Swedish saffron cake, also known as "Lussekatt" or "St. Lucia buns," is a traditional holiday dessert that is popular in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries. This rich and flavorful cake is made with saffron, a spice that not only gives it a beautiful golden color but also adds a unique and delicious taste. In this article, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious Swedish saffron cake that will be the perfect addition to your holiday table.
Swedish saffron buns, also known as lussekatter, are a traditional holiday treat in Sweden. These buns are typically made with a sweet dough infused with saffron, giving them a beautiful golden color and a unique flavor. They are often shaped into an "S" or a figure 8, representing the shape of a traditional Swedish candle. Saffron, which is one of the world's most expensive spices, is said to have been brought to Sweden by the Vikings. It's no wonder that these buns are such a beloved and treasured part of Swedish culture.
Another popular saffron-infused treat in Sweden is saffron cake. This moist and flavorful cake is often served during the holiday season and is a staple at many Swedish celebrations. Saffron is the star ingredient, giving the cake its vibrant color and distinct taste. The cake is typically topped with powdered sugar, making it a beautiful and delicious addition to any dessert table.
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Swedish Saffron Buns (Lussekatter)
Main Ingredients: Saffron, Cognac, Sugar, Fresh Yeast, Milk, Unsalted
In Sweden, saffron buns are also known as lussekatter, which translates to "Lucia cats." These buns are traditionally served on December 13th, which is St. Lucia Day in Sweden. On this day, the eldest daughter in the family dresses up in a white dress with a red sash and a crown of candles on her head, and serves the saffron buns to her family. This tradition has been passed down for centuries and is still celebrated in many Swedish households today.
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Swedish Saffron Batter Bread - Saffronsbrod
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Warm Water, Butter, Granulated Sugar
In Sweden, saffron is not just reserved for sweet treats. Saffronsbrod, or saffron batter bread, is a savory bread made with saffron and often served with soup or stew. The saffron adds a unique flavor and a beautiful color to the bread, making it a delicious and eye-catching addition to any meal.
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Swedish Spelt St Lucia/Saffron Buns
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Orange Juice, Fresh Yeast, Coconut, Saffron
For those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional saffron buns, Swedish spelt St. Lucia buns are a great option. These buns are made with spelt flour, which is a whole grain flour and a healthier alternative to white flour. The saffron adds a delicious flavor to the buns, and the spelt flour adds a nutty and slightly sweet taste.
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Gluten Free Swedish St.Lucia Saffron Buns
Main Ingredients: Rum, Sugar, Saffron, Raw Cane Sugar, Salt, Sorghum
For those with gluten allergies, there are still options to enjoy the delicious flavors of saffron buns. Gluten-free Swedish St. Lucia saffron buns are made with gluten-free flour, but still have the same delicious taste and beautiful golden color. These buns are perfect for those who still want to partake in the traditional St. Lucia Day celebrations.
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Swedish Saffron Braided Bread with Vanilla Cream
Main Ingredients: Saffron, Milk, Fresh Yeast, Large Egg, Salt, Granulated
This saffron braided bread with vanilla cream is a decadent and delicious treat that is perfect for special occasions. The saffron-infused bread is braided and then filled with a rich and creamy vanilla filling, making it a show-stopping dessert. The combination of the saffron and vanilla flavors is truly heavenly.
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Lussekatter (Swedish Saffron Buns)
Main Ingredients: Saffron Threads, Milk, Raisins, Yeast, Sugar, Unsalted
Lussekatter, or Swedish saffron buns, are a staple at many Swedish celebrations, including Christmas and St. Lucia Day. These buns are often served with coffee or tea and are a beloved and delicious part of Swedish culture. They are soft, sweet, and have a beautiful golden color thanks to the saffron.
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Luciakatte (Swedish Saffron Buns)
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Milk, Salt, Dried Yeast, Sugar, Plain
Luciakatte, also known as Swedish Lucia buns, are a variation of traditional saffron buns. These buns are typically made with a sweet dough and filled with raisins, creating a delicious and flavorful treat. They are often served during the holiday season and are a favorite among Swedes of all ages.
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SWEDISH CINNAMON BUN LUSSEKATTER
Main Ingredients: Saffron, Hot Water, Fresh Yeast, Milk, Granulated
For those who can't get enough of cinnamon buns, try this delicious twist on the traditional Swedish saffron buns. These buns are made with a sweet dough infused with saffron and filled with a cinnamon sugar mixture. They are then topped with a cream cheese glaze, making them a truly irresistible treat.
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Lussekatter – Swedish Lucia Buns
Main Ingredients: Butter, Saffron, Dry Active Yeast, Milk, Heavy Whipping
Lussekatter, or Swedish Lucia buns, are a traditional holiday treat in Sweden. These saffron-infused buns are often served during St. Lucia Day celebrations and are a beloved part of Swedish culture. They are soft, sweet, and have a beautiful golden color that is sure to brighten up any table.
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Gluten Free Swedish Saffranskaka (Saffron Cake)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Saffron, Egg, Sugar, Milk, Psyllium Husk
For those with gluten allergies or sensitivities, this gluten-free Swedish saffranskaka, or saffron cake, is a delicious and safe option. The cake is made with gluten-free flour and is infused with saffron, giving it a beautiful golden color and a unique flavor. It's the perfect dessert for any occasion.
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Swedish Lussekatter (St Lucia Saffron Buns)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Saffron, Milk, Whipping Cream, Fresh Yeast
Swedish lussekatter, or St. Lucia saffron buns, are a staple at many Swedish celebrations. These buns are often served with coffee or tea and are a beloved and delicious part of Swedish culture. They are soft, sweet, and have a beautiful golden color thanks to the saffron.
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Swedish Saffranskrans is a Magical Holiday Bread
Main Ingredients: Orange Marmalade, Unsalted Butter, Cardamom, Orange
This saffranskrans, or saffron wreath, is a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday table. The bread is shaped into a wreath and infused with saffron, giving it a beautiful golden color and a unique flavor. It's perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.
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St. Lucia Buns (Lussekatter)... A Swedish Treat for...
Main Ingredients: Fast Action Yeast, Milk, Saffron Threads, Butter, White
St. Lucia buns, also known as lussekatter, are a traditional Swedish treat that is often served during the holiday season. These saffron-infused buns are soft, sweet, and have a beautiful golden color that is sure to brighten up any table. They are a beloved part of Swedish culture and are enjoyed by people of all ages.
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Swedish Apple Cake
Main Ingredients: Apples, Sugar, Flour, Baking Powder, Butter, Eggs, Lemon
This Swedish apple cake is a delicious and simple dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The cake is made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and a touch of cardamom, giving it a warm and comforting flavor. It's the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
Swedish meatballs are a classic and beloved dish in Sweden. These flavorful meatballs are often served with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes, and are a staple at many Swedish celebrations. They are easy to make and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
If you're looking for the best Swedish meatballs recipe, look no further. These meatballs are made with a combination of beef and pork, giving them a delicious and hearty flavor. They are then simmered in a creamy and flavorful sauce, making them the ultimate comfort food.
The sauce is a crucial part of any Swedish meatball dish. This recipe for Swedish meatball sauce is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It's the perfect accompaniment to the tender and juicy meatballs, and is sure to become a family favorite.
Swedish pancakes, also known as plättar, are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. These thin and delicate pancakes are often served with lingonberry jam and whipped cream, making them a sweet and satisfying treat. They are a staple in many Swedish households and are loved by people of all ages.
Ingredients
For the dough:
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
1/2 cup of warm milk
1/4 cup of melted butter
1 egg
1/4 cup of saffron water (see instructions below)
For the filling:
1/4 cup of saffron water
1/4 cup of softened butter
1/4 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of chopped almonds
1/4 cup of raisins
For the saffron water:
1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads
1/4 cup of warm water
Instructions
1. Prepare the dough
To make the dough, mix the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Once the yeast is activated, add it to the dry ingredients along with the melted butter, egg, and saffron water. Mix everything together until a smooth dough forms. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for about an hour.
2. Make the saffron water
To make the saffron water, place the saffron threads in a small bowl and pour warm water over them. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the water turns a deep yellow color.
3. Prepare the filling
In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, sugar, chopped almonds, and raisins. Add in the saffron water and mix until well combined.
4. Shape the cake
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and knead it for a few minutes. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle and spread the filling evenly over it. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long side. Cut the rolled dough into equal-sized pieces and place them on a lined baking sheet.
5. Bake the cake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Let the dough rise for an additional 20-30 minutes before baking. Once the dough has risen again, brush the top with an egg wash and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Serve and enjoy!
Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving. This Swedish saffron cake is best enjoyed warm and can be served with a cup of coffee or tea.
Saffron is a spice that is not only used for its vibrant color but also for its distinct and delicious flavor. In this traditional Swedish saffron cake recipe, the saffron adds a unique touch that will make your holiday dessert stand out. So next time you're looking for a festive and flavorful treat, give this Swedish saffron cake a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Swedish saffron cake is a must-try dessert for the holiday season. With its rich flavor and beautiful golden color, it will be the star of your holiday table. Follow these simple instructions and impress your family and friends with this traditional and delicious Swedish saffron cake.
