A Gotland Tradition Worth Tasting
If you're visiting Gotland, one dessert you shouldn't miss is saffranspannkaka — a golden saffron-infused rice pudding cake, traditionally served with whipped cream and a dollop of dewberry jam (salmbärssylt). It’s creamy, subtly sweet, and has just enough saffron to feel indulgent but not overpowering. This dessert is unique to the island and has deep cultural roots.
While you’ll find cinnamon buns and chocolate balls all over Sweden, saffron pancake is something distinctly Gotlandic. It was historically reserved for festive occasions, and today it’s considered a regional specialty that both locals and visitors enjoy — especially in the summer months.
What Is It Made Of?
Saffranspannkaka is typically baked with rice, cream, sugar, eggs, chopped almonds, and saffron. The texture is soft and custard-like — somewhere between a rice pudding and a flan. Once baked, it’s cooled, sliced, and served cold (or room temperature) with:
- Whipped cream
- Salmbärssylt: Jam made from dewberries, a wild berry found on Gotland
If dewberry isn’t available, you may get it with raspberry or blueberry jam — still delicious, but slightly less authentic.
Where to Try Saffron Pancake on Gotland
Many cafés, especially in Visby and popular countryside villages, serve saffron pancake during the summer. Here are a few local favorites:
- Bakfickan (Visby): A well-known spot for local food and fish, but they also serve excellent saffron pancake for dessert.
- Fiket i Roma: A cozy inland café with homemade saffron pancake and other baked treats — very popular with locals.
- Kneippbyn Resort: Offers saffron pancake as part of its buffet or à la carte dessert menu, especially during high season.
Some cafés don’t list saffron pancake on the menu, but still serve it — especially in summer. Just ask for saffranspannkaka and you may get lucky!
Best Time to Try It
The dessert is most widely available from May to September when cafes and restaurants across Gotland are in full swing for tourist season. Some bakeries offer it year-round, but it’s considered a warm-weather favorite — perfect after a beach day or walk through medieval Visby.
Final Thoughts: A Dessert That Tells a Story
Saffron pancake isn’t just a dessert — it’s a piece of Gotland’s food heritage. It reflects the island’s history of trade (saffron was once a rare luxury) and its connection to the land (with dewberries picked locally). If you're exploring Gotland’s flavors, this is a dish that’s simple, elegant, and unforgettable.
Whether you're a food lover or simply curious about local traditions, don't miss the chance to try saffron pancake on your visit to Gotland. It's a sweet memory in the making.
