Norwegian Sweet Lefse
Tjukklefse
A soft, slightly sweet Norwegian flatbread, often made with sour cream and leavened with ammonium bicarbonate. Traditionally served with butter, sugar, and cinnamon, or as a base for other sweet fillings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 100 g Sugar
- 100 g Butter(softened)
- 200 g Sour cream
- 1 tsp Ammonium bicarbonate(or baking powder if unavailable)
- 1 large Egg
- 2 tbsp Syrup(optional, for sweetness)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, and syrup (if using) until well combined. Beat in the sour cream until incorporated.
- 2
In a separate small bowl, mix the ammonium bicarbonate (or baking powder) with about 200g of the flour. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spoon until a sticky dough forms.
- 3
Add more flour, a little at a time, while kneading on a lightly floured surface until the dough comes together. It should still be slightly sticky. Knead for about 1 minute.
- 4
Cover the dough and let it rest at room temperature for 4-5 hours. This resting period is crucial for the texture.
- 5
Divide the rested dough into 14 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
- 6
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a thin circle, about 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in diameter. Use a rolling pin and as little extra flour as possible.
- 7
Heat a dry griddle or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Cook each lefse for about 6-7 minutes, flipping once, until lightly browned on both sides. The cooking time may vary depending on your heat source.
- 8
Stack the cooked lefse on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft. Serve warm or at room temperature.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If ammonium bicarbonate is unavailable, baking powder can be used, but the texture might be slightly different.
- ✓The key to good lefse is a well-rested dough and a hot, dry griddle.
- ✓For the filling, cream together softened butter with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Spread this on the lefse, roll it up, and slice.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes include a small amount of potato flour for added tenderness.
- For a savory version, omit the sugar and serve with cheese or butter.
- Serve with cloudberry jam or other fruit preserves.