Norway might have absolutely simple desserts given its brief summers and snow-clad land that enjoys the frosty Nordic winds and landscape, but what is lacking in visual appeal is made up by the taste and the rich traditions that rally behind their homely sweet treats
Norway might have absolutely simple desserts given its brief summers and snow-clad land that enjoys the frosty Nordic winds and landscape, but what is lacking in visual appeal is made up by the taste and the rich traditions that rally behind their homely sweet treats Norway is known for its northern lights and for its beautiful Scandinavian coastal scape towering over frigid fjords, sea, and ocean. While the frigid weather makes for a great Nordic experience, the food, especially desserts makes for a good experience for the stomach and taste buds. Being blanketed by the snow and perpetual cold, what Norway lacks in the extravagance of their desserts, they make up for in the taste. Norwegian desserts offer warmth and comfort to balance out the chill, from their soft waffles and crepes filled with cloudberry jam to hearty rice puddings and fruit soups, many traditional sweets highlight the bounty of native berries that ripen during the short summer months. Bakeries are also filled with the scent of cardamom-spiced treats that continue to instill a sense of home and belongingness.
1. Kransekake
Literally translated to "Ring Cake" in Norwegian, the Kransekake is truly a symbol of Norwegian culture and heritage. Perhaps it's the simplicity of its concentric rings or the beauty of its presentation on a stand, but people are drawn to its light almond flavor and chewy texture irrespective of age and ethnicity. It is said that the first Kransekake crafted was for a college party. About 15 people spontaneously erupted into Norway's national anthem when they saw the cake! Since then, Kransekakes have been enjoyed for many special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, and family gatherings.
2. Julekake
At Christmastime in Norway, one sweet treat is synonymous with the holiday season–Julekake. This fragrant yeast bread hails from a long tradition of Christmas baking in Norway; the Christmas bread is dotted with plump raisins and shimmering citron peel in a spongy loaf with a thin, golden crust. Each slice of Julekake is a party of festive flavors in a mouth with a hint of warm cardamom alongside citrus notes. The bread is airy yet tender, perfect for spreading with butter. Traditionally, Julekake is enjoyed alongside a steaming cup of coffee, the spices and dried fruit playing beautifully off the beverage's roasted flavors. Norwegians also pair it with brunost, a unique brown cheese made from caramelized whey. Its deep, toffee-like taste provides the perfect counterpoint to the bread's sweetness.
3. Skolebrod
Tucked away in bakeries across Norway lies a soft, coconut-dusted bun that has bewitched Norwegian children and adults alike for generations. Known as Skolebrød, Skoleboller, or "school buns," they have become synonymous with school lunches and cozy winter snacks. Each bun is soft and fluffy, coated with a light dusting of powdered sugar and shredded coconut. But what makes Skoleboller truly special is the smooth vanilla custard filling with the flavor of cardamom. A woman from Oslo in the 1930s started packing these for her son’s tiffin. After more than a decade, her grown-up son started selling these buns to local schools and it soon became a popular snack-like dessert in Norway.
4. Suksesskake
Adorned in a delicate yellow cream frosting, Suksessterte or Success Cake is an almond cake with a sunny hue that has become synonymous with many Norwegian celebrations throughout the year. Known then as King Oscar II's Cake, it was reportedly favored at royal engagements in the late 19th century. While the king also ruled Norway at the time, some debate remains about its true origins. Regardless, Suksessterte has firmly cemented itself in the Norwegian baking tradition. The almond sponge base is simply mixed with eggs, almonds, sugar, and a touch of flour. Meanwhile, the creamy frosting is made from just egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, and cream.
The cake is light and tender and might be a little sweet for some people, but each bite awakens your senses with the flavor of almonds, and vanilla that has a definite tanginess.
5. Fyrstekake
Fyrstekake is a classic Norwegian dessert that goes just as well for parties as for Sunday coffee with friends and family. This delicious prince cake consists of a shortcrust pastry shell filled with a light and fluffy macaron filling. It was first developed in 1856 by a confectioner in Trondheim and quickly became a staple across Norway. For over 100 years, the prince cake was a must-have on cake plates for all special occasions. However, from around 1980 its popularity began to decline slightly. But that didn’t last long and it has reclaimed its space in Norwegian cookbooks, food magazines, and on social media channels of popular food bloggers.
6. Kling Lefse
Another Christmastime staple, Lefse is a traditional Norwegian flatbread that is thin and soft, usually made from potatoes, flour, milk, and sometimes butter or cream. Lefse can be eaten plain but is often topped with other ingredients to make kling. Kling is made by spreading butter and sugar on a piece of lefse. The lefse is then folded or rolled up to eat. Some people also add cinnamon to the butter and sugar mixture. Kling is a classic Norwegian dessert. The warm, soft lefse paired with the cool, sweet butter and sugar is a beloved treat. It's especially popular around holidays in Norway. Both lefse and kling are traditions that go back generations in Norwegian culture.
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