Fika Treats

  Introduction to Swedish Kladdkaka Swedish  Kladdkaka —literally “sticky cake”—is a beloved chocolate dessert known for its rich, fudgy texture and gooey center. Unlike traditional cakes, it contains no baking powder, giving it a dense, moist consistency that has made it a favorite across Sweden. Kladdkaka’s history is a bit mysterious but charming. It likely originated during World War II when baking powder was scarce in Sweden, and resourceful bakers adapted by making chocolate cakes without leavening agents. Another popular story suggests it emerged in the 1970s, possibly as a happy accident when a baker forgot to add baking powder, pulled an undercooked cake from the oven, and discovered a delicious new treat. Today, Kladdkaka remains a staple of Swedish fika culture, enjoyed warm or cold with whipped cream or berries. The cake is so cherished that Sweden even celebrates Kladdkaka Day on November 7th, a testament to its status as a national dessert icon. Ingredients 1 cup...

  Introduction to Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar) Swedish cinnamon buns, known as  kanelbullar , are a beloved staple of Swedish fika—a cherished coffee break tradition. Unlike the sweeter and heavier American cinnamon rolls, kanelbullar feature a delicate balance of warm cinnamon wrapped in soft, yeasty dough, topped simply with pearl sugar for a light crunch. The modern version of  kanelbullar  emerged in Sweden during the 1920s when access to spices, sugar, and butter improved after World War I. Though cinnamon had been used in Swedish baking since the 16th century, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that these spiced buns took their recognizable spiral shape and became widely popular. Sweden’s devotion to these buns is so great that every October 4th is celebrated as Cinnamon Bun Day ( Kanelbullens dag )—a national event honoring this iconic pastry. Today, kanelbullar continue to embody Swedish values of togetherness, simplicity, and the joy of sharing a ...