Updated on March 25th, 2025
Koldskål is a classic summer dessert in Denmark made from buttermilk. You can buy readymade koldskål in the dairy section at most Danish grocery stores and supermarkets. However, it is quick and easy to make your own homemade koldskål.
Danish Koldskål Buttermilk Dessert Recipe
4
servings15
minutesIngredients
1 liter or 4 cups of buttermilk
2 egg yolks
1/2 of a vanilla bean
3 tablespoons of sugar
1/2 of a lemon
Directions
- Cut the vanilla bean in half and then split one half and scrape the seeds into a large bowl
- Add the egg yolks and sugar to the bowl with the vanilla bean seeds
- Beat the egg yolk mixture with an electric hand mixer until the egg yolk is light in color and fluffy. You can also use a whisk, but it will take a longer time
- Cut the lemon in half and squeeze one of the halves of the lemon juice into the bowl, making sure you avoid getting any lemon seeds in the bowl
- Slowly add the buttermilk into the bowl and mix together with a whisk or spoon
- Serve the koldskål in separate bowls and top with your choice of toppings
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does koldskål last?
The dessert lasts about 2-3 days in the fridge. It will start to settle, therefore, you will want to stir it well before serving it in individual portions.
Can you freeze the buttermilk dessert?
Yes, it is possible to freeze the koldskål. If you are making a large portion and want to save some for later, you can freeze it. You should store the buttermilk dessert in a sealable container to ensure it does not spill when transferring it to the freezer. The dessert will last about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you want to eat the buttermilk dessert, you should take it out the night before and place it in the fridge to thaw.
Can you substitute the sugar?
Yes, you can! Buttermilk is rather sour on its own, so I recommend adding a sweetener such as Stevia or another sugar substitute.
What does koldskål taste like?
Due to the buttermilk base, the dessert is a little sour, but the sugar adds sweetness, and the vanilla and lemon add depth to the flavor. The flavor is perfect when paired with sweeter toppings.
What can you top the dessert with?
In Denmark, it is common to eat koldskål with kammerjunker, which are small Danish biscuits. Instead of kammerjunker, you can add strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, bananas, chocolate, honey nut granola, or digestive biscuits.
If you want to try even more Danish recipes, I have shared my best Danish vegetarian recipes.
This ooks delicious! xx
Danielle’s Beauty Blog
It is delicious and pretty easy to make!
Sounds like the perfect summer treat! I love how simple it is to make and the idea of topping it with fresh fruit sounds divine. Definitely giving this a try!
Lenne | lennezulkiflly.com
It is a great treat for the warmer weather, and it is pretty easy to make! I ate the koldskål with strawberries, and it was delicious!
Thanks for sharing
Very nice blog
Thank you so much!
This sounds like a perfect summer dessert! I love vanilla bean and I can’t wait to try this. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much! It’s a delicious and I hope you try it!
Ooh, this looks delicious and refreshing! Definitely not sold in my local grocery, so happy to have a recipe to try it out!
Thank you! It is a delicious and easy dessert to make!
What a cool recipe, I have to try it. Looks delicious 🙂
Thank you! It is delicious and easy to make!
It’s good yo know this lovely summer dessert recipe. Buttermilk is full of health benefits and is great for summer.
Thank you for the detailed post.
It is! Thank you!
I love how simple and delicious this dish looks. I would love to make it one day.
Thank you so much! It is delicious!
This sounds like a lovely dessert! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
You’re welcome and it’s a delicious dessert! My daughter loved it too!
wow I have never heard of this! I love that it has vanilla bean and not so much sugar. Looks like a nice summer treat! thank you for sharing will have to try this! 🙂
It is a nice treat for warmer days! You’re welcome!
Wow!!! What a delicious dessert. I would like to try this recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you! It is easy to make and it tastes great! It’s also perfect for when the weather is warmer!
This is a simple, but interesting recipe. Looks rich and creamy. Your Danish Koldskal would pair perfectly with our Jamaican rock buns or cakes.
Thank you! I had to look up Jamaican rock buns, and they look tasty and would pair well with the koldskål!
I would definitely try koldskål as I like anything with a vanilla falvour or element to it. It sounds like I would really enjoy this. Thanks for sharing this!
You should try it because it is easy to make and has vanilla bean seeds in it! You’re welcome!