Buttermilk Danish Pancake Balls (Æbleskiver) with Honey

This recipe returns to roots by using buttermilk. The acidity of the buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, creating extra carbon dioxide bubbles that make the batter even softer and airier. Serving with honey adds a natural, floral sweetness that complements the slightly tangy base flavor of the dough.
🕒 Prep Time 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 30 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 417 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Danish

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Æbleskiver pan
  • Two bowls
  • Skewer

Allergen Information

⚠️ Egg
⚠️ Milk
⚠️ Wheat

Instructions

1

Separate the eggs. Beat the whites until stiff peaks form.

Tip: Use a clean, dry bowl for the whites.
2

Whisk the yolks with the buttermilk, vanilla, salt, and melted butter.

Tip: Buttermilk is thicker than regular milk and adds a richer flavor.
3

Sift together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix into the liquid base.

Tip: The baking soda starts reacting with the acidic buttermilk immediately, so work quickly from here.
4

Gently fold in the egg whites.

Tip: Don't crush the bubbles; they make the ball light.
5

Heat the pan, butter the indentations, and spoon in the batter.

Tip: Cook over medium heat to allow the center time to bake.
6

When edges firm up, turn 90 degrees. Add a tiny bit more batter into the hollow (optional), then turn further until spherical.

Tip: Pro tip: Drizzling a little batter into the cavity during turning ensures a solid sphere.
7

Bake until golden brown and serve generously drizzled with honey.

Tip: The pores of the warm pastry absorb the honey.

Recipe FAQ

No buttermilk?
Mix 1.5 cups milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice and let sit for 10 minutes. It will curdle, which is exactly what you want!
Batter sticking?
Too little fat or the pan seasoning is damaged. Butter before every round!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups Buttermilk
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 3 1/2 tbsp Melted Butter
  • 4 tbsp Honey