Saturday, 7 September 2024

Kladdkaka (gooey chocolate cake)– A Swedish Classic

Today, I want to share a true Swedish favorite – kladdkaka! This wonderfully gooey chocolate cake is loved by both young and old in my family, and it's perfect for everything from family gatherings to a simple weekday treat. It’s one of those desserts that always feels a bit indulgent, even though it’s so easy to make. 
This weekend, I made a kladdkaka that we served with vanilla ice cream with chocolate, and red currants. The best part was that the currants were freshly picked from my garden – tart, fresh, and full of flavor. The combination of the sweet, warm kladdkaka, the cold vanilla ice cream, and the tangy currants was absolutely divine. This is a dessert I’ll remember for a long time!

Ingredients:
150 g butter
3 dl sugar
2 eggs
1.5 dl flour
4 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla sugar
A pinch of salt

Method:
1.Preheat the oven to 175°C.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan and let it cool slightly. Whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, vanilla sugar, and salt. Stir gently. Add the melted butter and mix until the batter is smooth. 
4. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, about 24 cm in diameter. Bake in the middle of the oven for 15–20 minutes. The cake should be gooey in the center when you take it out.

5. Let the cake cool slightly before serving with vanilla ice cream with chocolate, and red currants.
The kladdkaka was absolutely delicious, especially with the fresh currants from the garden. Their tartness complemented the rich chocolate so beautifully. It’s these little touches that can make a simple cake feel extra special. 
 

Kladdkaka is one of Sweden's most beloved desserts, known for its rich chocolate flavor and delightfully gooey texture. It’s easy to bake but results in a luxurious cake perfect for both everyday fika and special occasions.

The History of Kladdkaka

The origins of kladdkaka are somewhat mysterious, with several theories surrounding its creation. The most popular theory suggests that it emerged in Sweden during the 1970s, possibly inspired by the French chocolate fondant or the American brownie, both of which share a similar gooey texture.


What makes kladdkaka unique is that it contains no baking powder, meaning it doesn’t rise like a traditional cake. This results in the dense, fudgy center that defines the dessert. It's this characteristic that has made kladdkaka such a beloved treat in Sweden.

 In recent decades, kladdkaka has become a staple of Swedish fika culture. Its simplicity and rich flavor make it a favorite for many, and it can be customized in various ways – with nuts, fruit, or even a touch of coffee in the batter.

 Kladdkaka may have a mysterious history, but its role in Swedish homes is undeniable.

Enjoy!


No comments: