Swedish Pancakes Recipe
If you’re craving something light, delicate, and utterly delightful for breakfast or brunch, look no further than Swedish Pancakes! These are not your standard thick, fluffy pancakes — they’re thin and lacy, with golden edges perfect for wrapping around fresh berries, swirling with jam, or simply dusting with powdered sugar. Whether you’re new to Swedish Pancakes or already a devotee, you’ll be enchanted by how easy they are to make and how quickly they disappear from the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Swedish Pancakes lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a special role, creating a batter that cooks up tender, flavorful, and beautifully golden. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some handy tips:
- Eggs: Whisked until frothy, eggs give these pancakes their signature structure and richness.
- Whole Milk: Adds moisture and just the right amount of fat for lusciously tender results.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the batter, providing just enough thickness without weighing them down.
- Granulated Sugar: Lends a touch of sweetness, keeping the pancakes balanced whether you go savory or sweet with your fillings.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and prevents blandness.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted and mixed into the batter for flavor, with more reserved for brushing the pan to create golden, crisp edges.
- Fresh Berries & Powdered Sugar (for serving): These classic toppings are simple but feel extra special and pair beautifully with the pancakes’ delicate texture.
How to Make Swedish Pancakes
Step 1: Whisk the Eggs
In a large bowl, beat the eggs vigorously until they’re frothy and light yellow. Whisking them well is key to achieving the signature airiness that makes Swedish Pancakes so irresistible.
Step 2: Add Milk and Combine
Pour in the whole milk and whisk until everything is well combined. This step ensures your batter will mix beautifully with the dry ingredients for a silky finish.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour, Sugar, and Salt
Gradually add the flour, then the sugar and salt. Whisk carefully after each addition so you end up with a smooth batter that’s free of lumps. Trust me, taking your time here pays off with the most perfectly textured Swedish Pancakes.
Step 4: Stir in Melted Butter
Add two tablespoons of the melted butter to the batter and give it a final whisk. This gives every bite a subtle richness and helps your pancakes release easily from the skillet.
Step 5: Heat the Pan and Cook
Preheat a non-stick skillet or a crepe pan over medium heat. Brush lightly with some of the reserved melted butter. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the pan, immediately swirling so it coats the bottom in a thin, even layer. Let it cook for just 1–2 minutes, until the edges dry out and the underside is lightly golden.
Step 6: Flip and Finish
Gently flip the pancake and give it another 30 seconds to finish cooking. Slide it onto a plate and cover loosely to keep warm while you repeat with the rest of the batter, making sure to add a dab of butter to the pan between pancakes for maximum flavor and those irresistible golden edges.
How to Serve Swedish Pancakes
Garnishes
Swedish Pancakes love a little flourish! A dusting of powdered sugar gives a touch of snowy sweetness, while a scattering of fresh berries brings vibrant color and a welcome burst of tartness. You can also go traditional with a dollop of whipped cream, or try a spoonful of tangy lingonberry jam for a truly Scandinavian note.
Side Dishes
Since Swedish Pancakes are wonderfully light, they pair beautifully with savory side dishes like crisp bacon, smoked salmon, or even some buttery scrambled eggs. For a full brunch spread, offer coffee, fresh fruit, and orange juice along with your stack of pancakes, so everyone leaves happy and satisfied.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to take things up a notch, roll your Swedish Pancakes around a filling—think lemon curd, Nutella, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt and fruit. Fold them into quarters and arrange them in overlapping fans, drizzle with your favorite syrup, or even layer them in a breakfast “cake” for a show-stopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Swedish Pancakes, let them cool completely before stacking them between pieces of parchment paper. Slip the stack into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They’ll stay surprisingly tender!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooled pancakes in a zip-top bag, separating each with parchment to prevent sticking. They’ll keep nicely for up to two months and make for an easy, impressive breakfast on even the busiest mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel, gently warming in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. Alternatively, warm them in a non-stick skillet for a minute or two—this revives their delicate edges and lets you pretend they’re fresh off the stove.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Swedish Pancakes and crepes?
While they look quite similar, Swedish Pancakes typically contain more eggs and butter, which makes them slightly richer and more tender than classic French crepes. Their batter is also a bit thinner, resulting in a pancake that’s softer and more delicate.
Can I make Swedish Pancakes without a special pan?
Absolutely! A standard non-stick skillet works perfectly. Just make sure to swirl the batter so the pancakes stay super thin and lacy—the signature trait of Swedish Pancakes.
Are Swedish Pancakes suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, the recipe contains no meat or fish, making Swedish Pancakes a fantastic choice for vegetarians. Just be mindful of your toppings and fillings if you’re keeping things strictly vegetarian.
How do I prevent my pancakes from sticking?
Brushing the pan with melted butter before each new pancake goes a long way. High-quality non-stick pans help, too—and be sure the pan is hot but not smoking when you pour in the batter.
Can I prepare the batter the night before?
Yes! Mix your batter and refrigerate it overnight. This actually helps the flour hydrate fully, often resulting in even more tender Swedish Pancakes in the morning. Just give the batter a quick whisk before using.
Final Thoughts
Once you make these Swedish Pancakes, you’ll find yourself dreaming up all sorts of delicious ways to enjoy them. They’re a wonderful excuse to linger at the table and share something truly special. I hope you’ll give them a try soon—your breakfast game is about to get delightfully Swedish!
Print
Swedish Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Swedish pancakes, a thin and delicate breakfast treat perfect for any morning. These pancakes are simple to whip up and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Batter:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups whole milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided
Serving:
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Whisk eggs until frothy. Add milk and whisk. Gradually whisk in flour, sugar, and salt until smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons melted butter.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a skillet, brush with butter, pour batter, cook until edges are dry, flip, cook briefly, and repeat with remaining batter.
- Serve: Top pancakes with fresh berries, powdered sugar, and jam or syrup.
Notes
- Swedish pancakes are thinner and more delicate than traditional pancakes.
- They are delicious with lingonberry jam and whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
