Orange and Cardamom Aebleskiver is my take on the delicious Danish Aebleskiver (or Ebelskiver) that are served all over Denmark during Christmas.
‘Aebleskiver’ in Danish means ‘apple slice’ because traditionally these were made by putting a small slice of apple in the center while cooking them. But from what I have researched and read, the tradition of putting apple slices in the center of aebleskiver has waned in Denmark and it no longer a common practice. I love the traditional Aebleskiver and devour a whole bowl in no time. I was trialling different flavourings for winter months (keeping Christmas in mind) and I trialled adding different flavours in the Aebleskiver batter. I attempted few times to get the flavouring right and this recipe is the result of it. Delicate, fluffy pancake balls flavoured with orange, cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon is like Christmas in a bowl. These little balls are sooo moreish that you wouldn’t be able to stop at one bowlful for yourself (definitely make extra!).
This aebleskiver recipe is really easy and will look familiar if you have ever made waffles or pancakes from scratch. It uses staples like flour with some baking powder and baking soda for leavening, along with a little bit of sugar for a hint of sweetness. Then egg yolks, melted butter, and buttermilk are stirred in just until everything is combined before folding in stiffly beaten egg whites flavoured with winter warmer spices. They are just so easy and fun to make, not to mention delicious. The frying of the aebleskiver is done on the stove top in a special pan with hemispherical hollows just like an appe pan.
And there are lots of other aebleskiver variations that you can make with different fillings or flavours. Start a new tradition this Christmas season with your family by making these tasty Orange and Cardamom Aebleskiver for a special breakfast or tasty dessert and talk about Christmas traditions around the world!
