National Dish Norway: Krydderkake (Recipe)
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Meet Krydderkake, the warmly spiced cake that Norwegians reach for the moment the days start drawing in. Cinnamon, cloves and ginger weave together into something cosy and unmistakably Nordic, filling the kitchen with an aroma that feels like winter itself. It appears on festive tables and at quiet afternoon coffee breaks alike, and it is every bit as welcoming as the country it comes from.
About Krydderkake
Krydderkake is a traditional Norwegian spice cake that comes into its own during the colder months of the year. The cake brings together the flavours of cinnamon, cloves and ginger, which melt into one another to create a warm, inviting taste. It is often served at festive occasions or at relaxed gatherings with friends, which makes it a highlight of any spread. Let Norwegian baking inspire you and discover the essence of this heavenly dessert.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g plain flour
- 100 g sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml milk
- 50 ml oil
- A pinch of salt
Shopping for the ingredients
To make krydderkake you will want fresh, good-quality ingredients. Flour and sugar are easy to find in any well-stocked bakery or supermarket. Take care to buy the spices — cinnamon, cloves and ginger — as fresh as possible, since that is where the flavour of this cake lives. Do not forget fresh eggs and milk on your shopping list either, as both contribute a great deal to the texture and taste of the finished cake.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin baking, gather and measure out everything you need. Make sure you have enough room on your work surface so you can work through the steps efficiently. Kitchen scales and a measuring jug are well worth having to hand, as accurate quantities matter in baking. Think ahead about which cake tin you will use and whether you want to grease it or line it with baking parchment.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C and grease a cake tin.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and oil.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones and mix well until you have a smooth, even batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 30–40 minutes.
- Leave the cake to cool after baking, then decorate as you like.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Krydderkake adapts easily to gluten-free and lactose-free diets. Simply swap the wheat flour for a gluten-free flour blend. For the lactose-free version, use lactose-free milk or a plant-based milk alternative. It is also worth checking that the other ingredients, such as the baking powder, contain no hidden gluten.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
If you would like a vegan krydderkake, replace the eggs with apple sauce or mashed banana, both of which also keep the cake pleasantly moist. Plant-based milks such as soya or almond work just as well as dairy. Check the spices and baking powder for animal-derived ingredients while you are at it, and use any vegetable oil you like for the batter — much the same approach works for Vafler if you fancy something from the waffle iron instead.
More tips and tricks
A few small tips will take your krydderkake further still. Bring the ingredients to room temperature before you start, as this gives a better crumb. Do not overmix the batter, so the cake stays light and airy. For an extra touch you can fold in nuts or dried fruit, and a hint of chocolate gives krydderkake a rather exciting twist.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to flavour. You can dial the spices up or down depending on whether you like a bolder or a gentler result. Experiment with extra aromatics such as vanilla or lemon zest to bring a fresh note to the cake. The sweetness is equally easy to fine-tune by adjusting the amount of sugar to suit your palate.
Ingredient substitutions
It is often possible to swap ingredients without spoiling the character of the cake. The sugar, for example, can be replaced with honey or agave syrup for a rounder, deeper sweetness. Instead of oil you might use butter, which gives the cake a particularly rich texture — the same generous approach that makes Kanelboller so irresistible. Be creative and find the ingredients that best suit your taste and dietary needs.
Drink pairing ideas
Plenty of drinks complement a good krydderkake. A classic black coffee or a strong tea makes an excellent companion. For a festive touch, spiced teas or a mug of hot mulled wine such as Glogg work beautifully. A glass of milk, dairy or plant-based, rounds off the experience just as nicely.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can lift krydderkake considerably. Serve the cake on an attractive plate and finish it with icing sugar or a glaze of your choice. Fresh fruit or edible flowers make a lovely decoration if you want something more striking. A thoughtful presentation not only whets the appetite but also makes a fine centrepiece on the table, much like a towering Kransekake.
A bit of history
Krydderkake has a long tradition in Norwegian baking and belongs to that family of recipes passed down from one generation to the next. The cake reflects not only the culinary variety of Norway but also the cultural influences that have shaped the country over the centuries. The sheer range of spices folded into the batter recalls a time when spices were precious trading goods. In that sense krydderkake tells stories of trade and culture, and it sits proudly within Norwegian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Krydderkake
Krydderkake is a delicious, richly spiced cake that gathers the flavours of Scandinavia into a single slice. Whether for a special occasion or simply as a pick-me-up on a chilly day, it is a genuine treat. Thanks to its many possible variations and its beautifully balanced spicing, it suits traditional bakers and adventurous ones equally well. Let this Norwegian classic win you over and enjoy the unforgettable aromas of krydderkake.
