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Swedish Pancakes

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If you’ve never had Swedish pancakes, you’ll quickly learn they are a cross between a pancake and a crepe.  These are certain to become a family favorite for breakfasts, brunches and everything in between.  

They’re quick and easy to make with minimal cleanup because all you need to do to make the batter is throw the ingredients in a blender! 

 

main image of pancakes stacked on plate ready to be eaten

 

I love anything covered in fresh berries and slathered in fresh whipping cream, and these Swedish pancakes are the perfect canvas for both! 

If you’re looking to change things up, give these delicious Swedish pancakes a spot in your next breakfast, brunch, or brinner rotation! I’m sure your family will love them as much as we do

 

All ingredients added to a blender

 

What are Swedish pancakes?

Swedish pancakes, or pannkaka, are most similar to crepes. They are flat, pan fried cakes that are slightly thicker than a crepe, but thinner and with much less leavening than a regular pancake.

Swedish pancakes have a higher milk to flour ratio than traditional American pancakes do.

 

Blender Pancakes

 

Are Swedish pancakes from Sweden?

Yes, this Swedish pancake recipe is a variation of what is commonly served in Sweden. However, in Sweden they wouldn’t call their traditional pancake recipe “Swedish pancakes,” just like we don’t call our traditional pancakes “American -” or “United States pancakes.”

Swedish pancakes are the American version of the Swedish “pannkaka.” 

 

butter in a skillet

 

Are crepes and Swedish pancakes the same thing?

They are very similar. The Swedish pancake vs. crepes debate is difficult to declare because there is so much overlap between the two recipes. Bottom line, Swedish pancakes tend to be a little lighter and fluffier than crepes.

However, they don’t hold up as well when using more liquid-y fillings. When cooked at home, both are done very similarly, but a crepe is a little more dense and chewy. Try both and pick your favorite! 

 

crepes batter poured into a buttered skillet

 

What ingredients are in Swedish pancakes?

Swedish pancake mix is a breeze to make! Simply combine the following ingredients in a blender until thoroughly combined. Batter will be very thin. Some might even call these blender pancakes!

  • Flour – using less flour and more milk and eggs makes this easy Swedish pancake recipe lighter and fluffier than the similar crepe. 
  • Milk – there’s quite a bit of milk in this recipe, which keeps the cooked pancake from becoming too chewy. 
  • White sugar – adds a hint of sweetness to your Swedish pancake batter. 
  • Eggs – eggs are the binding agent in the batter and also provide some of the signature fluffiness that makes these different than crepes. 
  • Baking powder – there are some competing opinions about whether leavening should be included in traditional Swedish pancakes, but we love the extra little lift using a little baking powder provides. 
  • Vanilla – vanilla extract enhances the sweet flavor of the batter and pairs nicely when the pancakes are topped with fruit or cream! 
  • Salt – helps make all the different notes of flavor sing. 
  • Butter – you don’t actually add this to the blender; use the butter to coat the frying pan before cooking the Swedish pancakes. 

 

pancake flipped over to cook on other side

 

How to cook Swedish pancakes:

Part of what makes this the BEST Swedish pancake recipe is how simple it is to make! Especially when you utilize a blender. 

After blending ingredients in a blender (or use an immersion blender in a pitcher or high-sided bowl) until smooth, heat an 8 inch skillet over medium heat.

Add a teaspoon of butter to the pan and swirl around to coat the entire bottom of the pan. Pour about ¼ cup of the pancake batter into the pan and swirl it around until it’s evenly spread in a thin layer.

You can lift the pan and tilt it to make sure the batter spreads evenly before it sets. 

Cook without stirring or moving until the batter has set and the edges begin to look golden, then flip the pancake and cook an additional minute on the other side. 

Remove from the pan and repeat until the batter is gone. You can stack the Swedish pancakes without worrying about them sticking together.  

 

Stack of pancakes ready to be eaten

 

What to serve with Swedish pancakes?

Traditional Swedish pancakes are often served with fresh lingonberries or lingonberry jam.  Don’t worry, other fresh fruit or berries are a great option! Serve folded or rolled and topped with whipped cream. 

 

close up image of pancakes folded into triangles

 

Are Swedish pancakes gluten free?

Swedish pancakes contain flour and are therefore not gluten free. I have not experimented with gluten free flours in this recipe, but if you do, I’d love to hear how it works for you! 

 

pancakes rolled up into logs

 

Can you freeze Swedish pancakes?

Absolutely, you can freeze Swedish pancakes! If you plan to thaw all the frozen pancakes at once, you can go ahead and freeze them in a stack in a freezer zipper bag. 

Personally I recommend you separate the pancakes with a piece of waxed or parchment paper before storing them in a bag and freezing. This way you can enjoy them one at a time. 

To thaw, simply remove from the freezer and place in the fridge the night before, or allow single-serve pancakes to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before reheating.

Reheat your pancakes in the microwave for about 20 seconds or on a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds each side

 

a slice taken out of pancakes ready to be eaten

 

More Breakfast Recipe Ideas You’ll Love:

This easy and delicious Swedish pancake recipe is a great way to spice up your breakfast or brunch routine. Light and delicately sweet, your family will love this tasty twist on pancakes! 

 

Yield: 6

Swedish Pancakes

close up image of pancakes folded into triangles

If you've never had Swedish pancakes, you'll quickly learn they are a cross between a pancake and a crepe.  These are certain to become a family favorite for breakfasts, brunches and everything in between.  

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 Tablespoon white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup butter

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients except butter into a blender and blend until smooth. Batter will be very runny.
  2. Heat skillet to medium heat.
  3. Add 1 teaspoon of butter and melt, coating bottom of a small skillet.
  4. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into skillet and swirl all around. Let pancake cook until edges begin to bubble.
  5. Flip pancake and cook other side for 1 -2 minutes.
  6. Pancakes can be stacked, rolled or folded into triangles.
  7. Serve with favorite toppings.

Notes

Think of these as thick crepes. Add your favorite fillings such as fruit, cream cheese, honey, maple syrup, powdered sugar etc.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 256Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 345mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 8g

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Lynnette

Tuesday 7th of November 2023

My aunt Linda Higgins in Minnesota puts butter & a sprinkling of sugar on each layer. She tops with fresh strawberry jam. My grandson (7) ate 3 servings when she came out to visit. It was his favorite dish

Bunny

Friday 28th of May 2021

I do not like crepes....to eggy for something doughy. Are these eggy tasting like a crepe?

Debbie Riley

Thursday 1st of February 2024

@Bunny, Try using 1 egg!

Janelle

Sunday 18th of July 2021

They are a mix between a crepe and a pancake. I can't guarantee you'll like them but slather them in nutella and banana and that's all you'll taste!

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