Æbleskivers Recipe – Danish Chocolate Pancake Puffs
Introduction:
Æbleskivers, a delightful Danish treat, are small, fluffy pancake puffs filled with chocolatey goodness, making them a perfect snack or dessert. These golden spheres of joy have a crispy outer layer with a soft, chocolate-filled interior. Traditionally served during the holidays, Æbleskivers are a beloved European favorite. In this recipe, we’ve added cocoa powder, dark chocolate chips, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to make these Danish chocolate pancake puffs extra special, balancing sweetness with a hint of spice.
Whether you’re looking for an after-school snack or a light dessert for your next gathering, these Æbleskivers will be sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delicious treat!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1/2 cup |
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal) | 1/2 cup |
| Cocoa Powder | 1/4 cup |
| Dark Chocolate Chips | 1/4 cup |
| Whole Egg | 1 |
| Sea Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cayenne Pepper (powdered) | 1 pinch |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Butter (melted) | 1/4 cup |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Butter (for greasing the pan) | 2 tablespoons |
| Caster Sugar (for garnish) | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings:
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 16–20 Æbleskivers, depending on size)
Cuisine:
- Cuisine Type: European, Danish
Course:
- Course: Snack, Dessert
Diet:
- Diet Type: Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Begin by melting the butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Once melted, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the sugar to the melted butter and whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
- Break the egg into the bowl and whisk it in well until fully combined with the butter and sugar mixture.
- Add the all-purpose flour, instant oats, cocoa powder, cinnamon, sea salt, and cayenne pepper to the mixture. Stir until all the dry ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until you achieve a smooth, pourable pancake batter consistency.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and dark chocolate chips, folding them in gently so they don’t melt completely.
Step 2: Heat the Paniyaram Pan
- Heat your Æbleskiver or paniyaram pan on medium heat. If you don’t have an Æbleskiver pan, a traditional paniyaram pan or any similar pan with round cavities will work perfectly.
- Brush a small amount of butter in each cavity of the pan to prevent the Æbleskivers from sticking.
Step 3: Cook the Æbleskivers
- Once the pan is hot, spoon the batter into each cavity, filling each one halfway.
- Cook the Æbleskivers for about 5 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown and the batter begins to set.
- Use a skewer or small fork to gently flip the Æbleskivers over, ensuring that the other side cooks evenly. Allow them to cook for another 5 minutes until both sides are golden and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the Æbleskivers from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Continue this process until all the batter is used.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Let the Æbleskivers cool slightly before dusting them with caster sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve the Danish chocolate pancake puffs warm, and pair them with a glass of hot milk or a delicious Chikoo Banana Date Smoothie for a refreshing after-school treat or a light dessert at your next home gathering.
Tips for the Perfect Æbleskivers:
- Use a non-stick pan for easier flipping and to avoid sticking.
- For an extra indulgent twist, you can fill the center of each Æbleskiver with a bit more dark chocolate or even a spoonful of Nutella before flipping them.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your preference for spice. A small pinch adds a delightful, subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cocoa and chocolate chips.
- If you want to make the Æbleskivers in advance, you can store them in an airtight container for a few hours, then reheat them in a low-temperature oven before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 15 g |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
Variations:
- Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use a plant-based butter or oil.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular dairy milk and a plant-based butter substitute.
- Flavored Fillings: Try adding a spoonful of fruit jam, nut butter, or caramel sauce in the center of each Æbleskiver before cooking to create a filled version.
Serving Suggestions:
- As a Snack: Serve these Æbleskivers with a chilled glass of milk or a cup of warm tea for a satisfying afternoon snack.
- As a Dessert: They make an excellent dessert, perfect for impressing your guests at your next dinner party or holiday gathering.
- For Kids: These fluffy pancake puffs are a fun and delicious snack for children, making them an excellent choice for after-school munching.
These Æbleskivers—Danish chocolate pancake puffs—are an irresistible combination of soft, chocolatey goodness with a touch of spice. Simple to prepare yet delightful to eat, they bring a taste of Denmark to your kitchen. Enjoy making these delectable treats for your loved ones and surprise them with a snack that’s both delicious and fun!
