Why This Recipe Works

Lighter and more delicate than the American pancake, Swedish pancakes have lacy, buttery edges and a barely custardy middle. They’re made in a special Swedish plett pan that produces silver-dollar-size pancakes. Even if we didn’t have a special pan, we were determined to make our own version of this Scandinavian favorite. Unlike American pancakes, Swedish pancakes contain no baking powder or baking soda. To get a little lift without breaking tradition, we added some club soda to the batter. To avoid a lengthy resting period, we used instant flour in the batter, which dissolved faster than regular flour and required less whisking.

Before You Begin

This recipe needs instant flour, such as Wondra or Pillsbury Shake & Blend. Keep the pancakes warm, covered, in a 200-degree oven. Serve with lingonberry jam, as the Swedes do, or your favorite jam.

Instructions

MAKE BATTER Combine flour, sugar, and salt in large bowl. Slowly whisk half-and-half, club soda, 4 tablespoons butter, eggs, and yolks into flour mixture until smooth.

COOK PANCAKES Brush surface and sides of 10-inch nonstick skillet with 1 teaspoon butter and heat over medium heat. When butter stops sizzling, pour 1/3 cup batter into skillet, tilting pan to evenly coat bottom with batter. Cook until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to plate and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Repeat with remaining butter and remaining batter. Serve.

make ahead

Swedish pancakes can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Layer cooled pancakes between parchment paper, wrap in plastic, and transfer to zipper-lock bag. To serve, microwave stack of 3 pancakes on 50 percent power until heated through, 10 to 20 seconds.