Sunday, March 22, 2009

Danish Ebelskiver Filled Pancakes

Recently I had lunch with my friend Debbie and made a side trip to Williams-Sonoma. That's a dangerous trip for a foodie. It's kind of like being a drunk in a liquor store! Especially since while I was there I got a call from my tax preparer and was feeling flush. I was intrigued by an odd looking pan with circular wells. The label showed filled pancakes that had been made in it. The light and round filled pancakes are Danish Ebelskivers. Wow, the possibilities it presented. I hemmed and hawed and rationalized and finally turned over my plastic to take this home. It had a recipe on the packaging that looked really good. The next morning I thought I'd give it a try even though I didn't have a lot of time. I looked at my watch and then at the recipe and thought, "WWSLD?".......What Would Sandra Lee Do? So I pulled Aunt Jemima out of the cupboard and added buttermilk instead of water, thinking it would give it some lightness. Well, they were good, but not light. Actually they were a little heavy, but some maple syrup cured all ills. The next time I decided to try the recipe on the pan's package. It definitely was better and the lighter way to go. I dropped a giant blackberry into the middle of each one, and served with some powdered sugar and berries. A drizzle of real maple syrup sweetened the deal. They make breakfast or brunch fun as you add whatever fillings suit your taste. They are easier to make than it looks. I envisioned them sticking to the pan or not getting done inside and a few other scenarios. Don't throw in the towel......none of that happened.....give it a try. This recipe makes about 40. That may seem like a lot, but I had no trouble polishing off seven.

Ebelskiver Filled Pancakes
(Adapted from a Williams-Sonoma recipe)

2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
4 eggs, separated
2 cups milk (I used buttermilk)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and at room temperature
unsalted butter for buttering the pan

Fillings, such as jam, peanut butter, chocolate ganache, chocolate chips or fruit

Syrup or whipped cream for serving


In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. In a small bowl, lightly whisk the egg yolks, then whisk in the milk and the 4 tablespoons of melted butter (cooled to room temperature). Whisk the yolk mixture into the flour mixture until well combined; the batter will be lumpy.

In another bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff but not dry peaks form, about 2 to 3 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir the whites into the batter in two additions.

Put 1/4 teaspoon butter in each well of the Filled Pancake Pan. Set over medium heat and heat until the butter begins to bubble. Pour 1 tablespoon of batter into each well.
Put 1 teaspoon of the filling of choice in the center of each pancake and top with 1 more tablespoon batter. Cook until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy; 3 to 5 minutes. Using 2 wooden skewers, flip the pancakes over and cook until golden and crispy, about 3 minutes more. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter and filling. Serve immediately with syrup or whipped cream.Makes about 40.

Written and photographed by Diane.

Download Ebelskiver Filled Pancake recipe (pdf)



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13 comments:

Anonymous said...

OMG! Those look really good! I would love to try them. I am impressed with your pictures. You are a very good food photographer. I still have so much to learn. Any hints?

Anonymous said...

As the daughter of a Dane, I grew up obsessed with aebleskiver--I made this 1-minute video about them --
http://vimeo.com/2636265

Diane said...

Thanks Heidi...that is a fun video...good luck with your book!

RoxsiLove89 said...

MMM yummy! I was watching the Food Network the other night and happened to watch a show called The Best Thing I Ever Ate and chef, Aaron Sanchez was in New York at a place called Shopsins and he claims that they have the BEST ebelskivers ever. I think its the banana filling that made him melt. I might have to get that skillet-pan thing and try out your recipe!

Jonathan said...

I've been wanting to try those too, ever since I saw the pan in a W-S email. Yours turned out beautiful. Lovely pictures!

Skater Girl said...

I was looking for this recipe without using the ebelskiver pancake mix.. and I stumbled upon your blog...

Thank you!!

Audrey Kirchner said...

Beautiful presentation - I love it...looks delicious. Audrey

Debi R said...

Enjoyed reading your blog. I made aebelskivers for brunch today. They were delish, even tho I forgot to put in some apples. Great video, too, Heidi. ttfn Debi R.

Anonymous said...

I just found a cast iron ebelskiver pan at Goodwill for $5. Talk about a find. :)

Thank you for posting such a good recipe, my first attempts at filled pancakes were an absolute success.

I filled mine with blueberries, bananas, honey, and even made some savory ones with bacon and cheese inside.

I'm having trouble deciding which are my favorite...

I also scrambled a couple of eggs and made little bacon and cheese omelets. I don't recommend it though, the little 'eggcakes' had a strange consistency...
tasted good, but were a little spongy.

If I ever make these and have left overs, I am thinking about freezing them. Has anyone tried it?

Thanks again for the recipe!

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