low heat to ensure even cooking and avoid burning the outside before the inside is done
• A knitting needle or skewer is the best tool for flipping the pancakes smoothly
• Don’t overmix the batter—keeping it slightly lumpy helps create a lighter texture

Common Mistakes

• Cooking too fast: High heat will burn the outside while leaving the inside raw
• Overfilling with jam: Too much filling makes flipping difficult and can cause leaking
• Skipping the egg white step: Beating and folding in egg whites is key to getting that soft, airy texture

Time-Saving Tips

• Make batter ahead: The batter can be made the night before and stored in the fridge
• Use store-bought fillings: Premade fruit preserves or Nutella make these even easier to prepare
• Freeze for later: Cooked ebelskivers freeze well and can be reheated in minutes

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar
• Pair with crispy bacon or scrambled eggs for a more balanced breakfast
• Drizzle with honey, chocolate sauce, or warm maple syrup

Presentation Ideas

• Arrange ebelskivers in a pyramid shape on a platter with powdered sugar on top
• Serve in a mini cast iron skillet for a cozy, rustic look
• Use a small ramekin of extra jam on the side for dipping

Beverage Pairings

• A hot cup of coffee or latte complements the sweetness perfectly
• Try a chai latte or spiced tea for a warm, comforting match
• A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice balances out the richness

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months

Reheating Methods

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F and warm for 15 minutes
• Microwave: Heat in 15-second intervals until warm
• Air Fryer: Set to 320°F for 5 minutes for a slightly crispy texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze ebelskivers?

Yes, but only after cooking. Store them in a freezer-safe container and reheat before serving.

What other fillings work well?

Besides jam, try Nutella, peanut butter, lemon curd, or cinnamon sugar butter.

My ebelskivers are raw inside. What did I do wrong?

They likely cooked too fast on high heat. Keep the heat on medium-low and flip only when the batter starts pulling away from the edges.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute
• Dairy-Free: Swap buttermilk for almond or oat milk with lemon juice
• Low-Sugar: Use sugar-free jam or mashed fresh fruit

Flavor Twists

• Chocolate Lovers: Mix cocoa powder into the batter and fill with chocolate spread
• Cinnamon Sugar: Toss the warm ebelskivers in cinnamon sugar before serving
• Holiday Spice: Add nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to the batter for a festive touch

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Fall: Fill with pumpkin butter or apple compote
• Winter: Serve with cranberry sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar
• Spring/Summer: Use fresh strawberry or peach preserves for a bright, fruity twist

Conclusion

Jam-Filled Ebelskivers are a simple yet delightful Danish treat that brings a touch of European charm to any breakfast or dessert table. Whether you stick to the classic raspberry filling or get creative with flavors, these pancake balls are guaranteed to impress. Try making them this weekend and let me know in the comments how they turned out!

Looking for more delicious breakfast ideas? Check out these recipes:

• Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Classic French Toast Recipe
• French Omelette with Fines Herbes

Find more inspiration on Pinterest: Cooking with Callie

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