My family’s traditional Norwegian pancake recipe is one of my favorites. Slightly thicker than crepes, learn how to make Norwegian pancakes now.
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While we’d occasionally have them throughout the year, Norwegian pancakes are on of my favorite family Christmas traditions.
December 23rd is Lille Julaften (little Christmas eve) in Norway.
And at least in my family, it was the day that we typically baked Christmas cookies, including traditional Norwegian krumkake, and enjoyed passed-down family recipes like my grandma Swensen’s brown sugar meatballs and these Norwegian pancakes.
Different from your traditional stack of fluffy American-style flapjacks, this Norwegian pancake recipe is a great way to make your holidays — or any weekend morning — just a little more special!
Also called pannekaker, Norwegian pancakes are thin, crepe-like pancakes that are traditionally rolled up and served with butter, sugar, and jam.
However, unlike crepes which are traditionally paper-thin and slightly chewy, Norwegian pancakes use more flour and result in a slightly thicker, fluffier texture. This also means that they’re easier to make and flip!
It’s totally up to you!
Here are some ways that my family traditionally serves these:
I’ve also made these for my in-laws who prefer to make them savory by filling them with scrambled eggs and adding hot sauce, salsa, or avocado on top.
At least when it comes to my family’s recipes, most Norwegian baked goods and breakfast treats involve the same ingredients just in different ratios. And this recipe is no exception.
What’s particularly great about this recipe, and probably why my grandpa made it so often for my dad when he was a kid, it that the ingredients are ones that are almost always on hand:
I know some families also add a pinch of cardamom to their batter as well. My family never did this, but now sometimes I’ll make a whipped cardamom Greek yogurt to use as a topping for this recipe.
I’ll be honest: the first time making Norwegian pancakes can be frustrating as it takes a little bit to figure out just the right pan size and amount of batter to use.
And even once you have that down, the first couple pancakes are usually a bit of a mess. In fact growing up I’d always stay close to my mom or dad while making them as I knew I’d likely get to eat one of these early “rejects.”
There are a few keys to making these thin pancakes, which I list below. But briefly here are the steps:
1. Mix your batter. Traditionally, this was done by hand in a mixing bowl with a whisk. But I almost always use a blender to make mine.
2. Heat and grease your skillet.
3. Pour the batter into the pan and swirl to cover the bottom of the skillet.
4. Cook until the edges are dry and the top starts to look cooked.
5. Quickly flip (I use my fingers rather than a skillet), cook for another few seconds, and then place the cooked pancake on a plate.
6. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Add your fillings, roll the pancakes, and then top with toppings of choice. Enjoy!
Leftover Norwegian pancakes are actually my favorite!
Simply wrap them in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I recommend storing them flat, rather than rolled.
When ready to eat, make sure to microwave them for a few seconds before trying to roll them otherwise they may crack.
Here are some additional Norwegian recipes that are traditionally enjoyed in my family:
If you tried this Norwegian Pancake Recipe, or any other recipe on the blog, let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below!
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These sound so delicious! I can’t wait to make them for my family.
Thank you! I hope you give them a try soon 🙂
these look delicious! and thicker than the Swedish ones my aunt makes. I’m now craving gingerbread and apples on these pancakes for Christmas!
That’s so interesting that they’re slightly thicker than Swedish pancakes. I always love learning the slight differences in Scandinavian cuisine. Apples would be amazing on these!
I have never tried food from Norway before so I’m excited to try this.
Definitely give it a try! Most of the recipes I make from my Norwegian side of the family are sweets and they’re all delicious 🙂
I love these because they are easier to work with than crepes and lighter than a pancake. Perfect!
Exactly!
Looks so delicious. I’m sure my family will love this one!
Thanks Katie! Let me know what you all think when you make them 🙂
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