Contents
Koldskål is a traditional Danish chilled buttermilk dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer. Light, creamy, and slightly tangy, this simple yet delicious dish is typically enjoyed cold with crunchy vanilla biscuits called kammerjunkere. Whether eaten as a refreshing snack or a light dessert, Koldskål is a nostalgic favorite that brings a taste of Danish hygge to warm days.
Ingredients
- 1 liter cultured buttermilk
- 200 ml plain yogurt or A38 if available
- 2 fresh eggs
- 4-5 tablespoons sugar adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla sugar
- Juice of half a lemon optional
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Whisk the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and lemon juice, mix well.
- Slowly stir in the buttermilk and yogurt until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve chilled, topped with traditional kammerjunkere biscuits or your favorite berries.
Notes
Koldskål: Denmark’s chilled summer classic 🍶☀️
Let’s be honest — when it’s hot outside and you’re not in the mood to cook, what you need is something cold, light, and a little sweet. If you’ve ever been to Denmark during summer, chances are you’ve seen people enjoying bowls (or even glasses!) of something white and creamy. That, my friend, is Koldskål — and yes, it’s as tasty as it sounds.
So, what is this Koldskål thing?
Imagine a cross between a yogurt smoothie and a dessert soup. Weird combo? Maybe. But it works — and it’s a huge deal in Denmark. The name literally means “cold bowl”, which makes sense because that’s exactly how it’s served — cold and in a bowl. Or a mug. Or whatever you have handy. It’s made with stuff you probably already have: buttermilk, yogurt, eggs, sugar, a little vanilla, and sometimes lemon juice if you want that citrus kick.Now the fun part — toppings 😍
The classic way? With kammerjunkere — they’re like tiny vanilla biscuits. Crunchy, a little sweet, and perfect with the creamy soup. But hey, no one’s stopping you from adding:- Fresh strawberries 🍓
- Blueberries 🫐
- Granola
- Honey 🍯
- Mint leaves if you’re feeling fancy
Why do Danes love it so much?
It’s more than just a dessert. For a lot of people, Koldskål brings back memories — summer vacations, lazy afternoons, eating outside on the terrace. It’s quick to make, cheap, and kind of addictive.
You can eat it as a snack, a dessert, even breakfast if you’re in a rush (yep, I’ve done that). It’s light, refreshing, and doesn’t make you feel heavy afterward. What’s not to love?
