It’s hard to believe it’s already that time again! No, not Valentine’s Day, although, that too. I’m talking about World Nutella Day, the day where all Nutella fans worldwide celebrate the wonder and sheer joy of of this creamy, velvety, and totally addictive chocolate-hazelnut spread.
According to its web site, Nutella was first created in the mid-1940s by Pietro Ferrero, a pastry chef and founder of the Ferrero company. At the time, cocoa was in short supply because of rationing due to World War II, so chocolate was very limited. To stretch the cocoa, Ferrero added hazelnuts, which were much more plentiful, and thus, a legend was created!
Since its first appearance on the culinary scene, Nutella has become much more than a popular after-school snack. It is literally a cultural and social phenomenon, not only in its native country, Italy, but all the world over. Nutella is marketed in over seventy-five countries across the globe, and outsells all brands of peanut butter combined worldwide!
World Nutella Day is the brainchild of bloggers, Michelle of Bleeding Espresso and Sara of Ms. Adventures in Italy, who felt that it was high time that Nutella had an official holiday of its own. So in 2007, they took action, and World Nutella Day was born.
When trying to figure out what to make for my entry this year, I decided to stay true to myself and put together a dish that reflected my absolute favorite way to enjoy Nutella - with bananas. When I was a kid, Nutella and banana sandwiches were part of my daily routine, often topped with a splotch of marshmallow creme. I didn’t think it could ever get much better than that, until …..Paris.
Most people associate their first trip to Paris with falling in love. Falling in love with the art, the music, the fashion, the breads and pastries, the Seine and of course, that “special someone”. When I went to Paris, I also loved all of those things, but what captured my heart for all eternity were those marvelously light and delicate crepes filled with Nutella and chunks of banana from the hundreds of stands that dot almost every street corner in the city. Forget those fancy patisseries and bistros! I longed for those crepes - and lots of ’em!
I’ve tried to replicate them at home many times, and…..well…..let’s just say that I’m somewhat “crepe impaired” (meaning I suck at making crepes). You know the old “beauty from within” cliche? Well, that applies to my crepes. They always taste fabulous, but they look pretty pathetic. Not something that I’d want to show you pictures of!
Instead, I decided use one of my new kitchen toys to make you something using the same concept, only in a different way: Nutella and Banana Filled Aebleskiver!
Aebleskiver or Ebelskiver are traditional Danish pancakes in the distinctive shape of a ball. They’re made in a special pan like the one above and are solid like a pancake, but light and fluffy inside like a popover. They can be made plain and topped with powdered sugar or maple syrup, or they can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as jam, fruit or chocolate.
Aebleskiver are not much more difficult to make than regular pancakes, but you do need to have one of those special pans. Fortunately, you can find them at many kitchen stores and lots of places online, like Amazon, Williams-Sonoma and Sur La Table, among others. I even saw them at Target. Prices range from about $15.00-$40.00.
To make these Aebleskiver, I started with the recipe on the back of the box that the pan came in. From there, I took bits and pieces from a few other recipes I found on the web. I ended up with what I think is a really good one. My Aebleskiver were lightly crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The Nutella and banana were the perfect oozey, schmoozey filling. If I closed my eyes, I could almost hear Edith Piaf singing in the background!
If you’re already wise to the delights of Aebleskiver, then by all means, give these a try. If not, these would be a great initiation. I plan to make these lovely, pillowy pockets of deliciousness often.
Nutella and Banana Filled Aebleskiver
(Printable Recipe)
4 eggs, separated
2 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup Nutella
1 banana, sliced into quarters lengthwise and then into small chunks
1 tablespoon melted butter for pan
Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry, and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, buttermilk, vanilla and butter. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Combine the yolk mixture into the flour mixture and whisk until well blended. The batter will be a little lumpy. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the egg whites in two additions.
Heat an Aebleskiver pan over medium heat and brush each well with melted butter. Pour about 1 tablespoon of the batter into each well. Add 1/2 teaspoon of Nutella and 1-2 chunks of banana to each well. Then top off each well with enough batter to fill.
Cook about 3 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom and bubbly around the edges, Quickly turn each Aebleskiver over, using a long wooden skewer or toothpick, trying not to puncture the balls. Continue cooking until golden on the bottom, about 2 minutes more.
Transfer to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining batter.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce and serve immediately.
Makes about 35.
Enjoy!
Here are some other Nutella recipes you might like from the SGCC archives:
Triple Chocolate Nutella Semifreddo
Torronutella Semifreddo Terrine
Filed Under: Blogging Events, Breakfast and Brunch, Chocolate, Cooking, Cool Products, Desserts, Ethnic, Fruits, Recipes
Celebrate World Nutella Day 2010 with Nutella Ice Cream
Nutella Rice Krispie Treats
Faux Nutella Recipe
On February 05, 2009 at 10:53am, maggie said...
These look incredible! Do you find having the pan is worth it?
On February 05, 2009 at 11:05am, kellypea said...
I don’t know how I could possibly have missed putting this grand day on my calendar two years ago. 😉 I love aebelskivers — had them in Solvang years ago and have never forgotten them. But — I’ve never had Nutella. Talk about being late to the party! Yours look simply marvelous Susan.
On February 05, 2009 at 11:20am, Maria said...
What a great treat for Nutella Day! I love the stuff. I better go home and bake something!!
On February 05, 2009 at 11:24am, 5 Star Foodie said...
Those look just scrumptious! How lovely!
On February 05, 2009 at 11:43am, Little Ol' Liz said...
Woman — you gave me chills with this scrumptious post! Truly — chills.
I saw my local Safeway has Nutella in the standard jars — and now an extra large one! Joy! Must. Buy. More. Nutella! Oh, and a funky pan like this, too!
On February 05, 2009 at 11:56am, Terry & Dennis Macri said...
Stop!!!! You are making me so hungry. I love Nutella.
Your gnome is so cute holding those yummy pancakes. Good Job!!!
On February 05, 2009 at 11:59am, StickyGooeyCreamyChewy said...
Maggie- I just got the pan a few weeks ago, so this was the first time I used it. But, I will definitely make these a lot, filled with different things. I think the pan is definitely worth it, because these are easy to make. Williams-Sonoma even has a mix for them.
Kellypea- How cool that you had these in Solvang. I bet they were heaven. I'm jealous! I can't believe a woman of the world like you hasn't had Nutella yet. Get thee to the store and buy some! You won't regret it!
Maria- Thanks! Glad I inspired you!
5 Star Foodie-Thank you! I'm glad you like them.
Liz- Uh oh! It's cold enough without getting more chills from me! 😉 I've seen those extra large jars too. Scary!
Terry & Dennis- Thanks! I think he is cute too. Except, he keeps hogging all of the Aebleskiver! 😉
On February 05, 2009 at 12:19pm, Rosa's Yummy Yums said...
These Abelskiver are fantastic! A great idea!
Cheers,
Rosa
On February 05, 2009 at 12:24pm, The Food Hunter said...
They look delicious. I love the gnome.
On February 05, 2009 at 12:35pm, Ingrid said...
Those look so decadent and delish! Happy Nutella Day!
Btw, I hope you’re on the mend!
~ingrid
On February 05, 2009 at 12:51pm, erin :: the olive notes said...
whoa! not sure i can handle all this goodness in one post
On February 05, 2009 at 1:08pm, Ciao Chow Linda said...
I shall not pass go. I shall go straight to the aebleskiver counter.And the Nutella counter. Your pictures are really exquisite.
On February 05, 2009 at 1:11pm, Ginny said...
I <3 nutella crepes!
this look amazing! happy nutella day!
On February 05, 2009 at 1:32pm, pinkstripes said...
I love the gnome! Your pictures are gorgeous. I’ve got to get one of those pans.
On February 05, 2009 at 2:02pm, A Feast for the Eyes said...
Your photography is so good…so…professional! I bought one of those pans about 2 months ago, and keep forgetting to try it out. I’m also one of those folks who’s never tried Nutella.
So, your photos, recipe and talking it all up has convinced me to try.
Love your blog!
On February 05, 2009 at 2:14pm, Manggy said...
Oh my gah! Those look fantastic! Thanks for the tip about the pans- I’ll keep an eye out for them- I’m beginning to worry that between utensils and my new cookbooks I won’t have any more room in my luggage though, heh
By the way, nutellas and bananas were MFEO 😉
On February 05, 2009 at 2:31pm, Meg said...
Those look beyond amazing!
On February 05, 2009 at 2:43pm, Sara said...
Oh boy, these pictures are posing a huge danger to my waist size. They look unbelievable delicious.
On February 05, 2009 at 3:10pm, Karen said...
What a treat! Happy Nutella Day!
On February 05, 2009 at 3:36pm, Snooky doodle said...
delicious. I m a Nutella addict that’s why I don’t buy it much I ll end up eating the whole bottle in a short while. These look so so good
On February 05, 2009 at 3:51pm, spatulascorkscrews said...
These are absolutely amazing! Where ever do you find the time to do all that you do?
And that gnome is so cute and mischievous!
I loved this post so much, I linked it to my Nutella post. Hope you don’t mind?
On February 05, 2009 at 4:00pm, PhillyGirl said...
The aebleskiver pan is definitely worth it. I bought a cast iron one from Amazon a few months ago. I make regular pancakes for the kid but the other batter goes into the “puff pancake” pan. You can even use bisquick, but separate the eggs, add the yolk, whip the white, add a little sugar and vanilla, then fold in the white. Use some chopsticks to turn them, wait patiently til done, then shake on powdered sugar. They taste like doughnuts so you may not even want/need syrup. They taste great!
On February 05, 2009 at 4:24pm, Karen @ Mignardise said...
OMG! This must be the best use of Nutella I’ve ever seen. Nutella with banana in a crepe is my all time favorite too, so these must be incredible. You’ve convinced me to get the pan for sure!
On February 05, 2009 at 4:27pm, Helene said...
This is so beautiful. I never heard of Aebleskiver. I also like nutella with croissant. So good.
On February 05, 2009 at 4:50pm, anna said...
I don’t know why I haven’t tried nutella and banana before. It sounds simultaneously too rich and justifiably healthy - banana is fruit!
On February 05, 2009 at 4:54pm, Collywolly (aka browniegirl) said...
Ooooh MY!!! Susan these are so beautiful….and so yummilicious looking….It is 12.50am here in Cape Town……im off to the kitchen to get a midnight snack…gonna have to be toast with nutella and bananas sliced on top…..well done! And I do hope your ankle is feeling a lot better.xxx
PS Just love the little garden gnome pushing the cookies around :o)
On February 05, 2009 at 5:09pm, Half Baked said...
Drool!! Those look AMAZING! Happy Nutella day!!
On February 05, 2009 at 7:40pm, Joie de vivre said...
I married a Swede and do have an abelskever (?) pan so I am bookmarking this recipe! Happy Nutella Day! It’s nice to find your lovely site.
On February 05, 2009 at 7:44pm, Meg said...
I awarded you my Holy Yum! award for these tasty treats. I borrowed a picture for the post. I hope that is OK! Feel free to display or post about your award! Thanks for having such an awesome blog!
On February 05, 2009 at 9:22pm, Kevin said...
Those look so good!
On February 05, 2009 at 10:08pm, Katrina said...
Love, Love, Love banana and Nutella. Now I want one of those pans! I made Nutella Smores today with homemade graham crackers-SO good!
Seriously, I know I will go out looking for that pan. My kids have seen commercials for it before and told me it looks cool and I should get it.
Sigh, Nutella!
On February 05, 2009 at 10:30pm, Maris said...
I think I might like the idea of World Nutella Day better than Valentine’s Day
On February 05, 2009 at 11:55pm, Mila said...
Whaaaat??? How did I miss Nutella Day??? I LOVE nutella! One of these days I am going to have to make these…they look AMAZING! Great photos and I love the little gnome.
On February 06, 2009 at 2:41am, Mélanie said...
Wow, they look delicious!
I love Nutella, but i never buy it, otherwise the jar gets empty way too fast… So last time we had some, I made a tart with it, so i could share with everyone : people almost went crazy for this. I had, like, ten requests for the recipe ; maybe you’d like to try it too. I hope you like it.
http://melaskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/12/nutella.html
On February 06, 2009 at 5:32am, CookiePie said...
Those look incredible! Who needs crepes when you can have banana-Nutella aebleskiver??
On February 06, 2009 at 6:22am, Grace said...
note to self: purchase aebleskiver pan.
these are fabulous, and a worthy homage to the wonderful creation known as nutella.
On February 06, 2009 at 6:43am, Susan said...
Oh My! These look so yummy. I’ll bring the coffee I’m coning over!
On February 06, 2009 at 9:25am, Cookie baker Lynn said...
I’ve been asking for an abelskiver pan for a year now. Maybe this post will be the tipping point. Those pictures are serious torture! Plus I love your gnome.
On February 06, 2009 at 12:26pm, Nancy in Texas said...
How cool - aebleskiver! I grew up eating aebleskiver from my Danish grandmother and I inherited my mom’s pan - well used and heavy. Your recipe is similar to mine, I’ve never tried adding any fillings before but your version looks interesting. Thanks for the idea!
On February 06, 2009 at 1:17pm, Maryann said...
These look like heaven! I’m with you..Nutella and bananas are a perfect match
On February 06, 2009 at 1:57pm, duodishes said...
ACK! Really though! Overwhelmed with the desire to eat that basket.
On February 06, 2009 at 2:26pm, Ash said...
who doesn’t love Nutella! I must try these, they look too good! Love the pics too!
On February 06, 2009 at 4:59pm, Elra said...
I found out about this event yesterday morning, when I visited David Lebouvitz. I managed to post my entry in the late afternoon. Glad that I able to participate.
Your Aebleskiver must taste delicious. I can imagine the nutela burst in my mouth when I bite it. Uhhhh, my mouth water just writing about it.
Cheers,
Elra
On February 06, 2009 at 5:04pm, FJK said...
Yum. You were so much more ambitious than I was for World Nutella Day — but the beauty of Nutella is that simple or complex, Nutella is always the best
On February 06, 2009 at 5:08pm, onlinepastrychef said...
Donuts stuffed with Nutella? If I weren’t straight and happily married, I would marry you:D
On February 06, 2009 at 6:31pm, Sara said...
These look amazing, I need to buy a pan to make them!
On February 06, 2009 at 8:42pm, GFE--gluten free easily said...
These are so beautiful. I’ve never heard of aebelskivers before. This recipe certainly meets the criteria of your blog name. 😉 I’m sure I can make a gluten-free version of your recipe to enjoy. And, I just heard of World Nutella Day … maybe too late for this year with all I have going on, but next year I’ll have it noted for sure. Thanks very much!
Shirley
On February 06, 2009 at 10:26pm, Tartelette said...
If I make you Nutella crepes, will you let me hug your gnome?
Love the aebleskivers!
On February 07, 2009 at 8:23am, pigpigscorner said...
Nutella with bananas! yum yum! Great presentation.
On February 07, 2009 at 9:25am, Liliana said...
What an amazing post! I love the taste of Nutella with bananas, I love the gnome and I love Edith Piaf. I just have to get one of those pans and make these. You did a great job.
I just have to add a link to your blog in my post!
On February 07, 2009 at 11:07am, Jude said...
Saw your picture on serious eats, too. The gnome pic is surreal!
On February 07, 2009 at 12:34pm, mikky said...
what a perfect treat!!!
On February 07, 2009 at 5:23pm, Mark Boxshus "Cookie Doctor" said...
OMG……..I am so totally hooked on this recipe without even trying it. Years ago I came across Nutella during one of my international journeys, but couldn’t find it here in the states. Lately, now having access to it, I’ve only been slathering it on bread, biscuits or whatever edible platform I could pop into my mouth. Now, I realize I’ve been missing a whole culinary movement. You’ve truly made my day…….forget that……..month
Mark
On February 07, 2009 at 11:17pm, Proud Italian Cook said...
I got one of those for X-Mas, and used it twice already once with a cannoli filling, and once with Nutella. I have to say I will be adding a banana next time for sure!!
On February 08, 2009 at 11:16am, Madam Chow said...
I love ebelskiver, I have a pan, and I’m going to make these as soon as I get a new range!
On February 08, 2009 at 1:24pm, Bren said...
I’m loving everything about this post! great pics, great recipe and great cause! I think i’ll do mu nutella piece today, even tho i’m late!
On February 08, 2009 at 6:50pm, Debbie said...
Hi Susan, I’ve passed on an award to you and your wondeful blog!! Debbie
On February 08, 2009 at 8:53pm, MaryBeth said...
OMG…These look wonderful, each and every picture makes me want one,two ok maybe five of them.
On February 08, 2009 at 10:03pm, A Feast for the Eyes said...
Thanks so much for inspiring me to unpack my virgin abelskiver pan. I made your recipe and it was easy and delicious. My photos don’t even come close to the professionalism of yours…but the recipe was a success.
Thanks again!
Debby
On February 09, 2009 at 12:41pm, jesse said...
WOWWWW. These look like they jumped out of a gourmet magazine. I’m so impressed and am dying for a bite right now!
On February 09, 2009 at 1:02pm, The Short (dis)Order Cook said...
Those look so wonderful. Bananas and Nutella are a wonderful combination. Actually it’s hard to mix Nutella with anything and have it be bad.
Now I’m psyched that something called World Nutella Day exists!
On February 09, 2009 at 1:41pm, Michele said...
OMG! These look so good I could cry! In fact, I will cry because I don’t have this pan!!!!
On February 09, 2009 at 2:26pm, Vasanti said...
I was wondering where did you buy the pan and is it a non stick pan
On February 09, 2009 at 10:02pm, Marc @ NoRecipes said...
Wow those look divine! I’ve been seeing aebleskivers pop up all over the blogosphere and am now feeling the need to go add another specialty pan to my already crowded kitchen.
On February 10, 2009 at 6:44am, Talita said...
What’s this??? Ohh My God!! Looks so delicious! So tasteful!! I’ll try it soon!
On February 10, 2009 at 9:12am, Peter M said...
This is the 3rd of these Danish cookies that I’ve seen of late…with the Nutella they are divine.
My fave photo is the gnome with the wheel-barrow!
On February 10, 2009 at 10:09am, Lori Lynn said...
They sound excellent and your whimsical presentation is darling.
LL
On February 10, 2009 at 4:38pm, gillard said...
I just tried banana-filled aebleskiver last week and thought it was the best! Throw in some Nutella and I think I’d be over the moon! Fantastic idea!!!!
On February 13, 2009 at 10:25am, Nicisme said...
I would love to try these. That is one gorgeous pan you have there!
On February 15, 2009 at 11:16pm, Nicole said...
Now THERE are some abelskivers! So yummy… like cross between a doughnut and a profiterol or something!
On February 21, 2009 at 8:58pm, Obsessive Foodie or Food Addict....You Decide said...
I have passed this pan often in Williams Sonoma and have been tempted many a times to buy one. I think you just put the last nail in the coffin.
On February 28, 2009 at 10:41pm, Krithika said...
I tried this morning and my kids loved it. I had Nutella in some and chocolate chips in some. They turned out great. Thanks
On May 12, 2009 at 8:13pm, JasonZ said...
Just so you know … Lodge Cast Iron makes an aebleskiver pan as well … unfortunately, it's in their new Pro Logic series, so it's a bit more expensive than their original cast iron, but it is seasoned (which means it's also non-stick to a large degree) and it apparently makes great Oysters Rockefeller when you're not dealing with nutella banana aebleskiver.
https://secure.lodgemfg.com/storefront/product1_new.asp?menu=prologic&idProduct=3990
On May 12, 2009 at 8:23pm, JasonZ said...
Came to your site purely by accident. I’m a regular on Recipezaar.com (Gandalf The White) as well as on eGullet. On recipezaar, I’m a member of the Groovy GastroGnomes team for the zaar world tour (ZWT 5) … and our captain was looking for gnome pictures … I googled for gnome+food … and here I am!!
Wonderful photos, and great postings. I’ve had aebleskiver a few times in Kobenhagn, but never made my own. On the other hand, I’m a LeCreuset and Lodge fanatic (I cook on an induction stovetop), so I knew about the pan …
Anyway, Susan, you have a new reader, so lots of luck, thanks for the posting, and I’ll be commenting around!!
Regards,
JasonZ
On May 12, 2009 at 11:34pm, Susan @ SGCC said...
JasonZ- Hello and welcome! I'm so glad that you enjoyed visiting SGCC and that you liked my little Aebleskiver gnome. I was able to snap that shot of him as he ran off to the garden with my pastries!
I'm a big fan of both Lodge & Le Creuset too. In fact, I really wanted the Lodge Aebleskiver pan, but I couldn't find it locally.
Anyway, thank you for your sweet comments. I hope to see you here again soon.
On August 30, 2009 at 8:49pm, Sunshinemom said...
Lovely pictures and a great recipe! Thanks:)
On May 24, 2010 at 2:56pm, Mette said...
Just love æbleskiver - where I live in Denmark, we eat æbleskiver at every opportunity around Christmastime. Topped with powdered sugar and for every bite a dip in blackcurrant jam. In my recipe the buttermilk makes the difference…
On October 11, 2010 at 12:09am, Susanne B. said...
I just ran across this entry. I run a food booth in Seattle called The Ebelskiver Lady, and one of our suggested combos is Nutella and banana. It is one of the top sellers! My other favorite Nutella combo is to add rasperries. Yum!
On February 22, 2012 at 1:55pm, Still Served Warm said...
OMG! They look sooo delicious with Nutella! We had the traditional ones with raspberry jam in Solvang, a Danish colony in California. They were really good!!!
http://www.stillservedwarm.com/danish-aebelskivers-solvang/
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