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Koldskål (Danish Buttermilk Dessert)

Ready in 30 minutes, Koldskål (Danish Buttermilk Dessert) is a light, tangy Scandinavian classic — perfect as a refreshing breakfast, light lunch, or chilled summer dessert with biscuits or berries.
Prep Time30 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: Danish
Keyword: Buttermilk Recipes, Danish Dessert, Koldskål, Scandinavian Food, Summer Recipes, Traditional Recipes
Servings: 4
Calories: 223kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients

  • 2 organic egg yolks pasteurized if preferred
  • 65 g cane sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla sugar or vanilla powder
  • 1 liter cultured buttermilk
  • Juice of ½ organic lemon
  • 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest

Instructions

  • Rinse the eggs in hot water (Skip this step if using pasteurized pre-separated yolks)
    If you're using whole unpasteurized eggs, pour a bit of boiling water over the eggs using a strainer to reduce surface bacteria on the shell.
  • Separate the yolks (Skip this step if using pasteurized pre-separated yolks)
    Carefully separate the egg yolks from the whites and place the yolks in a large bowl.
  • Whisk the sugar and egg yolks
    Whisk together the yolks and cane sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy.
  • Add vanilla sugar
    Mix in the vanilla sugar or powder and whisk briefly again.
  • Pour in buttermilk and lemon juice
    Add the cultured buttermilk and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir it all together gently with a large spoon until well combined.
  • Add the lemon zest
    Sprinkle in the lemon zest and give it one last stir. Then give it a taste—add a little more lemon juice or vanilla sugar if you feel like it needs a boost.
  • Chill or serve immediately
    Serve the koldskål right away with your favorite toppings, or pop it in an airtight container in the fridge to cool down even more before enjoying. Best enjoyed within 2–3 days. If necessary, whisk it again just before serving.

Notes

  • Vanilla tip – You can swap the vanilla sugar or powder for the seeds from one whole vanilla pod if you have one on hand. Just scrape out the seeds and whisk them in with the sugar and yolks — it adds the most gorgeous, natural flavor and feels a little extra luxurious too.