Æbleskiver

What it really is

Æbleskiver are round Danish pancake puffs cooked in a special pan. Despite the name, modern versions are usually made from batter without apple and are especially associated with Christmas.

Æbleskiver are cooked in a special rounded pan, which gives the batter its familiar spherical shape. Despite the word “apple” in the name, contemporary versions are often plain batter rather than puffs with an apple centre. They are often associated with Christmas. The food is therefore associated with the holiday season, but the name does not require that it be served only then. A classic Danish batter combines flour, buttermilk or milk, eggs, butter and sugar, raised with baking powder or whipped egg whites and often flavoured with cardamom; individual recipes differ, and fillings or toppings are optional.

The pan is turned during cooking so liquid batter sets into rounded puffs rather than a flat pancake. This technique, not an apple filling, is what produces the recognizable form. Æbleskiver are usually served warm, often with jam and icing sugar, but accompaniments should be listed separately because they can add allergens or change the sweetness. The little puffs are distinct from ordinary pancakes, even though they use a related batter: their shape and the use of the pan are defining. Menu descriptions should explain that the name refers to a Danish pancake puff and should tell guests whether the serving includes jam, filling, or another topping. Wheat, milk and egg are typical batter allergens, but the exact recipe remains controlling.

How it's served

• Serve warm as a small snack or dessert; jam and icing sugar are common accompaniments.
• Recipes and accompaniments vary by household and restaurant.

How to write it on the menu

• Name any filling or accompaniment, and flag wheat, milk and egg in the batter; toppings may add allergens. The classic batter is vegetarian but not vegan, since it contains milk, egg and butter.
• This page gives a general description; confirm the actual ingredients with the kitchen.