Swedish Pancakes [+Video]

Swedish Pancakes are a cross between a crepe and a pancake. They have a delicate texture and my gosh, they are delicious!

I honestly think that Swedish pancakes are superior to every other crepe-like recipe. I’ve said it, I’ve done it, I’ve angered the world. But truly, other than our buttermilk brown butter crepes (would you like the recipe?!) these are the best breakfast from around the world. In my humble opinion. Most Swedish pancake recipes call for only milk but their milk seems to be more full fat so adding sour cream achieved that extra flavor we lack in the states, but you can totally use all milk instead.

Culinary Heritage

I’ve been really intrigued by the idea of getting to know your heritage and ancestors lately. There are so many amazing stories that we are learning, like pulling handcarts across the United States and being trapped in horrendous snow storms with no food or even shoes, yet writing faith-filled journals about trust in God and His love. Amazing!

Recently I decided that if I was ever truly wanting to get to know someone I’d visit them where they live and eat what they eat and walk where they walk. So, I’ve decided I need a trip to Europe. 

It’s settled. I need to go. 

And in the meantime, I’m discovering recipes that my ancestors used, like these Swedish Pancakes!

What is a Swedish Pancake?

A Swedish pancake is a thin, crepe-like, pancake is that is lacy and tender and traditionally served with lingonberries or lingonberry jam. In fact, they are even sometimes called Swedish crepes. They can be rolled up for folded into quarters and eaten with whatever toppings you love.

What is the Difference Between Swedish Pancakes and Regular Pancakes?

Swedish pancakes are lighter and thinner than regular pancakes, or “American pancakes” we will call them. We are no strangers to the best pancakes on earth, and if you dig in and compare the two recipes, you will see that Swedish pancakes have more milk than flour and more eggs and butter. The batter for Swedish pancakes will be thin and pourable where the batter for American pancakes is quite thick and almost has be to spooned onto the pan or skillet to cook.

Are Swedish Pancakes the Same as Crepes?

Though similar, they are not the same thing. Swedish pancakes are lighter and fluffier and don’t hold us as

Bursting with the sweet, juicy flavors of pineapple and coconut, this Pina Colada Smoothie brings a bit of vacation sunshine, no matter the weather.

Pina Colada Smoothie

Years ago, when I first put this recipe on the blog, I had just made this piña colada smoothie and churned it into ice cream. I can still remember how my little boys jumped up and down with excitement.

They loved the sweetness of this refreshing ice cream treat during the heat of a Phoenix summer. I loved that it had no refined sugars.

I had been on a bit of a smoothie kick, back then. But, I’d never tried freezing a smoothie recipe before that. The result is a creamy texture that is more like soft-serve ice cream.

The twist of lime in this Pina Colada Smoothie gives it a unique taste that is more complex than the simple combination of coconut and pineapple. And, the tiny pinch of sea salt likewise enhances all of the flavors.

Be aware that different manufacturers produce their coconut milks at varying levels of creaminess and thickness. My favorite is the canned coconut milk from Thai kitchen.

I typically use store-bought frozen pineapple chunks for smoothies, but you can also freeze fresh pineapple chunks with the banana. Also, the honey could be swapped out for another natural sweet

Buttery, nutty cookies are topped with the sweet jam of your choice in these simple, gluten free Pecan Thumbprint Cookies.

Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

I’ve been making thumbprint cookies for as long as I’ve been baking. From the classic peanut butter cookies with Hershey’s kisses, to every kind of jam and jelly-filled goodie you can think of. They inevitably remind me of Christmas.

These pecan thumbprint cookies are rolled in crushed nuts before baking, adding an irresistible nutty crunch to these cookies. This recipe is very gently adapted from these vegan cookies on my friend Gina’s blog.

This recipe has become a tradition for us over the past couple of years, as it gets absolute RAVE reviews from my friends who avoid both gluten and dairy. It was past time to save the recipe here for future baking, but all credit goes to Gina for the original awesomeness.

It’s always fun to make thumbprint cookies with kids, as we all get to use our favorite jams. My nieces opted for strawberry or raspberry jam this time. While apricot jam is almost always my preference. We all win.

Gluten Free Thumbprint Cookies

Yes, you’re reading this correctly. There is no flour in this recipe. These cookies are gluten-free and positively delicious, made with almond and coconut flours.

If you’re looking for a few more naturally gluten-free dessert options, I’ve got your dessert needs covered for any occasion. From sweet snacking and cookie munching to an elegant (and EASY TO MAKE) dessert, it’s all right here.

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Authentic Finnish Pancakes Recipe [+Video]

Authentic Finnish pancakes are a popular traditional dish eaten during Midsummer’s Eve or Christmas. Learn how to make traditional Finnish pancakes with this recipe.

Bon Appétit describes Finnish pancakes as somewhere between “crepes, pancakes and heaven” and I couldn’t agree more. These are light and tender and ready to top with your favorite pancake toppings.

If you have been joining us on our tour of pancakes around the world, then welcome to Finland! I have never been there, but it is definitely on my list of places to visit! Now don’t get confused, there are two types of pancakes that are popular in Finland, a baked oven pancake (pannukakku) and a pan fried pancake (lettu or lätty). This version is the pan fried, crepe-like pancake, and they are fabulous!

My Tie to Finland

We lived by the most amazing mother-daughter-duo for quite a few years in Lehi, Utah, Alison and her mother, Marty. Marty is a spunky explosion of happiness in my life and the lives of my family members. She and her daughter welcomed us into their lives in a way that can be nothing other than a spiritual gift from heaven. We felt like family and will always love them like family. 

These two women have witnessed more heartache than most, especially with the loss of loved ones and I am living my life differently because of how deeply they love, mourn and continue on faithful regardless of their trials. They live sweet, happy lives. They cherish the people around them and are always spinning new paths on metaphorical spider webs of family. I love them. And I love that they love where they come from, Finland. 

Not just Finland, but the people and stories around their lives matter. So, I have no reason to have made Finnish Pancakes other than to think of them and try to be more like them because no one does family like they do. 

What Do I Need to Make Finnish Pancakes?

The ingredients for Finnish pancakes are items that you’ll probably have in your pantry or fridge so they are a great option to make spur of the moment (same story for our more traditional buttermilk pancakes if you want to go with an old reliable pancake)! If you want to try something new, the kids will be over the moon for these Finnish pancakes! Here is what you will need:

• Eggs: You want the eggs well beaten so I usually just use a blender for mixing all the ingredients.
• Milk: For the best flavor and texture, use whole milk.
• Flour: just regular all purpose flour works great
• Vanilla: adds flavor
• Salt: enhances all the flavors
• Sugar: You can totally control the sweetness here. Add as little as 3 tablespoons for mild sweetness up to 6 tablespoons for maximum sweetness.

Fluffy Oladi Ukrainian Pancakes +Video

Fluffy Ukrainian pancakes, or oladi, are crispy around the edges and soft and delicious in the middle. Here’s a surprise for you, these pancakes are made with yeast! But don’t worry, they are as easy as a quick bread! In fact, they are my new favorite breakfast recipe!

Our buttermilk pancake recipe is one of the most popular on the blog, and they are to die for, but these Ukrainian pancakes have stolen my heart and tastebuds!

These yeasted pancakes are cooked in a pan with a little more oil than traditional American pancakes so they get almost fried crispy edges. Mmmm and that hint of sourdough, gosh it’s good! They are almost fritter-like on the outside but takes like pancakes in the middle. Seriously, where have these Ukrainian pancakes been my whole life?? I need to explore more Ukrainian food!

What is Oladi?

Oladi is a type of pancake that originates in Ukraine and Russia. They are traditionally made with kefir, a fermented milk made from kefir grains common in the area. For this recipe, we will use buttermilk, but feel free to use kefir if you want to! They are pan fried in a little oil and usually served with sour cream and a fruit jam.

Oladi is not to be confused the Russian pancakes called blini. Those are usually served with savory toppings like caviar and salmon. Oladi can be served with savory toppings but are usually served as a sweet breakfast.

How to Make Oladi Ukrainian PancakesVideo

What Do I Need to Make Ukrainian Pancakes?

I know, you hear “Ukrainian pancakes” and you think it’s going to call for ingredients that are out of the norm. Well, I have the best news ever! This pancake recipe is made with pantry staples! So you can probably head to the kitchen right now and start whipping up a batch of oladi. Here is everything you need:

• Water: the warm water helps activate the yeast
• Buttermilk: adds flavor and rise to the pancakes
• Egg: should be at room temperature and helps binds all the ingredients together
• Extra-light Olive Oil: adds a little fat to the pancake batter, and then we will