😋🎄 Winter in Denmark is æbleskiver time! These vegan pancake balls, inspired by traditional Danish æbleskiver, are fluffy, golden, and perfect for festive breakfasts, brunches, or cosy afternoon treats. Made with plant-based ingredients and easy to prepare at home, they’re a beloved Christmas classic you can enjoy right from your own kitchen.
➡️ The word æbleskiver means “apple slices” in Danish, although apples are rarely used today. These pancake balls have a golden, slightly crisp exterior and a soft, airy centre. Traditionally served with jam and powdered sugar, they are a cherished holiday favourite.
INGREDIENTS
250 g spelt flour
50 g raw sugar (fine)
A pinch of salt
1 tsp dried orange peel
1 tsp cardamom powder
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp lemon juice
6 tsp aquafaba (chickpea liquid)
400 ml oat drink
Vegan butter, for greasing the pan
METHOD
1. Whip the aquafaba
Beat the aquafaba starting at a slow speed until foamy, creating a light, plant-based meringue.
2. Mix wet and dry ingredients
In a bowl, combine the oat drink and lemon juice. Add the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
3. Fold in the aquafaba
Gently fold the whipped aquafaba into the batter with a spoon. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter airy.
4. Prepare the pan
Heat an æbleskiver pan on the stovetop and lightly grease each hemisphere with vegan butter.
5. Cook the æbleskiver
Fill each hemisphere almost to the top. Cook for 3–4 minutes until a shell forms. When bubbles appear, rotate each ball 90° and cook a few more minutes. Rotate another 90° and cook through.
6. Serve
Serve warm with homemade berry jam and a dusting of icing sugar.
👵💚 Grandma Sita’s Tips
✅ Practice makes perfect! Rotate the batter slowly inside a well-greased æbleskiver pan using a bamboo skewer or knitting needle to achieve a round shape.
✅ No æbleskiver pan? No problem — use a regular pancake pan and make them flat. They taste just as amazing!
✅ Aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas) is the perfect vegan replacement for eggs, whipping up just like egg whites.
✅ Serve with homemade berry jam and a sprinkle of icing sugar for the full festive experience.
😋 Why You’ll Love Them
✔ Light, fluffy, and perfectly golden
✔ 100% vegan and easy to make
✔ Ideal for cosy Christmas mornings or festive gatherings
✔ Kid-friendly, fun, and perfect for sharing
✔ Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
📗 Tradition & Fun Facts
In Denmark, æbleskiver are a classic Christmas treat enjoyed during cosy gatherings with family and friends, often served with gløgg (spiced mulled wine) or a warm cup of coffee. Around the world, you’ll find similar versions, each with its own charm: some savoury, others exotic, and even some filled with delightful surprises.
🌍 A More Sustainable Christmas
Choosing plant-based recipes like these vegan pancake balls helps reduce waste and embraces more eco-friendly habits during the holiday season. Small changes make a big difference!
