The Åland pancake recipe likely came from thrifty island kitchens, where yesterday’s porridge turned into today’s dessert. And while modern sweets have flooded the Nordic world, Ålanders stayed loyal. There’s something comforting about this golden, gently puffed square that still shows up at birthdays, Sunday coffee tables, and ferry cafés.
🍽 How does it taste?
Soft, warm, just sweet enough — like rice pudding’s confident cousin. It’s not heavy or fancy, but it fills you up in the best way. I had mine in a tiny bistro in Kökar and a cosy café in Mariehamn, with coffee. Local approval rating? Very high.
🧭 Is this just an Åland thing?
Not quite — but almost. Similar oven pancakes (ugnspannkaka) exist in Sweden, and thick semolina bakes pop up in old Finnish cookbooks. In Finland and Sweden, people might still make something similar at home, especially for kids, but it’s mostly considered old-school. Åland, however, proudly keeps the tradition alive — and markets it to visitors with no shame. (Rightfully so.)
Fun fact: in Finnish, it’s called Ahvenanmaan pannukakku and yes, you can find it pre-packed in Finnish supermarkets — usually in the dessert section, near the rice puddings. Just pop it in the microwave, and voilà: a taste of the archipelago without leaving your kitchen.
Planning a trip to the Åland Islands — or just starting to dream about it? Check out my detailed travel guide →
👩🍳 Can I make it at home?
Absolutely! It’s beginner-friendly and uses cheap, honest ingredients. You don’t even need a mixer.
🥄 What you need:
- 600 g semolina porridge (cooled)
- 200 ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 75–100 g sugar
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 tsp cardamom
- ½ tsp salt
- Optional: a spoonful of flour for extra structure
- To serve: whipped cream + plum or apple jam (or both!)
🔥 What to do:
- Preheat oven to 175–200°C.
- Mix everything except the melted butter until smooth.
- Pour into a greased or lined baking dish.
- Drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake for 45–60 minutes, until golden and slightly risen.
Let it cool a little, then top with whipped cream and a generous blob of sviskonkräm — that’s plum jam in Åland-speak.
🩵 Final tip:
If you’re visiting Åland, don’t skip this pancake. It’s part of the island’s identity. For 6–7 euros a slice, it’s a sweet deal. And yes, you can even bring a ready-made pack home — they sell it on the ferry too.
