My heart beats a little faster when æbleskiver show up in supermarket freezers. Nothing says juletid like this misnamed sweet treat (they used to be filled with little bits of apple or applesauce, but haven’t typically contained fruit for a few generations), although I can’t be bothered to make them from scratch.
With the aim of finding the best way to enjoy this uniquely Danish Christmas treat at home, I tasted as many types of pre-made æbelskiver as I could get my hands on. Guest tasters helped and we rated a baker’s dozen (meaning 13) out of five ⭐️. Along with fellow Canadian transplant to Denmark and Last Week in Denmark writer Emily Ritchie, we conducted head-to-head tastings to determine an overall champion — and help you avoid supermarket æbleskiver disappointment.
See the results and our two winning brands below!
Tasting Criteria and Preparation
Our criteria was simple:
- Flavor
- Texture
- Enjoyment
Each variety of æbleskiver was prepared according to the package directions from frozen. Most often this was a 200°C oven with the fan on (convection or varmluft) over a pan of steaming water for 10 minutes. Some versions recommend higher temperatures (220°C or 210°C convection) and no steam, but require covering the æbleskiver with foil for 10 minutes, then uncovering and baking for an additional 5 minutes.
Of our two favorites in the head-to-head competition, one used the steam method, and the other foil, so one method didn’t seem inherently better. Both the foil and pan of water are a bit of a faff, but somehow sloshing around dangerously hot liquid was less bothersome for me than wrangling foil while wearing oven mitts with the convection fan blowing things around. But it’s good to know there’s a high-performing variety for either preparation method. I also found that an extra minute in the oven generally gave all brands a better, less stodgy texture. We tasted all æbleskiver just dusted with icing sugar to allow the flavors to shine through. Then added an unassuming raspberry jam from a squeeze bottle for the full experience.
The Tastings
Coop Pandestegte Æbleskiver ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
26 DKK for approx. 20 from Coop stores (e.g. Brugsen, Kvickly)
Pleasant crust, and a flavor goes beyond just dough, with traces of lemon zest and a slight nuttiness. Great jam-delivery vehicle. But not all the testers were wow-ed: “I have absolutely nothing to say about the Coop. Not bad, but not outstanding.”
Favorina Æbleskiver No stars
19,96 DKK for approx. 20 from Lidl
These seemed enormous compared to other brands coming out of the package, but shrank down when cooked. No flavor, with an exceptionally gummy consistency that stuck to the roof of testers’ mouths. “I don’t want the second one. Jam can’t make it any better. I would rather eat cardboard.”
Gestus Pandestegte Æbleskiver ⭐️⭐️
25 DKK for approx. 20 from Coop stores
A bit too dense. Heavy and stodgy middle without a noticeable crust. Not much flavor with no hint of buttermilk-like acidity or warming cardamom. “The jam doesn’t help, but at least I don’t actively dislike these.”
Irma Økologiske Æbleskiver ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
31,50 DKK for approx. 12 from some Coop/Brugsen stores
One of the varieties that specifies baking the æbleskiver covered in foil first and then uncovering for the final five minutes, without steam. A crunchy, waffle-like crust that testers rated highly. No discernable smell or taste of cardamom, but the taste compliments the jam. “I expected a lot more with the package really highlighting the cardamom.”
Jensens Originale Æbleskiver med Kakaocreme ⭐️⭐️1/2
32,50 DKK for approx. 20 from Føtex
Surprisingly ‘meh.’ The chocolate cream was tasty (not too sweet with solid cocoa flavor), but unevenly distributed through the dough. And the dough itself was nothing special. “The photo is misleading — the chocolate was all or nothing.”
Karen Volf Pandebagte Æbleskiver ⭐️⭐️1/2
32,20 DKK per package; available from several grocery chains (e.g. Lidl, Salling stores)
Distinctly different texture from other brands, with a drier, shell-like exterior and soft, squidgy center. No strong cardamom or buttermilk flavors. “Surprisingly disappointing.”
Karen Volf Vegan & Økologiske Æbleskiver ⭐️⭐️⭐️
35 DKK for approx. 20 from various grocery stores (e.g. SuperBrugsen) and Magasin
Expectations were low, but testers were pleasantly surprised. The texture was spongier than the others, but the taste was pleasant. “There’s no need to be left out if you’re eating a vegan diet. These are decent!”
ØGO Økologiske Æbleskiver ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
22 DKK for approx. 18 from Netto and other Salling Group stores
Bouncy dough and a decent crust with a nice crunch. A bit of cardamom flavor and nice hints of acidity from the buttermilk, alongside a nuttiness that suggests whole wheat or sourdough bread. Good accompanying flavors to the jam. “Overall, good. I would eat that again.”
OMHU Økologiske Æbleskiver ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/3
30 DKK for approx. 12 from MENY
More browning on the crust than others with bouncy, fluffy dough inside. Very flavorful, with a pleasant acidity and citrus tones. The strongest cardamom taste. Better on their own than with the jam as the æbleskiver flavor doesn’t compliment the fruity sweetness. “The flavor’s good, but there was something missing about these.”
Premieur Økologiske Æbleskiver ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
25 DKK for approx. 12 from Netto and other Salling Group stores
Enjoyable spice levels with nice cardamom flavor and a bit of lemon, too. Robust crust with a healthy crunch giving way to pleasantly uniform dough on the inside, although not quite as fluffy or light as other varieties. “Really good!”
REMA 1000 Julens Æbleskiver ⭐️
20,01 DKK per package; available from REMA 1000 stores
Not the worst of the bunch, but an instant ‘no, thank you’ to the texture. A nice lemony flavor that’s let down by an almost indiscernible crust and a gloopy center. Unremarkable as a jam conduit, despite not having much spice. “Where’s the cardamom?”
REMA 1000 Laktose- & Glutenfri Æbleskiver ⭐️⭐️1/2
25,01 DKK for 14-16 from REMA 1000 stores
The flavor is possibly better than their REMA brethren with gluten. On first tasting, these were almost raw in the middle. Adding a couple minutes to the cooking time improved the texture, but they were still a little soggy and the texture got even mushier when paired with the jam. These get more gluey than other varieties as they cool down, so enjoy them piping hot and without a condiment. “I was expecting the worst because they looked different coming out of the bag — but these are okay!”
Salling Æbleskiver ⭐️⭐️⭐️
21,59 DKK per package; available from Føtex
Relatively forgettable, but serviceable with a decent texture. These went head-to-head against the pitiable Favorina, but completely unremarkable compared to anything else. “I mean, they’re fine.”
* Provided prices are at regular price, although there are some great sales that mean it’s possibly even easier to enjoy great æbleskiver at home.
The Results
The head-to-head testing yielded three quick favorites (Coop, Premieur, and ØGO). Premieur (which uses the foil-covered method) and ØGO (baked with steaming hot water) performing slightly better in terms of flavor and texture. Texture proved to be of supreme importance with two brands (Favorina and REMA 1000) getting two thumbs down, mostly on mouthfeel.
All varieties were best fresh from the oven and still steaming. Æbleskiver are definitely not madpak snacks. But it’s nice to know there are good options for enjoying them at home without having to whip up the batter and procure a special pan. Although taste testing a baker’s dozen might have been too much of a good thing — the guest tester I share an address with says he’s never eating æbleskiver again!
Where do you stand on bake-at-home æbleskivers? Any brands you’re looking forward to enjoying over Christmas?
Really enjoyed this article — super hyggeligt to read!
I was surprised my go-to æbleskiver from Irma didn’t win. I do cheat a bit and steam them (a little secret tip). Also interesting how price isn’t always equal to quality.
Btw your tasting notes really brought the experience to life 👌 god jul!
I’m so glad you enjoyed! The winners also surprised me 🤩
I really enjoyed it! I haven’t tried many æbleskiver, though. 🙁
Maybe an æbleskiver taste test of your own is the excuse you need to taste more! Just stay away from the Favorina 😂