Swedish Fika
The best accompanying sweets for having a fika
What is fika?
Fika is much more than having a coffee. It is a social phenomenon, a legitimate reason to set aside a moment for quality time. Fika can happen at any time, morning as well as evening. It can be savoured at home, at work or in a café. It can be with colleagues, family, friends, or someone you are trying to get to know. It is a tradition observed frequently, preferably several times a day.
When did this ritual first surface?
The word itself is believed to be a reversal of the syllables in the word kaffi, the old spelling of coffee. Originally, it was the coffee itself, which was introduced in Sweden in the 18th century, that was considered the actual fika. Over the years, however, the accompanying baked treats – often called fikabröd (fika bread) – became just as important, along with the social aspect of the custom. The arrival of patisseries in Sweden in the 19th century cemented the tradition as a coffee-and-cake-custom enjoyed with friends.
Swedish fika classics
Sweden’s national cake – if there were such a thing officially – is the princess cake (prinsesstårta). This globe-shaped layer cake is a well-balanced affair, consisting of a light-as-air sponge cake base topped with vanilla pastry cream and lashings of fluffy whipped cream. This mound of gorgeousness is enrobed in green marzipan, often with a pink marzipan rose as the crowning glory. Most modern incarnations include a thin layer of raspberry jam, though the original Swedish princess cake recipe from 1948, found in Prinsessornas Nya Kokbok (The Princesses’ New Cookbook), does not. Summertime, the princess cake gets tough competition from the equally delicious strawberry cake (jordgubbstårta). This symbol of Swedish summer is often made at home, layering sponge cake, vanilla cream and strawberry jam (or mashed fresh strawberries and a pinch of sugar) and then covering the whole thing with whipped cream. On top, a generous cluster of fresh strawberries.
One for the chocaholic, the kladdkaka is another Swedish classic. Kladdkaka, which translates to “sticky cake,” is in a gooey class of its own (it beats a brownie any day). The richness of the chocolate is perfectly balanced with whipped cream and/or a handful of fresh berries. Last but not least, the cinnamon bun (kanelbulle) has a definite place in the fika hall of fame. Fragrant and sweet, it’s satisfyingly filling due to its soft, bready nature. You won’t have to look hard for it in Sweden – this national classic is served up in most cafés and bakeries. Just follow that heavenly smell, a tell-tale sign that a fresh tray of cinnamon rolls is about to join you and your friends for fika.
Learn more on Sweden.se and on Visitsweden.com