treskiver

Treskiver are small, sphere-shaped Danish pancakes cooked in a specialized cast-iron pan with hemispherical wells. The name means “three slices” in Danish and is associated with the traditional turning method used to shape the batter into a compact ball during cooking.

The batter is typically enriched with eggs, milk or buttermilk, flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Many recipes add melted butter, vanilla, or cardamom for aroma. Yeast or baking powder may be used for leavening, producing a lighter texture. The pan is heated and brushed with fat, wells are filled halfway with batter, and the balls are turned with a skewer or fork as they set, then cooked until evenly browned.

Treskiver are traditionally served warm, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by fruit jam, syrup, or melted butter. They are commonly prepared for Christmas and winter gatherings in Denmark and are part of a broader Scandinavian family of pancake balls, with related varieties such as juleskiver in Norway and aebleskiver in Denmark.

Variations exist across households, including fillings or toppings, and adaptations using different leavening agents or flavorings. While the essential form is a light, airy ball achieved through careful cooking in a multi-well pan, modern versions may simplify the technique with nonstick pans or alternative batters. Treskiver remain a regional winter treat, celebrated for their warm, comforting texture and festive association.